After toiling in the droid foundries, a Geonosian worker's sole outlet of entertainment are the bloodsports found in the Geonosian execution arena. Those who have committed crimes against Geonosis are sentenced to death. In the case of Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker and Padmé Amidala, who were found guilty of espionage by Poggle the Lesser, they were to be killed by deadly arena beasts. Poggle and his guests, Count Dooku, Nute Gunray and Jango Fett, watched from an exclusive viewing box high above the arena floor.
Each captive was chained to a sturdy stone pillar. Three large gates unleashed the creatures, which were kept in line by Geonosian picadors. The ghastly trio included the brutish reek, the agile nexu, and the terrifying acklay. The captives were able to outwit their assigned killers long enough for Jedi reinforcements to arrive.

Led by Jedi Master Mace Windu, these Jedi fought against scores of battle droids that surrounded the arena. Many Jedi fell in the conflict, and the few survivors appeared to be doomed. The sudden arrival of Yoda and the newly formed Republic clone army saved the day, and heralded the start of the Clone Wars.

Geonosians carefully guard their resources, and think it foolish to squander supplies in the keeping of prisoners. As such, execution is a common verdict in Geonosian courts. The execution arenas also serve as entertainment for the simple-minded beings. Ruling Geonosians earn praise for staging the most impressive beast-battles, called petranaki or "venations." Archdukes such as Hadiss the Vaulted and Poggle the Lesser have used the arenas to eliminate political dissidents.
Arena competitions are so popular that the Geonosians have managed to wipe out some of the more popular beasts on their planet. Corporate clients looking to curry favor with the weapons manufacturers have offered deadly and exotic beasts as payment for the Geonosian services. The acklay, a champion among arena beasts, came from offworld and has run rampant in the Geonosian ecology.

For many ambitious Geonosians, the arena serves as the only possible means of advancement in the rigid caste-separated Geonosian society. By proving his worth in the execution arena, a lowly Geonosian is capable of advancing in status, and even earn a begrudging brand of respect from the Geonosian aristocracy.

Jan 26, 2009 9:22 AM | Report Abuse reply

****Holonet News Sports Transmission****
*The Gran newscaster appears on the screen, looking pumped*
...and then Rasko flew past the finish line, making it his first Podracing win.
*He flutters flimsiplast and looks back up*
Are you strong in the Force? Looking for someone to train you to access unlimited power? Are you willing to fight for the right for the most powerful woman in the galaxy to train you?
Empress Athena is looking for the best of the best to train as her apprentice, but she isn't content to just pour over resumes, application letters, and recommendations. Prove your stuff in an all-out Gladiator style contest where the Last Being Standing will have the ultimate privilege of having the Empress train in the use of the Force. The event will take place this Thursday, to begin at 10:00 am PST. If you are interested, please let her know ASAP and stay tuned for where it will occur.
After we return, ball games for kids...
****End of transmission****

Jan 26, 2009 9:24 AM | Report Abuse reply

Important Update!
*The Gran waves a hand*
Contestants are to meet beforehand in the Empress' Throne Room. Together they will go to the under-renovation Geonosian Arena. Please stay tuned!

Jan 26, 2009 9:26 AM | Report Abuse reply

Please sign in here to show your interest in becoming Athena's apprentice.
All those who fail may be eligible as Sith Acolytes.

Jan 27, 2009 11:02 PM | Report Abuse reply

ARENA BEASTS!

Tusk Cat - The tusk cat was a fawn-colored feline predator found on the world of Naboo and its moon Rori.

Unlike most tusked animals, the tusks of a tussk cat did not grow from their upper jaw, but were completely external from the oral cavity, and actually grew from their lower jaw. These tusks were sharp and could be used to hunt, and for protection.

On Naboo, tusk cats often preyed upon smaller animals such as the peko-peko. Despite their predatory nature, the larger ones could be tamed and ridden for recreation and to serve as a mount for the Royal Naboo Security Forces. Domesticated tusk cats were also used as mounts by shaak herders tending to their grazing herds.

This Tusk-Cat has definitely seen better days. Once used in the travelling circus, this male tusk-cat has been whipped and abused by many, many humans. Just before an event such as this, the tusk-cat is starved. A single whiff of blood will send him pouncing onto his prey.

