Magus
The Magus were a tranquil, non-sentient species native to the desert regions of the planet called Reopi. Valued for their hides, they employed both this resilient skin and foul-smelling excretions as defenses against predators. Their diet consisted of reptiles and insects, which they captured by digging underground.
Biology and appearance
The magus was a species of non-sentient grazing animals that inhabited the equatorial red deserts of Reopi, a planet situated within a star system in the Inner Rim. Characterized by their peaceful and solitary nature, their sustenance was derived from a diet of insects and small reptiles. These were hunted by quickly burrowing through loose sand, an action facilitated by their two rubbery, webbed rear feet. Adult specimens reached a length of fifty-eight centimeters when fully extended, although they sometimes adopted a hunched stance on their hind legs, foregoing the use of their smaller front limbs for support.
Beyond their burrowing capabilities, magi possessed multiple strategies to evade or discourage predators, such as the Reopi sand crusher. These included a robust and resilient hide, claws present on all four limbs, and a specialized gland capable of secreting unpleasant oil. These secretions served a dual purpose: maintaining the flexibility of the outer layers of their skin and deterring most predators within a radius of three to four meters.
History
Prized as a resource on numerous less technologically advanced planets, magus hides led to the legal hunting of these creatures. Quotas and private businesses on Reopi regulated this practice. As one of the last commercially hunted animals in the Inner Rim, magi were most vulnerable to hunters while at oases for water. Their inherent defenses, along with strict hunting regulations, helped to safeguard the magus population from decline.
Behind the scenes
The magus made its debut in Creatures of the Galaxy, a sourcebook published by West End Games for their Star Wars: The Roleplaying Game in 1994. The original concept and illustration of the magus were created by Mike Vilardi, with the design attributed to Rick D. Stuart.
Sources
- Creatures of the Galaxy (First mentioned)