Artiodac

Last Updated: 12/1/2023

Name: Artiodac

Humanoid: Yes

Classification: Alternative

Homeworld: Artiod Minor

Coloration: Brown, Orange, Tan, or Purple

Biology: The Artiodacs were a troll or ogre-like species residing on the swamp world of Artiod Minor. According to many other species, their appearance was considered intimidating or even disgusting. They were hulking creatures often standing around 2 meters in height. They had wide bodies and thick appendages, and their skin was usually brown or tan, often with a mottled appearance. To deal with the cold temperatures of their homeworld, their skin of “hide” was very thick, and they may have had layers of a blubber-like substance underneath. Their hands were large and displayed 4-fingered hands with long, sharp fingernails. 

Their necks weren’t incredibly visible, and their heads were often abnormally large. Their mouths were wide, and their teeth were large and scraggly. They had flat noses with large nostril openings, small ears that sat so far on the back of their heads that they were barely visible from the front, and beady eyes that were often surrounded by massive brows. They usually appeared bald, but some were covered in a thin layer of hairs that usually grew in patches. 

Their faces were generally, naturally set in a way that made them appear angry, regardless of their mood. They also usually had punched postures and were often asymmetrical, traits that would only grow more pronounced with age. Artiodacs had a lifespan similar to Dowutins, often living for 400 or 500 years, if not longer. It seems that they rarely reproduced, and we have yet to see a female instance of an Artiodac, nor a child. They had the capacity to speak Galactic Basic, but their voices were distinctly low and gravely.

Lore: The Artiodacs were peaceful by nature, and while they lacked intelligence, they made up for it with compassion. They enjoyed a carefree existence on the cold, swampy planet of Artiod Minor, tending to their aqua-farms and raising “Prengalli,” the driving export that funded their economy. Before they were called upon by a certain slaving empire, it was very rare for the Artiodacs to travel offworld, although at least a few of them ended up on the colony world of Sedri Minor by the time of the High Republic. As mentioned above, the Zygerrians eventually discovered Artiod Minor and realized that the Artiodacs were both strong and rather submissive.

The Zygerrian Slaving Empire quickly rounded up nearly all of the Artiodacs and transferred them to Zygerria where they were auctioned off. Because of this, the Artiodacs were spread out across the galaxy, often relocated to wealthy planets where they were used and abused as slaves. They were often mocked for their “grotesque” appearance, and many individuals were afraid to even approach them as they were intimidated by their size and voices. Many were used for hard labor, and others as cooks, but one of the main reasons they were purchased was for the gladiatorial arena. Due to their strength, they made fantastic combatants, but because they were pacifistic, they were forced to endure twisted torture, mistreatment, and malnourishment before they were broken enough to fight as gladiators.

This enslavement went on for presumably millennia, as the Artiodacs had abnormally long lifespans, and as of the Cold War/Sequel Era, it was still an ongoing plight. Their numbers had long since dwindled, and it is unclear if any Artiodacs still lived on Artiod Minor, or if the last of their kind were living out their lives enslaved and alone. Still, while many Artiodacs have given up all hope after hundreds of years of servitude, others still clung to their beliefs and good will, trusting that if they worked hard, some day they would be allowed to return to their old ways.

Legends/Canon: The Artiodacs exist only within Star Wars Canon.

Unexplored: In a broad sense, there isn’t a lot of room for exploration at the moment, as they have been broken up and a bit preoccupied for most of the time covered in current Star Wars media. It is possible to go back and explore details regarding their society and culture of Artiod Minor before the Zygerrians arrived. You could also explore a possible reunification, or even complete extinction, following the Sequel Era. Of course, you could also explore an individual Artiodacs perspective and philosophies regarding their current situation. Even if they have a rather simple mindset, that could still turn out to be incredibly fascinating, or even heartbreaking…

Additional Notes: I like how this species was tied back to the Zygerrians, who hadn’t been mentioned for a while by the time this species was introduced. It really is a tragic tale lacking a happy outcome, but I am glad they have appeared in a fair amount of media outside of The Force Awakens like The High Republic, the Galaxy’s Edge media, and Star Wars: Uprising.

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