The Basiliskans were an intelligent reptilian species native to the planet Basilisk, who later, after millennia of enslavement to the Mandalorians, degenerated into beasts known as the Lagartoz War Dragons.
The Basiliskans were an intelligent, technologically advanced lizard species native to the planet Basilisk in the Core Worlds region of the galaxy. They were the creators of the Basilisk war droids, that were rumored to be modeled after themselves. During their conflict with the Mandalorians in 4017 BBY, the Basiliskans chemically poisoned their own planet to deny it to their conquerors.
Lagartoz War Dragons and Mandalorian troops during a campaign in the New Sith Wars against one of the Dark Underlord's Sith Generals.
After the war, the Mandalorians enslaved the Basiliskans and imported them to Mandalore just prior to the Mandalorians' against the Mandallian Giants. Over the millennia, these Basiliskans degenerated, losing their intellectual and technological prowess, becoming little more than beasts and coming to be known as Lagartoz War Dragons. With their tough hides, large claws, comparative intelligence, and ease of training, the Lagartoz War Dragons proved devastating in both aerial and ground fighting during later wars, such as during the battle with the forces of the Dark Underlord during the New Sith Wars. They also became popular among Mandalorians as pets.
During the first days of the Galactic Empire, a pair of Lagartoz War Dragons swiftly flew between skyhoppers in the skies of Nar Shaddaa when Obi-Wan Kenobi spoke with the Jedi-turned- Vima-Da-Boda.
The idea for the Lagartoz War Dragon arose from uncaptioned splash art of a Mandalorian riding a dragon mount, drawn by Paul Daly for West End Games' Star Wars Gamemaster Handbook.
- Star Wars Gamemaster Handbook
- "The History of the Mandalorians" — Star Wars Insider 80
- Knights of the Old Republic Campaign Guide
- The Complete Star Wars Encyclopedia
- Galaxy at War
- The Essential Guide to Warfare