In the latest of my RHN sponsored safaris across the galaxy, I came across what many refer to as the most dangerous beast in the galaxy, except for a fully-grown Rancor: the Gundark. Resilient, strong, and extremely violent, the Gundark mostly hunt and wander in minimal numbers, much like fully grown Rancor do.

Unfortunately for us sentient beings, the Gundark has one trait that the Rancor sorely lacks: intelligence. Many Hutt Cartel animal trainers found that most Gundarks aside from fully grown males die in captivity after a small amount of time, and most males need to be put down as they're both smart enough to figure out when their tamers are the weakest and strong enough to ensure that the attack usually results in their freedom.

The only known form of successful captivity for the Gundarks are when the big-eared beasts are placed into gladiatorial arenas. When their bloodlust is sated, many 'champion' Gundarks on planets like Geonosis last months, if not years, as long as their needs are met.

In the wild, Mandalorians and big-game hunters see the solitary ape-like creatures as a test of mettle, often setting elaborate traps or engaging in heavy duty guerrilla warfare to gain the bragging rights of killing such a beast. With such treatment, it's not sure if the innate violence they exhibit is nature's way of striking back or simply verification of the rumor that these beasts were brought about by the dark side's sorcery.

Whatever the case may be, I was unlucky enough to see a Gundark in action. Five well-trained Republic mercenaries were thrown like toys and our safari skiff was all but scrap for the junk pile. Only after copious applications of cryoban grenades and concentrated fire-and-retreat tactics did the safari guards and the game master manage to take the vicious beast down. The game master of the safari – a scarred Chagrian – informed me that if it were a fully grown male then both I and the other survivors would not have had the time to run.

It is my humblest opinion, then, that the Galactic Republic never invade Dromund Kaas. Eventually the Sith will find that the wily, sharp-eared Gundarks are more willing and able than any Sith inquisitorial commando squad and just as effective!

Billian "Bill" Tetley,
RHN Reporter
Republic HoloNet Story Report