Jan 27, 2009 11:05 PM | Report Abuse reply

Dagobah Python - The Dagobah python was a reptilian predator native to the swamps of Dagobah.

These huge snakes draped themselves over the lowest branches in the planet's jungles, where they waited for a chance to ambush unsuspecting prey. The body of the Dagobah python was virtually all stomach, and it could consume up to fifteen times its own body weight in one feeding.

Our Dagobah python blends in perfectly with our arena. And with the many columns and tree-like edifices, it is nearly impossible to tell the python from the structures.

Jan 27, 2009 11:08 PM | Report Abuse reply

Rancor - Rancors were large carnivorous reptomammals originating from the planet of Dathomir. They were always born brown, but in special circumstances, such as the mutant rancor, their color may have differed. Although found on other worlds such as Ottethan, Carida, Corulag, Felucia and Lehon (where they were brought by crashed starships), those from Dathomir were said to be stronger and more intelligent than others. It has been used for many things, ranging from mounts for the Witches of Dathomir to pets for crime lords such as Jabba to being a source of food.

Warm-blooded rancors fall into the reptomammal category, along with other creatures such as the wampa. Rancors were attracted to other rancor mates by a smell, or a pheromone. While it is known that rancors did care for their young—usually born two at a time—they did not suckle and hatched from eggs like those of a reptile. The young rode the mother, one dorsal, one ventral, until reaching maturity, though despite this nurturing nature, it was not entirely unheard of for a mother to eat her young.[3]

Rancors walked on two relatively stubby legs, with longer forelimbs utilized for catching prey, though they also walked on all fours at times. A rancor's flat face was dominated by a large mouth full of razor sharp teeth. The skin of a rancor was tough enough to deflect blaster bolts, and its bones are strong enough to resist the blade of a lightsaber, making it an efficient killing machine—and an excellent source of leather for expensive vests and boots. At least on Dathomir, rancors had good night-vision, but their eyesight was not as sharp as a Human's in daylight.

The primitive natives of Felucia often used the bones of their deceased rancor mounts as weapons.

What true fight would it be without a hungry Rancor or two? What about six mutated, hungry, off-spring deprived female rancors? Still not enough? How about 12 mutated, hungry, abused, off-spring deprived rancors? Now you're talkin'!

Jan 27, 2009 11:10 PM | Report Abuse reply

Wampa - Wampa ice creatures were carnivorous predatory reptomammals indigenous to the Outer Rim Territories ice planet Hoth. The bipedal beasts stood over two meters in height with shaggy white fur constantly stained by the blood and guts of slaughtered prey. Wampas were armed with jagged yellow teeth and deadly claws. Primarily solitary hunters, wampas occasionally hunted in packs, preferring to ambush their prey from the camouflage of Hoth's snow banks and blizzards. Stunned victims were carried back to the creatures' lairs, typically large ice caves, where the wampas ate at their leisure. The planet's omnivorous tauntauns formed the bulk of the wampas' prey, although they would attack anything they encountered. The Alliance to Restore the Republic's Echo Base on Hoth came under constant wampa assaults in 3 ABY.

While rarely seen away from their remote homeworld, wampas were known to have participated in illegal gladiatorial combat venues. They were highly valued among big game hunters for the challenge that came with hunting the creatures, as well as for their pelts, stuffed heads, and other miscellaneous souvenirs that commanded high prices on the black market. Wampas were later protected under legislation to prevent endangered species from falling into extinction by the Galactic Federation of Free Alliances.

Covered with white fur and standing at heights of up to three meters, wampas were lethal predatory beasts. They possessed long, powerful arms, razor-sharp claws capable of carving layers out of ice, and a fanged maw. Older wampas past the age of puberty possessed horns, which grew larger with age.[1] Aided by an acute sense of smell and a well-camouflaged coat of thick fur, they roamed Hoth's icy plains preying on near-helpless animals.[4] Wampas were classified officially as reptomammals, creatures combining the best defensive characteristics of reptiles with the more adaptable physiologies of mammals[5]—specifically, they were linked to primates.[1] Beneath their protective fur was a layer of blubber for greater insulation. They were also physiologically equipped with a self-regulating metabolism.[5] Wampas comprised 11% of Hoth's total indigenous population.[6]


