The Basiliskans, originating from the planet Basilisk, were a sapient reptilian species. However, after enduring millennia of Mandalorian servitude, they devolved into the feral creatures called Lagartoz War Dragons.
Hailing from the Core Worlds region of the galaxy, the Basiliskans were an intelligent and technologically advanced lizard species from the planet Basilisk. They were responsible for the creation of the Basilisk war droids. In 4017 BBY, during their conflict with the Mandalorians, the Basiliskans resorted to poisoning their own world with chemicals to prevent its capture.
Following the war, the Mandalorians subjected the Basiliskans to slavery, transporting them to Mandalore shortly before their campaign against the Mandallian Giants. Over countless years, these Basiliskans underwent a transformation, losing their intellect and technological skills, ultimately becoming bestial creatures known as Lagartoz War Dragons. Possessing resilient hides, formidable claws, a degree of intelligence, and trainable nature, the Lagartoz War Dragons proved to be devastating assets in both aerial and ground combat during subsequent wars, such as the battle against the forces of the Dark Underlord during the New Sith Wars. They also gained popularity among Mandalorians as domesticated animals.
In the early years of the Galactic Empire, [Obi-Wan Kenobi](/article/obi-wan_kenobi-legends] encountered a pair of Lagartoz War Dragons soaring between skyhoppers above Nar Shaddaa while conversing with Vima-Da-Boda, a former Jedi turned beggar.
The inspiration for the Lagartoz War Dragon came from an uncaptioned piece of splash art by Paul Daly for West End Games' Star Wars Gamemaster Handbook, which depicted a Mandalorian riding a dragon-like mount.