Anzat (species)

In terms of physical appearance, the Anzati closely resembled Humans, distinguished by their bulbous noses, dilated nostrils, and skin tones that tended toward grayish hues. Their stature varied between 1.5 and 1.7 meters. Opportunities for scientific and xenobiological study of the Anzati were scarce. However, fragmented medical reports pertaining to the species suggested a lack of natural biorhythm, evidenced by the absence of a pulse and body heat, leaving the mechanisms of their circulatory system shrouded in mystery.

Even the youngest Anzati were of considerable age, while the oldest could trace their lifespans back through eons. They traversed the galaxy during a time when the Galactic Republic existed only as a nascent concept within the Core Worlds. Sustained by the life essence they extracted from others, Anzati could endure for centuries. An Anzat deprived of sustenance for a few days would simply experience hunger; a lack of regular feeding did not accelerate the aging process any more than it would in a Human.

The Anzati were compelled to be stronger than their prey, given their preference for hunting those with potent life forces. They possessed remarkable speed, agility, and reflexes that far surpassed human capabilities, along with physical strength that ranged from matching a peak human athlete to being merely comparable to an average human. However, physical prowess was but one facet of their predatory nature. Highly developed sensory organs, unique among sentient species, enabled them to detect the presence of strong life essences. Furthermore, their physical adaptations facilitated the draining of this essence from living beings, creating a holistic interconnection.

As natural predators, the Anzati favored hunting sentient races of all varieties. To facilitate this, they possessed two elongated, prehensile proboscises resembling tentacles. These appendages remained coiled within cheek pockets until needed to feed on unsuspecting victims. When retracted, the proboscises rendered them virtually indistinguishable from Humans. Their method of feeding was notably gruesome.

Employing a natural ability akin to hypnosis, which Jedi likened to Force manipulation, they ensnared their victims in a manner reminiscent of a Jedi mind trick. Through this telepathic influence, which intensified with proximity, age, and practice, the Anzat lured their targets into a state of mesmerized compliance.

Once a victim was under their control, the Anzati would extend their slender proboscises from their cheek pouches, typically inserting them into the nostrils and cranium to extract the brain. However, their true target was the soup, drawn from wherever it resided within the victim, varying by species but often found within the brain cavity of humanoids. The proboscises would instinctively seek out the victim's "soup" and begin draining it into the Anzat. While the victim might struggle, the swiftness and precision of the attack often left them helpless. This process required time and could not be rushed, earning them the nickname "snot vampires." They were also known to hold the victim's head in place during feeding.

This meal was referred to as "soup," "luck," or the "Sea of Memory." The actual substance extracted—the gelatinous medium for the life essence—was the "soup." In Anzati tradition, this term represented the life essence or spiritual power of the victim. The Anzati believed that this essence governed a being's personal presence, making those with a stronger presence more desirable meals. They were even rumored to keep victims alive for multiple feedings, relishing their fear and terror.

While life essence and luck were manifestations of the Force, the luck consumed by Anzati was only tangentially related. Force-sensitive beings were appealing due to their strong personal presence resulting from their connection to the universe's life energy. Experienced Jedi, possessing both a strong life essence and a deep connection to the Force, were rare and formidable targets.

The Anzati considered such discussions academic, viewing "the Force" as a concept developed by younger species and no more valid than previous theories. They recognized only that weak-willed beings were unsatisfying. Sustaining themselves on average sentients required feeding on a dozen beings daily, leaving a trail of corpses. In the absence of sentient beings or a scarcity of "soup," an Anzat could starve to death. However, the abundance of sentient life in the galaxy ensured their survival, despite myths suggesting otherwise; victims of Anzati did not transform into Anzati themselves.

The pursuit of "soup" appeared to be the defining aspect of Anzati existence, bordering on addiction. Once initiated, the hunt consumed their thoughts, driven by a hunger that intensified with age. They reportedly viewed other species as livestock, although some attempted to delay feeding. Anzati were creatures of singular purpose, spending their long lives seeking sustenance and depriving others of theirs.

As their hunger grew with age and their lifespans extended, they became increasingly isolated. Older Anzati became unstable and obsessive, often to the point of insanity, losing focus on their surroundings and making fatal mistakes.

Some Anzati believed that consuming live vessels granted them eternal youth and energy, a notion rooted in the Silent Voices, luminous gases in the Anzat atmosphere. Ancient Anzati believed these were the life essences of their ancestors. While scientifically implausible, this belief underscored the importance of "soup" in Anzati culture, morals, and beliefs.

Anzati reproduced infrequently and lived for centuries. Parents typically refrained from naming their children, allowing them to choose names that facilitated blending in with their prey. Youthful Anzati reached puberty around one hundred standard years of age, after which they left Anzat to hunt for "soup" and perpetuate their existence.

Despite their predatory nature, Anzati were not inherently heartless. Their long lifespans allowed them to develop diverse interests, with many becoming patrons of the arts and some even creating their own works—books, music, paintings, sculpture, films, and [holos](/article/hologram-legends]. However, few excelled in any single medium, as achieving mastery was deemed pointless when other practitioners had died out centuries ago.

A common misconception portrayed Anzati as highly developed scholars, experts in forgotten fields. While they possessed long memories, they lacked interest in mastering any area other than feeding. They prioritized teaching stealth and killing skills to their offspring, viewing other pursuits as mere amusements.