A wampa moving on all foursWampas rarely killed their prey outright and never hunted when they were hungry.[7][8] Instead, they stunned their prey, hauled the still breathing victims back to their caves, and secured them in the ice for later consumption. Their primary prey were Hoth's many varieties of omnivorous tauntauns,[4][8][9] though they also hunted antlered mammals called rayboo, and other, smaller unwary creatures.[1] Although tauntauns were relatively plentiful on Hoth, a single wampa had to cover more than a hundred kilometers when seeking prey.[2][8] However, wampas learned to adapt to this necessity. They had a very faint scent, preventing tauntauns from detecting a wampa's approach. Their white fur allowed them to blend in perfectly with Hoth's blinding blizzards, enabling them to attack their prey without prior detection.[2] As such, wampas rarely engaged in extended chases. They traveled on two or four legs, preferring four except when stalking or during an attack.[5]

The wampas' comfort zone as far as seeking prey was limited to Hoth's frozen plains and the cooler regions of the planet's subterranean caves. Often, Hoth's scaly tauntauns would gather among warmer cave areas heated by bubbling pools as a defensive measure, areas which wampas found to be uncomfortably hot. Nevertheless, wampas would utilize cunning methods to draw the scaly tauntauns out of their sanctuaries, sometimes rushing into the heated areas to scare their prey out into the cold where they might be cornered. Other times, wampas would simply stalk their prey by waiting in the colder regions between these heated tunnels until the tauntauns ran from one tunnel to another.[9]

Wampas were sensitive to high-pitched noises,[2] sounds that were similar to those made by a female in search of a mate.[1] Their physiology was well adapted to conserving heat in the extreme cold. They failed to show up on most life-form sensor scans, which is how they managed to avoid detection for so long.[7] Wampas were rarely themselves the victims of predators.[1]

Wampas possessed at least a rudimentary level of intelligence and cunning, with the ability to organize massively-coordinated attacks when hunting in groups.[4][2] On several occasions they demonstrated the ability to scout and determine their enemy's location and strength before formulating an attack.[1] They also possessed, at least in one case, the capacity to retain long-term memory.[10][7] One male wampa, named Ku-Kak, had a rare, natural affinity for the Force.[11]

They're hot, they're captive, and they're HUNGRY! Watch out contestants for these ferocious beasts!

Jan 27, 2009 11:12 PM | Report Abuse reply

Hawkbats - Hawk-bats were reptavian creatures with a curved beak and leathery wings that could be found on urbanized worlds like Coruscant and Taris and where believed to be one of the two only native Coruscanti species left in existence (with the Thrantcill would have been the other). Both were feared and admired although they were considered to be an elegant species. To get on a hawk-bat's bad side could be a very dangerous proposition. As a result, very few lived in captivity.

Because of this, they became a symbol for many swoop gangs and pirates. The lightsaber form Ataru was named after the hawk-bat. One of the battalions which fought under the 101st Regiment during the Clone Wars was also known as the Hawkbat Battalion.

The wingspan of a hawk-bat averaged 1.5 meters. The wings consisted of a thin membrane stretched over a series of wing-bones. The membrane itself was studded with spiky growths. The hooked beak of a hawk-bat contained tiny teeth that could tear prey to shreds, which they found with a combination of accurate eyesight and echolocation.

Flocks of hawk-bats would hunt and attack their prey as if they were one. Though they favored granite slugs and shadowmoth larvae, hawk-bats would feed on anything that moved. Even large enemies could be taken down by a large flock of hawk-bats. Though a solitary hawk-bat could prove to be a significant threat, it was weaker when it was alone.

If one hawk-bat was disturbed, all of its companions would attack the enemy at once. They usually traveled in large flocks through the pipes and lower levels of Coruscant. Every few months, they migrated despite lack of seasons within the lower-levels. Because of this, many scientists came to believe that hawk-bats evolved during the ancient times of Coruscant, making them the only known species to survive Coruscant's urbanization. Hawk-bats hated the cold and usually stayed away from it. Many lived on power-cables or in heated vents, hanging upside down warm pipes below buildings.

