I - Introduction

Now, you may brush shoulders with many beings throughout the course of your day, but can you identify their potential homeworld, or tell a Zeltron from a Kiffar? Over the length of this course, we will take an in-depth look at a number of the most common races and species in this big galaxy of ours.

II - Near Human/Humanoid

A - Human

The most populated species in the galaxy, and the primary race of the Dark Jedi Brotherhood. Trillions of this bipedal species are spread across the galaxy in colonies and cities alike. Often referred to as the most resourceful yet stubborn race, there have been countless human heroes and foes in the history of the universe. Famous human Dark Jedi include Jac Cotelin, Muz Ashen, Kir Katarn, Darth Bane and Lord Vader.

Humans have been a polarizing element over the course of history, ranging from politicians to slaves to Jedi Knights. For example, a human from Naboo, Sheev Palpatine, founded the Galactic Empire which ruled over the galaxy for two decades. Members of the Alliance to the Restore the Republic, which would serve to overthrow Imperial tyranny, included influential humans such as Mon Mothma, Bail Organa, Luke Skywalker and Leia Organa-Solo. Some human-centric governments, such as the Galactic Empire, harbored staunchly xenophobic attitudes towards aliens. In these governments, non-humans were often seen as second-class or even non-citizens.

With an average height of 1.7 meters, they can match any other humanoid species. Life expectancy of a human is 100 years, with numbers as high as 200 among Force sensitive individuals. Humans, like many other sentient species, have a torso, two legs, two arms and a head. They also have two eyes, one nose and one mouth. Their skin ranges from pale to dark brown, and their hair and eyes come in a variety of different colors.

B - Zabrak

A carnivorous near-Human species also known as Iridonians, being native to the planet Iridonia. While Zabrak resemble humans to some degree, they have specific features that set them apart from other humanoid species. They are a race known to strive for independence and self-determination, and many were warriors and adventurers. Perhaps the most famous Zabrak of all is Darth Maul, a member of the Nightbrothers on Dathomir and an apprentice to Darth Sidious.

While there is not much early Zabrak history documented, the Zabrak have been involved in governmental and Jedi affairs. Two Zabrak, Eeth Koth and Agen Kolar, served on the Jedi High Council until the rise of the Galactic Empire. The Zabrak’s natural strong-willed mannerisms inspired them to fight off the Empire’s influences despite sanctions and destruction imposed against them, and they later united as one race and joined the New Republic with the steadfast resolve to never be oppressed again.

The average height of a Zabrak is 1.8 meters, which can match other humanoid species. The life expectancy of a Zabrak is yet to be documented. Like humans, the Zabrak are a bipedal species with two eyes, one nose, and one mouth. However, they are distinguishable by the series of vestigial horns that grow on their heads. Zabrak subspecies also have horns, but their other features vary from subspecies to subspecies. For instance, skin tones in Zabrak range from peachy white to brown to red to black; while some have eyebrows and differing shades of eyes ranging from purple to red to yellow to orange. One trait that also make Zabrak recognizable are their facial tattoos, which they received during their rites of passage; these tattoos symbolize family heritage, place of birth, individual personalities, and more.

C - Chiss

The Chiss are a near-Human species from the Unknown Regions, once seen as an enigma to the rest of the galaxy. They are best known to Humans as the species to which Grand Admiral Thrawn belonged, becoming a vastly military species that became recognizable in the history of the Galactic Empire. The most known Chiss is Mitth'raw'nuruodo, though he is commonly known as Thrawn, the only non-Human Grand Admiral of the Empire. Unfortunately, the history of the Chiss people is not well documented at this time.

The average height of the Chiss is 1.8 meters. The life expectancy of Chiss is presumed to be 80-100 standard years, akin to humans. Chiss are distinctive from humans by their black hair, blue skin and red eyes. Beyond this, there are very few points of Chiss anatomy that distinguish them from Humans.

