Rancor

Rancors are enormous flesh-eating beasts native to the world of Dathomir. Due to their fierce nature and similarly fearsome reputation, they have been transported all around the galaxy - to act as targets for big-game hunters, to fight in gladiatorial combat with other creatures, to act as mounts for warriors, or as was the case of Jabba's rancor, to serve as both a status symbol and a gruesome way to be rid of unwanted guests.

Rancors are not especially fast, although they are faster than they look and their arms give them great reach. They move on two legs when attempting to snag prey, although they are comfortable with an ape-like knuckle-walking posture when moving on all fours. Their hide is extremely thick and durable, and provides excellent protection against small weapons like blaster pistols. While seemingly adapted to snatching medium-sized prey items, the natural dietary range of rancors in the wild is somewhat uncertain.

Rancors are loosely categorized as 'reptomammals,' or creatures with scaly skin and a high metabolism. While female rancors are attentive and protective mothers, they do not produce milk for their offspring, despite the 'reptomammal' classification. Mother rancors closely guard their young, but adult rancors are otherwise solitary and only convene for breeding purposes. Presumably such large carnivores need wide home ranges in order to capture enough prey.

Despite their size, appearance, and predatory nature (and indeed despite their very name, which means 'bitterness' or 'ill will'), rancors are actually quite intelligent - and surprisingly docile so long as they are well-fed. Rancors properly treated in this way are loyal and even playful companions. Jabba's rancor behaved in this way when tended to by its keeper, prior to being locked in Jabba's dungeon. Only when deliberately half-starved by the Hutt did this rancor revert to its instinctive 'hunger' response, thus becoming a dangerous monster to those dropped into its pit.

Record 246 - creature - Last update 16 Nov 2007, 07:43:36

Entry written by: Torvus

Update this entry - Your update will be submitted for moderation.