Like other avian species, the young of hawk-bats hatched from eggs. They lacked the feathers normally exant in most avian species, but were covered in leathery scaled skin normally found in reptiles and were thus actually reptavians. To keep their young safe during this critical period, hawk-bats would camouflage the brown eggs as best they could to make them appear to be mere rocks. And though it may look as if the eggs had been abandoned by their parents, it was a sure thing that one of them was keeping eye on the nest from a distance—most likely the mother.

Hawk-bat mothers were extremely protective of their young. If a predator saw through the camouflage and threatened the eggs, he would quickly learn the full fury of a hawk-bat mother's wrath.

When they finally hatched from their eggs, young hawk-bats had green skin and were fully independent from birth. Upon reaching maturity, the hawk-bat would shed its green skin and emerge as an adult, with purplish-gray skin.

Up in the far upper reaches of the arena, we have a flock of the nastiest hawkbats you've ever seen. Well, wouldn't you be nasty too if you lived on Geonosis?

Jan 27, 2009 11:14 PM | Report Abuse reply

Gundarks - A gundark was a fearsome anthropoid known as one of the most vicious, strong, and aggressive species in the galaxy. These semi-intelligent creatures stood between 1 and 2.5 meters tall, with four powerful arms and large ears as wide as their head. Both their hands and feet ended with opposable digits. Gundarks were covered in short brown or gray hair.

Gundarks were found on many worlds throughout the galaxy (such as Naboo and Alaris Prime) and tended to live in temperate climates, though reports of arctic and desert gundarks were not unheard of. The gundark homeworld was most likely Vanqor, for that was the only planet they were found on during the Clone Wars. Most gundark populations on other worlds were the offspring of escaped slaves or groups moved to new planets by Galactic Republic agents attempting to protect them from slavery. Though it was illegal to capture or hunt gundarks on many planets the creatures were often captured and sold on the black market. Because of their reputation as fearless combatants, gundarks were often placed in gladiatorial arenas, and were considered the ultimate prey by many big game hunters.

In gladiatorial arenas, a gundark was one of the most dangerous and feared opponents. The gundark's short temper and thirst for blood meant that it would attack without provocation. A battle-scarred gundark was frequently the favored creature in most arena matches, even against opponents such as rancors or trompa. Because of a gundark's especially keen senses they were sometimes put into contests blinded or blindfolded to make the event "more sporting". Spectators would wait to see how long a less formidable creature could stay away from the gundark's lethal embrace. The fearsome and unpredictable nature of the four-armed beast encouraged trainers to handle it with extreme caution. Trainers would often use a force pike to control their gundark, or else assign it a special guard detail. Gundarks were often kept sedated during transport. Due to the cost of gundark containment measures, trainers rarely had more than one in their pool of gladiators.

Gundarks normally fought with bare hands and relied on their enormous four-armed strength to overcome opponents, but were also capable of using simple bludgeoning weapons. Gundarks were strong enough to smash bones with their hands. In the wild, they often ambushed opponents, hiding until their prey was within close range and taking the victim by surprise. If unarmed, a gundark would often try to grapple its foe in an attempt to crush it to death.

Saying that someone "looked strong enough to pull the ears off a gundark" meant that they were healthy and strong.

Let us tell you, these gundarks are definitely healthy and strong...oh, and really fond of human blood. Thought you'd like to know.

Jan 27, 2009 11:16 PM | Report Abuse reply

Nexu - There were other breeds of nexus on Cholganna's other continents, but only the forest nexu had an additional set of eyes able to view in infrared wavelength, which aided in their hunting of bark rats and tree-climbing octopi. They were often exported and trained as security beasts, as used for patrolling on Malastare, or used in arena combat, as seen on Geonosis. Nexus were 4.5 meters long and generally 1 meter tall.

The nexus appeared to be feline in nature, with claws which could slice a Human in half. They had spikes along their back, and a long tail that in the wild allowed the nexu to swing from tree branch to tree branch. They had extremely sharp instincts and reflexes, although they were known to tire easily, and often used swift movements to finish an enemy quickly, biting down and thrashing their head about to break their victim's neck. Cubs are born pure white.

A particularly stealthy variety was the black nexu, this species was also one of the most rare.

