An Observational Report on Massiffs

[Sarias]

An Observational Report on Massiffs - By Acolyte [REDACTED]

Massiffs are a reptilian species classified as non-sentient otherwise adapted to hot desert climates, found on at least two such worlds, Geonosis and Tatooine. However due to the species being commonly domesticated, one cannot rule out that the species may have been transported to other worlds and adapted to various climates.

For the purposes of this report, I shall continue with the Geonosian Variety, as this is what we have captured for the Horuset Bestiary.

I will begin with appearance. The Massiff are reptilian however share more characteristics in common with canines than other reptiles, most likely due to breeding and domestication. A quadruped with rough scaled skin with armored plates on their backs and at their joints separating and protecting limbs. They have antler-like spines/spikes protruding from their heads down their backs, the total number and size seems to indicate age. Three to five clawed toes, due to various breeding/adaptations I assume. The overall size of Massiffs varies, an average around 1 meter give or take. Their heads are elongated, more like a snout, with rows of long sharp teeth. By appearance their mouths have muscular and bone structures to bite down like a hinge and a clamp, effectively meaning that more effort is required to open their mouths, which can open very wide and then clamp down shut with tremendous force, locking in place, with a larger gullet to accommodate for prey. They don’t seem to have any great external auditory characteristics, however all domesticated species, as well as pack hunters, require a base level of hearing to learn and obey commands as well as communicate with each other. Lastly their eyes, which I find most intriguing, are large with some darker shades being more rare but most commonly black. Adapted to see in the dark, indicating that they are more suited as nocturnal hunters, however do not make the mistake in thinking that they cannot see in daylight. As they are employed as hunters they no doubt have superior olfactory systems as well, the elongated snout accommodating for more complex physiology. What fascinates me the most is the location of the eyes. Most predatory species and sentients, like humanoids, have front facing eyes, relying on other senses with superior sensory input. The Massiff eyes are located more so on the sides of the head, again depending on breed/adaptations, some more so front facing, others side facing. This is a characteristic more common among prey animals, indicating that at some point in their evolutionary history, perhaps on their planet of origin. They were not initially predators, being hunted as prey themselves by larger more aggressive creatures or sentient species sharing their homeworld. The location of the eyes being more side facing allows for an even greater field of vision. Eyes facing outward provide 180 degree field of vision on either side, with some overlap of course. This however would leave a very small blind spot directly in front of the creatures as well as a slightly larger, but not by much, blindspot directly behind them. This is why you will often see these creatures turning or tilting their heads in the direction of their prey, to better see them.



You will note that the left Massiff has eyes closer to the sides of it's head and at least five front toes/claws. The Massiff on the right has eyes closer front facing. Indicating two distinct evolution/adaptations on the same world, again most likely the result of breeding differences.

I will now discuss behaviors and psychology. Since it is rare to find Massiffs in the wild, undomesticated, it is difficult to assess what their base behaviors are. The specimens we retrieved on Geonosis were found in an abandoned hive, so even though they were left to fend for themselves, they were still descended from domesticated animals. They grouped together and hunted in packs, common with smaller predator species that do not have the strength, size, or other evolutionary advantages to hunt alone. We encountered a deformed/wounded female Massiff that was separated from the pack. A majority of pack hunter species would kill and cannibalize their weaker members, leading me to believe that their domesticated traits inclined them to keep this one alive, or perhaps because she is female, she was left alive for breeding purposes. I will warn you however no matter how domesticated you think they are, no matter how strong your Force Bond, you must respect these creatures. Peace is a Lie, overconfidence, letting your guard down, will prove deadly. Massiffs have a pack mentality, meaning there is an alpha, the best way for even non force users to bond with such creatures is to assert yourself as the alpha, a provider and a leader. The title of Alpha is often challenged, so the larger and stronger Massiffs will be more inclined to attack you to assert dominance over the pack, dominance over you. You will have much more success controlling them one on one, or in very small groups of the same sex. In spite of their designation as non-sentient, you will find that they have varying personalities, not unlike most domesticated species. Pets and companion animals often have unique personalities that you as a keeper must adapt to. Aggressive specimens will require you to take them out and hunt with them for example to avoid infighting amongst the pack if they get bored. More playful ones may just require attention or you risk them annoying the other members of the pack. Solitary specimens that intentionally separate themselves from the group or are exiled/shunned by the rest of the pack sometimes make the best companions due to their reliance on you, that or they must be put down because they are of no use.

Lastly, this is a good transition into keeping Massiffs in captivity. You of course will have to adapt to the individual behaviors and group psychology of your packs, as stated prior. Obviously the larger the pack, the larger the paddock required. Keep the living space designed with the natural desert setting in mind, more power will be required to keep heating elements online. They are not picky carnivorous eaters, meat is meat, just make sure they are not deprived of any required nutrients. One would think breeding is simple, left to their own devices, however with packs nothing could be farther from the truth and special attention must be given because these creatures have been domesticated for so long. Similar to the Alpha mentality, mates are often fought over and can result in death. Separating the mating pairs is the obvious resolution to this problem. Due to extensive domestication, inbreeding is a concern. You may get one or two good generations from your pack. But we must consider capturing more Massiffs, preferably from other hives, to breed with ours in the future. From there it is a simple matter of breeding the traits you find most desirable in a companion beast.

This concludes my report.

Force Serve,

-Acolyte [REDACTED]