D - Kiffar

A near-Human species from the planet Kiffu and Kiffex. They appear to be a very war-based species, distinguishing themselves with facial tattoos specific to their clan. The most famous Kiffar is Quinlan Vos, a Jedi who fell to the dark side but later returned to the light.

There is little data available on the history of Kiffu or the Kiffar or their life expectancy. While reaching an average height of 1.7 meters, Kiffar are differentiated from humans by their varying skin tones, facial and body tattoos and scarlet blood. The tattoos common to the Kiffar people were of various patterns, and designs were used to identify clans. These tattoos were applied to youth.

E - Wookiee

A hairy, bipedal humanoid species from the planet Kashyyyk, Wookiees have played an instrumental part in the history of the galaxy, fighting on the side of the Republic and the Jedi. The most famous Wookiee is Chewbacca, companion and co-pilot to Han Solo.

The history of the Wookiees began on Kashyyyk, a Mid Rim forest planet. The Wookiees fought alongside the Galactic Republic during the Clone Wars, including defending their homeworld from a Separatist invasion alongside Galactic Republic forces headed by Jedi Master Yoda. When the Galactic Empire came into power, Kashyyk suffered a planetary blockade. Many Wookiees were then pressed into slavery, their strength being used in projects like the construction of the Darth Star and working the spice mines of Kessel.

About fourteen years after the Empire’s establishment, a Wookiee revolt had to be quelled by the 212th Attack Battalion. The Empire was not quick to forget or forgive. After this, access to the planet was restricted to only official government business. The Empire also transported several of the captives from the revolt to the spice mines of Kessel. Though normally considered a death sentence for anyone unfortunate enough to be sent there, these prisoners were later rescued by a rebel cell based on Lothal.

Several Wookiees, including Chewbacca and Lohgarra, fought for the Alliance to Restore the Republic and its successor, the New Republic. In the months that followed the Battle of Endor, Kashyyk was liberated by the New Republic. Several Wookiees rose up, killing many of their Imperial occupiers.

The average height of a Wookiee is 2.4 meters. The average lifespan of a Wookiee is approximately 400 years, and they typically reach between 100 and 150 kilograms (females average the prior and males the latter amount). Wookiees differ greatly from other humanoid species in that they are covered in hair, ranging from various shades of black and brown to shades of white, depending on the Wookiee races (e.g. Silverbacks). Wookiees also have retractable claws and while they can easily learn and understand different languages, they lack the vocal structure to speak any of them. Wookiees are also notably incredibly intelligent, with many being masters of various forms of technology.

F - Twi’lek

An omnivorous humanoid species from the planet Ryloth, the Twi’lek have played many roles in the galaxy. While some have been Sith or Jedi, others have been mercenaries, merchants and criminals. However, due to their beauty, a fair number still have been forced into the roles of slaves or dancers by groups such as Hutt cartels.

While there is no specific documented history for the Twi’lek species, Twi’leks have been instrumental in galactic happenings: for example, just as Twi’leks have been Jedi, others have been Dark Jedi. Even other Twi’leks have been known to avoid taking a stance on any issues; one example is when Twi’lek politicians were loyal to the Republic while other Twi’leks opened negotiations with the Separatists during the Clone Wars. Twi’leks are also known for their beauty throughout the galaxy, and those on Ryloth actually tolerated slavery due to the economic boons the planet received due to it.

The average height of a Twi’lek ranges from 1.6 meters to 2.4 meters. The average life expectancy is yet to be documented. Twi’lek skin tone comes in a variety of colors, including but not limited to blue, orange, purple, green and red. Most notable of the traits is a pair of prehensile and highly sensitive tentacles growing from a Twi’lek’s head, known as lekku. Lekku are used for cognitive functions as well as for communication, and many Twi’leks communicate with each other in complete secrecy using their lekku even though they have a standard humanoid vocal structure. Male Twi’leks have humanoid ears, and some females have humanoid ears or ear “cones.” All Twi’leks lack body hair, the only exception being eyelashes.