Too vicious to be kept in zoos and difficult to train as watch-beasts, they were instead sought after for arena battles where their ferocity was much appreciated by spectators. This resulted in many big-game hunters making regular visits to Cholganna, hoping to capture a live nexu for export. Many hunters ended up dead however, when tracking prides of nexus, and as a result fees for live nexus often ranged up to half a million credits per animal.

This baby killed seventeen hunters before he was finally caught. Did we just say seventeen?

Jan 27, 2009 11:18 PM | Report Abuse reply

Acklay - The acklay was a large, non-sentient creature native to the oceans of Vendaxa. Its physical appearance made it a natural predator, with six sharp claws and an aggressive attitude. As such, it was commonly found in gladiatorial arenas on different worlds in the Outer Rim Territories. One world where acklays were present was Geonosis, where they fought in the Petranaki Arena. However, some escaped and managed to survive in the Geonosian deserts despite their native aquatic environment. An acklay was used in the attempted execution of the then Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi in 22 BBY, but was killed by Kenobi. Acklays were also present on Felucia, where they attacked the 501st Legion during the Battle of Felucia, only to be wiped out by the clone troopers.

The acklay was a three-eyed amphibious crustacean native to Vendaxa. Though acklays lived underwater, they could go on land to hunt, which they frequently did, as the lemnai, a creature that lived on the plains of Vendaxa, was their main source of food. As they resided in the oceans of Vendaxa, their eyes enabled them to see in darkness, although they were near-sighted. Despite their crustacean-like nature, acklays also had characteristics possessed by reptiles, such as their powerful jaws filled with sharp teeth. The acklay had a tough, leathery green skin, another trait from its reptilian heritage. The acklay's belly was more vulnerable than other parts of its body, as the flesh covering it was not as tough as it was elsewhere. Acklays had a bony crest around their neck, used for both intimidation and protection.[1]

These creatures had small stomachs, but were capable of expanding them when necessary. They had a high metabolism, which gave them substantial amounts of energy, but also caused them to starve quickly. Acklays were aggressive creatures, making them favorites in gladiatorial combat.[1]

Each acklay had six deadly claws, used for both pinning an opponent in combat or slicing them. Their limbs were long, allowing them to strike at enemies from a distance. While their claws themselves had no feeling, hairs on their bodies allowed the creatures the sensation of feeling. These cilia also enabled an acklay to sense the body electricity of other creatures.[1]

The acklay's exoskeleton was strong enough to be used by some cultures as chitinous personal body armor. Although not high tech, it was occasionally used as a trophy item.[1]

Acklays could be Force-sensitive, although this was extremely rare. Such creatures could teach themselves to use the Force and could fire Force lightning from their mouths.

This Acklay has survived seven other arenas. His arms are covered in blood; no one wants to get anywhere near him to clean him off.

Jan 27, 2009 11:19 PM | Report Abuse reply

And FINALLY, the one you've been waiting for, straight from Tatooine, the fierce, the undefeatable...

KRAYT DRAGON!!! - Krayt dragons grew continuously throughout their lives to an average length of 45 meters and weight of 2,000 kilograms. They could live to be 100 years old and did not weaken appreciably with age. An Ancient Krayt Dragon is the oldest and biggest of all the Krayt Dragons. They can be found on the highest mountains of Tatooine.

A fierce hunter, the krayt dragon became an important part of indigenous cultures on Tatooine. The krayt dragon was thought by some xenobiologists to have descended from the Duinuogwuin (also known as Star Dragons). Although no substantial evidence was offered in support of a connection to the Duinuogwuin, the krayt dragon was a proven relative of the smaller kell dragon. In honor of the beast's sheer power and ferocity, the Jedi Order named the Shien and Djem So form of lightsaber combat "The Way of the Krayt Dragon."

When summer mating season began, the howls of krayt dragons filled the canyons of Tatooine. The collection of frenzied, mating beasts scared even the mightiest Sandpeople away. Obi-Wan Kenobi mimicked a krayt dragon mating call when he scared the raiders away from Luke Skywalker in 0 BBY.

