The Scarran Empire

Lore & Background

Despite their reputation as villains, the Scarrans possess a distinct honor code among themselves, particularly regarding loyalty to the Emperor and one's unit. They are known for their advanced weaponry and stealth technology that often outmaneuvers the bulkier Peacekeeper fleets. The arrival of John Crichton and the crew of Moya occasionally brings them into contact with Scarran individuals, though Jothee is not a Scarran but a Luxan. Their ultimate goal is not just survival, but total galactic hegemony.

In Their Own Story

The air in the Scarran command bunker was thick with the scent of ozone and crushed chitin. General Kallus adjusted his mandibles, clicking them in irritation as the holographic map flickered. The Peacekeeper fleet was moving faster than anticipated, cutting off their retreat from the border moon. 'We cannot hold this position,' a subordinate hissed, his antennae twitching nervously. Kallus turned, his multifaceted eyes narrowing into a glare of cold calculation. 'Then we do not hold it,' he replied, his voice rasping like dry leaves. 'We burn it to the ground and vanish into the shadows. Let them have the ashes; we will take their future.'

Reader's Guide

The Scarran Empire operates as a totalitarian military state where the Emperor's word is law and dissent is swiftly crushed. Their primary goal is the total annihilation of the Peacekeepers, whom they view as tyrannical oppressors blocking their path to galactic supremacy. Members of the empire range from lowly grunts in the infantry to high-ranking generals and spies embedded within enemy lines. They are known for their adaptability, often disguising themselves or infiltrating other cultures to gather intelligence before striking. In the grand conflict of Farscape, the Scarrans serve as a chaotic counterbalance to the Peacekeepers' rigid order. While both factions are antagonistic toward the Moya crew, the Scarrans occasionally provide temporary aid when their interests align against a common threat, making them unpredictable and dangerous players in the galactic chess game.

Did You Know?

• Scarran physiology includes a unique heat-based metabolism that allows them to survive in environments toxic to most other species.
• The Scarrans have a history of using biological weapons, including engineered plagues, against their enemies during the war.
• Despite their aggression, some Scarran individuals have shown capacity for redemption and personal growth when separated from imperial command.