G - Falleen

An indigenous reptile species from the planet Falleen. While people may not expect this, the Falleen are considered an exotic and very attractive species, though that is partially due to the pheromones they exude. A notable example of Falleen within the Dark Brotherhood would include Xanos Zorrixor, also known as Darth Vexatus.

During the Clone Wars, the Black Sun was run by a tight-knit group of Falleen nobles. The group operated from a fortress on Mustafar. During the Imperial era, Falleen were also known to serve as overseers within slaving operations.

The average height of a Falleen ranges from 1.4 to 1.6 meters. The average Falleen can live up to 250 standard years, but in rare cases can live up to 400 years. Aside from being a cold-blooded, reptilian, sentient species, Falleen generally had green or red skin and very symmetrical features. Small scales all over their bodies naturally exude pheromones at their own discretion, and small claws can be found on their fingers and toes. Falleen also have green blood and display spinal and facial ridges, though they are most prominent on the males.

H - Mon Calamari

A fish-like, amphibious humanoid species from the planet Dac. A very idealistic and daring species, Mon Calamari are known for being strategic and orderly. Their system of governance shares several similarities with the Republic, and they were known as excellent pilots. Many Mon Calamari served in the military, becoming instrumental in galactic affairs. The most famous Mon Calamari, hands down, is Admiral Gial Ackbar, while famous Mon Calamari members of the Brotherhood include Troutrooper.

The Mon Calamari have long hailed from the planet Mon Cala, a home they shared with the Quarren species. Tensions can be felt on the planet throughout its history in times of war. An example would be during the Clone Wars, when the Mon Calamari chose to support the Republic, unlike the Quarren who sided with the Confederacy of Independent Systems. Tensions reached a head, causing the Republic to dispatch a peace mission, but in the end, the two species came to blows. With no peaceful solution, the Republic dispatched SCUBA troopers beneath the command of Jedi General Kit Fisto and Padawan Ahsoka Tano. With the Republic's help, the Mon Calamari were successful in fighting off a combined Quarren and Separatist assault on Mon Cala city. The day would have been won, but the Quarren unexpectedly launched a counter-attack using Hydroid Medusases, a species of gigantic jellyfish possessing electrified tentacles.

The Mon Calamari were rounded up by the order of Count Dooku and the population was relocated to internment camps. Without a means to escape, the surviving Mon Calamari forces and their Republic allies had been forced to retreat to nearby caves. From this point, they continued to resist Separatist occupiers. It was all for naught, however, as the Quarren and the Separatists were successful in capturing the majority of the combined resistance with the exception of the Mon Calamari prince and Jedi Tano. In the end, it was a change of heart by Quarren chieftain Nossor Ri that allowed the Mon Calamari, Jedi, Gungans and a few Quarren allies to drive the Separatist Alliance out of Mon Cala. The prince was crowned as the new monarch, a position from which he mended relations between both Calamari and Quarren. At the end of the Clone Wars, with the Jedi exterminated and Palpatine's rise to power as Emperor of the newly-formed Galactic Empire, he subjugated and enslaved the Mon Calamari and occupied Mon Cala. In response, the Mon Calamari threw their weight behind the Alliance to Restore the Republic and played an important role in supplying warships to the Alliance Fleet.

The average height of a Mon Calamari is 1.7 meters. The average Mon Calamari can live up to 80 standard years. Being amphibious humanoids, the Mon Calamari had domed heads, webbed hands and large eyes; these hands also had five claw-tipped fingers and three suction cup-like holes in the palms. Male Mon Calamari had “barbels,” or protrusions, coming out of their chin, and most Mon Calamari had salmon-colored skin, though skin color did occasionally vary. Mon Calamari could use their eyes to look at two different things at once, and often they were used as a way to express emotion. Mon Calamari can breathe water, but they find it uncomfortable and prefer to use organic gills (or oxygen masks) when swimming.