Young Sandpeople would hunt krayt dragons in an initiation rite to prove themseveles as warriors. [1]

The krayt dragon had a set of sharp teeth used for capturing prey, but relied on ingesting stones to grind the food through a series of gizzards into a digestible state. Food would be crushed by the stones tumbled in the gizzards by stomach muscles, grinding food into pulp and turning boulders into smooth stones. The resulting stones, known as dragon pearls, were a valuable commodity among jewelers. The pearls could also be shaped and tuned by Jedi to be used as focusing crystals in their lightsabers. Krayt dragons instinctively go to the Krayt Graveyard when they are about to die.

Krayt Dragons were heavily attracted to areas that were strong in the Force, especially the dark side. Some Sith artifacts, like the Tatooine Star Map, were guarded by krayt dragons.

Have we said "undefeatable" yet? We meant it.

There you have it, folks! Who will be the LAST BEING STANDING? We will see...Thursday, 10:00 am PST.

Jan 27, 2009 11:21 PM | Report Abuse reply

**The Twi'Lek touches a small device in her ear**
It appears that Empress Athena is having her own press conference...we go live now, with Da'na Kline.
*The view quickly changes to a Shistavanen*
We are now awaiting the Empress' response to this crisis...one that many Imperial citizens had heard rumors of, but had never seen.
*The camera quickly moves to an entourage of Imperial Knights and Guards, dressed in dark purple that appear*
And here she is, Empress Athena of the Reconstructed Galactic Empire!
*Athena appears, dressed simply, yet elegantly in dark purple robes, her hair neatly pulled back from her face. She looks up at the crowd and begins to speak slowly and smoothly, her words soothing to the ears of all who hear her*
Gentlebeings, friends, family, allies, compatriots. A tragedy has occurred.
*Her face shows slight pain*
I have recently been informed of several attacks on citizens at the Starlight Beach Club by the Yuuzhan Vong, a group considered long gone. Thank the Force, no one was severely injured. Nevertheless, the threat of the Yuuzhan Vong is still severe. And the question remains: what do we do about these potential enemies?
*She lets the question hang in the air for several seconds*
The answer, my compatriots, is neither simple nor quick. It is a tough decision, one that pains me to make.
*She looks directly at the camera*
The Yuuzhan Vong have threatened our society, our way of life, the lives of our citizens...
*She pauses. As she continues, her voice gradually rises in volume and in power, ringing true in many of the listeners' hearts and minds*
...the life of my son, all because of the Greys. The Greys refuse to give over to the Yuuzhan Vong that which is rightfully theirs.
Many years ago, a treaty was made; a treaty which granted the Yuuzhan Vong possession of the legendary, living homeworld, Zonoma Sekot. However, this treaty was violated when the Greys landed on the planet, with machinery that the Yuuzhan Vong considered sacriligious. The treaty was violated when the Greys chased the Yuuzhan Vong off their own homeworld. And the treaty was violated when the Greys refused to give them back what was rightfully theirs. This is unacceptable.
*She holds her hands out*
Dearest citizens, now is the time to show the true strength of the Empire. Join the Imperial Army, the Navy, the Intelligence, the Medical Corps. Volunteer. Donate. Support. For because of the Greys' poor actions, we are all going to suffer. The Yuuzhan Vong will see the actions of the Greys and attack at us all. But we, the Empire, we will survive! We will endure! We will conquer where others have failed! And it is not because I was the Empress; it was not because of my generals. It was because of the faithful citizens, the faithful allies, the faithful few who stood up to the injustice and said, "This is wrong and we will no longer stand for it!"
*By this time, her voice thundered in the conference room. Several reporters rise and begin to clap. Soon the whole room is thundering. Athena holds a hand and gently the crowd quiets*
I ask you to give what you can, for the survival of the Empire, but more importantly, for the survival of our lives.
*She bows her head and leaves, the reporters clamoring to ask her questions. Her spokesbeing appears and begins to answer the more pressing ones.
*The Twi'Lek returns to the screen, dabbing her eyes with a cloth.*
A stirring speech...to see the whole press conference, please head over to Imperial Holonet News.igv

Feb 8, 2009 10:40 PM | Report Abuse reply

Another of my ideas that never went anywhere...thanks to the Padmekins on WoSW

Jun 3, 2009 9:22 AM | Report Abuse reply