The Anzati were skilled hunters, tracking their prey silently and efficiently. They also excelled at avoiding attention. Despite occasional exceptions, they maintained a low profile, disappearing into the galaxy's crowds whenever noticed. They used their sense of personal presence to detect prey's "soup," with stronger "soup" making targets more conspicuous.

Anzati were difficult to capture due to their secrecy, hunting skills, and training, leading organized crime factions to employ them as assassins. They blended into the galaxy's myriad cultures, remaining invisible until revealing their true nature to a victim, at which point it was too late to warn others.

Their anonymity led them to rarely work in groups, except as bounty hunters when they might form temporary corporations or guilds to share prey and rewards. These alliances were short-lived, often ending with infighting over particularly "soupy" victims.

Legends of the Anzati existed on thousands of worlds, yet none included their origin. This suggested either their greater age than other species or their survival alongside another species on their homeworld for millennia. Others believed they evolved alongside Humankind, entering galactic society when hyperspace travel brought their homeworld within reach of the Republic. The planet, when discovered, was generally avoided due to the race's tendencies.

The nomadic nature of the Anzati led to their perception as mythical beings from dark legends. The location of their homeworld, Anzat, remained a mystery for a long time. Explorers who ventured to the supposed location disappeared without a trace. Some reports placed it in the Mid Rim, near the Perlemian Trade Route.

The Anzati were believed to be among the first spacefaring races. Anecdotal evidence suggested they roamed the galaxy, returning to Anzat only to mate, reproduce, and train with master assassins.

They were believed to have encountered the ancient Sith species during the pre-Republic era, influencing their practices such as consuming bloodsoup on Korriban.

Despite their isolationist tendencies, Anzati occasionally gained galactic attention. The earliest instance was Volfe Karkko, a rare Anzat Jedi. It was uncommon for Anzati to become Jedi due to their perceived violent nature and inability to resist drinking "soup."

Karkko proved this belief true. Initially believing himself above his species' instincts, he eventually succumbed and fed, falling to the dark side of the Force.

Captured and held in stasis on Kiffex for a millennium, Karkko's mind remained active, drawing followers and transforming his resting place into a sacred temple. He corrupted his followers, turning them feral and causing them to prey on Kiffex's residents with exceptional ferocity. Karkko was eventually killed by Quinlan Vos, ending his reign.

Nikkos Tyris, another fallen Anzat Jedi, was trained as a Dark Acolyte by Count Dooku. He founded the Saarai-kaar order of Force-users during the Clone Wars, later known as the Jensaarai. The Jensaarai, however, posed no significant threat, remaining confined to their homeworld and serving as protectors, adhering to the light side of the Force despite their reverence for Sith traditions.

Sajé Tasha, Akku Seii, and Rath Kelkko were Anzati assassins involved with the Jedi during the Clone Wars. Tasha, a female Anzat, killed Finis Valorum, and she and Kelkko trained Morgukai warriors on Saleucami for Sora Bulq. Oppo Rancisis was later assassinated with Kelkko's help.

Bulq's hiring of the Anzati to train the Morgukai clones created a shortage of assassin masters on Anzat, forcing Akku Seii to train multiple Anzati at once. Akku, an acquaintance of Jedi Master Tholme, aided the Jedi in finding the other masters who were working with Bok, a Morgukai, to train the secret faction. Tholme sabotaged their efforts and killed them in the catacombs of Saleucami.

Around 0 BBY, Dannik Jerriko, an Anzat bounty hunter known as the Eater of Luck, gained prominence. He was well-compensated for killing failed assassins, murderers, thieves, and thugs, calculating that they would not be missed. He was irritable and intolerant of clients who did not appreciate his thoroughness, often feeding on them.

While seeking thieves' "soup" on Tatooine, he encountered Obi-Wan Kenobi, whose life force he craved. Unable to obtain it, he targeted Han Solo, in lieu of Jabba Desilijic Tiure's bounty on him. He failed again and was later assigned to protect Tash Arranda, Zak Arranda, and Mammon Hoole.

After that, Jerriko returned to Tatooine to spy on Jabba. Still wanting Solo's "soup," he became excited by Solo's arrival in carbonite. However, his chance was thwarted by the Alliance to Restore the Republic. Frustrated, Jerriko attempted to feed on Jabba, only to be foiled by the Hutt's death at the Great Pit of Carkoon. Enraged by hunger, Jerriko killed several survivors at Jabba's Palace and fled Tatooine, continuing his search for beings to feed on, now with a large bounty on his head.

A feral species of Anzati existed, capable of shooting ropy webbing from their torso to trap prey, though this was only observed among those drawn to Volfe Karkko. These were believed to be Anzati who revered Karkko on Kiffex during his imprisonment. He somehow drained their vitality, causing them to become degenerate and feral. These Anzati appeared more monstrous, with red eyes, pale skin, emaciated bodies, fanged lipless mouths, and clawed hands and feet. They retained the ability to speak, but typically only in single words and short phrases.

The Essential Guide to Characters stated that Anzati only consumed a victim's luck, and that a victim could survive. This contradicts almost every other source. However, The New Essential Guide to Alien Species does state that the Anzati had various names for their meals, including "Soup," "Luck," and "Sea of Memory."