I - Rodian

A reptilian humanoid species from the planet Rodia. Rodians come from a violent culture, and many of them become bounty hunters or mercenaries. However, some of them are also artistic and can be politicians or nobles in Core World societies. Rodians have been known to possibly be Force-sensitive, such as was seen in Wee Dunn.

Rodians hail mostly from their homeworld of Rodia. They would eventually become members of the Galactic Republic by the time that the Invasion of Naboo during the Clone Wars occurred. Despite their citizenship, the Rodian people have become notorious across the galaxy as bounty hunters. Jabba the Hutt employed several Rodians, including a particularly foolish bounty hunter by the name of Greedo. Rodia did eventually receive representation in the Galactic Senate through Senator Onaconda Farr. During the Clone Wars, many Rodian ships were attacked by pirates, leaving Rodia's people starving and impoverished, which led Farr to appeal to the Republic for aide.

When his people received no aid, the senator turned to the Trade Federation, brokering a deal with Nute Gunray to cede control of the planet and Senator Amidala in exchange for much needed supplies. When Amidala traveled to Rodia in an attempt to make out a deal of her own, but was captured by Gunray's droids. Farr experienced second thoughts, turning his support to Amidala thanks to a bit of tomfoolery on the part of future Senator Jar Jar Binks. Believing a Jedi, Binks in disguise, was attacking his forces, the viceroy admitted he had no provisions for the people of Rodia. Gunray was arrested, but unfortunately Farr was murdered at a later date within the Clone Wars.

The Rodians traveled far throughout the galaxy, even reaching Lothal. It was here that a number of them found themselves working beneath the Galactic Empire. Among them were the residents of resettlement camp 43, nicknamed "Tarkintown." Camp 43 was used to hold farmers who had been disowned by the Empire. A Rodian by the name of Tseebo worked for the Imperial Information Office, only to later steal a large portion of data and attempt to flee Lothal. Another Lothal native, Frid Kelio, played grav-ball for the AppSci SaberCats. Needless to say, the digits of the Rodians can be seen marking various points throughout history.

The average height of a Rodian ranges from 1.5 to 1.7 meters. The average life expectancy of a Rodian is yet to be documented. Rodians have green skin and very recognizable faces, which included multifaceted eyes, tapir-like snouts, and head antennae that were used to detect vibrations. They use their snouts to filter the air and their eyes to sense the body heat of prey at nighttime. Rodians also have distinctive hands, possessing long fingers with sucker tips. While some Rodians do grow hair, most have various spines along their skull. Female Rodians also had breasts and mammary glands, despite being a reptilian species.

J - Trandoshans

A large, reptilian humanoid species from the planet Trandosha (also known as Dosha). They are known for being war-like, taking on species such as Wookiees as slaves and allying very early with the Galactic Empire. They have great strength that is recognized throughout the galaxy. The most well-known Trandoshan is Bossk, though he was not a Force-sensitive.

The average height of a Trandoshan is 2 meters. The average Trandoshan can live up to 60 standard years, though Trandoshans can live consistently longer than other sentient species and are considered middle-aged at the age of 55. Trandoshans have scaly skin ranging from glossy green to sandy brown, which is regularly shed once a year. They have two sensitive orange eyes with horizontal black pupils. Each of their limbs ended in three claws, and though they were useful in battle, they made Trandoshans clumsy when it came to dexterity. Trandoshans may be physically powerful, but they can still be easily overcome by their rivals, the Wookiees.

III - Conclusion

These are just a few of the races and species throughout the galaxy. The galaxy is a big place and rumors abound, from stories about living trees to tales about sentient crystals, but this place is a repository of knowledge. There are many more minor species and myths that you can study, including the Undesirables on the Holonet at your own leisure, of course.

Now, if you believe that you have gleaned what you can from the course, feel free to press the button below and begin your exam. Good luck.