Scarrans are an alien species on Farscape. Along with the Peacekeepers, they serve as one of the series' major antagonistic factions.
Full-blooded Scarrans are introduced in season two's "Look at the Princess" trilogy with Cargn, though Scorpius (a Scarran/Sebacean half-breed) made his debut in the first season episode "Nerve."
They are longtime enemies of the Peacekeepers, and the two groups go to war in the miniseries Farscape: The Peacekeeper Wars.
Multiple variations of Scarrans were seen on the show, with the earliest being Creature Shop puppets. The fourth season introduced humanoid Scarrans for the ruling class, brought to life using prosthetic makeup.
Biology[]
Ahkna's heat projection abilities on display.
Despite their reptilian-esque appearance, Scarrans are a warm-blooded species. They have a gland that allows them to project heat through their hands, which they use as a method of interrogation and torture. They also have thick skin which makes them resistant to pulse weapons.
In the episode "La Bomba," it is revealed that Scarrans consume the flower Crystherium Utilia in order to increase their brain capacity. Without Crystherium, Scarrans revert back to their simple-minded selves. Harvey eloquently explains it to John Crichton: "Scarrans — simplistic, brutish creatures. Should've died out generations ago. What happens if they eat the flower? Big brains. Evolutionary competitive! ... And if they don't eat 'em? Your dog could beat 'em at checkers!"
Culture[]
Staleek, the Scarran emperor.
Scarrans pray to the Emperor-Yet-To-Be.
Scarrans are split into multiple castes. The Scarran ruling class consists of those from the higher-level caste and serve as military and governmental officials, such as Emperor Staleek and War Minister Ahkna. The lower caste includes Scarrans who often serve as soldiers, like Plonek. Physically, the ruling class are more humanoid than the animalistic Scarrans of the lower caste.
Scarrans have a strong military, and they far outnumber the Peacekeepers. Their technology is some of the most advanced in the galaxy. Some of their notable achievements include Dreadnought and Stryker ships, creation of bioloids, and genetic experimentation.
They have enslaved the Kalish species to work as technicians and manual laborers. Additionally, the Scarrans have an alliance with the Charrids, who are used as foot soldiers.
Regarding religion, Scarrans worship their emperor and believe them to be divine. However, during the final stand against the Kkore in the Farscape comic, in which species from across the galaxy use the Dej-Wah, the Scarrans are unable to pray to Emperor Staleek since he became a puppet ruler for the Kkore. Instead, they pray to their "emperor-yet-to-be."
