Pau'an

Pau'an

Pau'ans were gauntnear-Humans native to theplanetUtapau. Also known asUtapauns andAncients due to their long lifespans, they co-existed on Utapau with theUtai. The twospecies got along well, with the lanky Pau'ans assuming leadership roles on the planet. Though some viewed the Pau'ans as frightening, they were friendly, and were more than happy to welcome visitors to their little-known world. Due to Utapau's remoteness in theOuter Rim Territories, the Pau'ans were isolated for most of their history. However, they played a part ingalactic events in19 BBY, when theConfederacy of Independent Systems conquered Utapau. The Pau'ansopposed the Confederacy with the aid of theRepublic, and later opposed theEmpire, after Imperials took control of their planet following theDeclaration of a New Order.

Biology and appearance[]

The average member of thesentientnear-Human Pau'an, or Utapaun, as they were sometime called,species stood taller than aHuman, at approximately 1.9meters.^[1] They were bald and their head was striped with furrowedgray skin. Pau'ans weighed seventykilograms on average.^[2] Pau'ans had large, sunkenblackeyes in red eye sockets and jagged, fang-like teeth used for tearing into raw meat, as they werecarnivores. The species had pale, wrinkled skin, due to the fact that they lived in thesinkholes ofUtapau, giving them limited access to light. These traits caused some to view them as frightening. However, Pau'ans as a society were generally friendly, and were happy to welcome guests to their often overlookedworld.^[1] Pau'ans had long lifespans, living up to 700years, much longer than theUtai, the other species native to Utapau.^[2] This earned them the nickname of "Ancients". Members of the species were able to see well in darkness. Pau'ans had five fingers and toes, but were more mobile than they appeared. They often wore elaborate clothes intended to heighten their impressive stature.^[1] Most Pau'ans spoke bothUtapese andBasic.^[2]

Society and culture[]

The Pau'ans fulfilled most of the governmental and administrative duties on Utapau, as the Utai did not desire such work, serving as laborers instead. Most Pau'ans served as leaders early in their lives, often managing teams of Utai laborers. This gave them experience that would be used later in their life. Pau'ans were kind leaders, and sympathetic to their subordinates.^[2] Each city on Utapau was controlled by aMaster of Port Administration, a hereditary title reserved for Pau'ans. These administrators were assisted by advisory councils for making important decisions about their city, turning to theUtapauan Security Force when necessary. Each Administrator served on theUtapauan Committee and oversaw planetary governance. However, the committee rarely made crucial decisions, as the cities were able to function on their own most of the time.^[2]

Despite the many differences between the Pau'ans and the Utai, the two species were able to co-exist peacefully, although inhabitants of the different Utapauncities often had conflicts due to philosophical differences. Still, these conflicts rarely developed intobloodshed, and it was more common for the cities to ignore each other. Each city had its own culture, and competition was fierce between the groups. However, they were able to cooperate when the situation necessitated it, such as during theConfederate invasion of the planet in19 BBY.^[1]

Pau'an society was a blend of a variety of styles and cultures, borne from the ancient merger with the Utai. Built into the sinkhole walls, Pau'an settlements such as thePau Cityspaceport were divided into different areas, each a mix of architectural styles and other-worldly design. They liked art, and enjoyed studying sculptures and finding ways to incorporate different artistic styles into their architecture. Pau'ans developed an industrial society, despite their seemingly primitive and natural image, though the Utai were the ones who actually did the hard work. The Utai did not mind, however, and collectively much preferred labor to positions of leadership.^[1] They were able to power their city by wind, harnessing it through massive windmills. Over ninety-nine percent of the planet's power came from these windmills. Most Pau'ans rode living beasts likevaractyls anddactillions instead ofspeeders.^[2] Pau'ans, as well as Utai, were known for their love forPodracing.^[5]

Pau'ans represented 30%—or approximately 28.5 million—of Utapau's total population of 90 million inhabitants.^[6]

History[]

Pau'an civilization began around57,000 BBY. It was believed that settlers traveled to Utapau hoping to find a hospitable world to colonize after the destruction of theirhomeworld. Some created homes in the sinkholes, while others lived on the surface. Over time, the species changed genetically, becoming the Pau'ans and the Utai, two species with many differences but some similarities. Researchers from theUniversity of Sanbra discovered evidence supporting the theory that the two species were related, although exact specifications were not certain.^[2] Eventually, a climate change, causing severe winds, forced the Pau'ans underground, into the sinkholes. The Utai welcomed the Pau'ans, and over time, the two societies merged together to live in a mutually beneficial civilization.Timon Medon was the Pau'an responsible for this, and he was held in high esteem by Pau'ans for his actions. Following the merging of the two cultures, they split into several different groups, forming sinkhole cities scattered across Utapau.Tion Medon, Port Administrator in19 BBY, was named for Timon Medon. Pau'ans represented only about thirty percent of the population on Utapau, though as the administrators and bureaucrats of the sinkhole cities, their influence made up for their lack of numbers.^[1]

Due to trade restrictions placed on them by theTrade Federation, Pau'ans were unable to import many goods such as weapons orstarships, and were forced to create their own technology. As Utapau was located in the distantOuter Rim Territories, few independent traders ventured to their planet; although many ventured there around49 BBY after hearing rumors that thewaters on the planet had miraculous healing properties. There were even claims that Utapau was the original home of theJedi, although these reports were not new; they had originated millennia before. Though the Pau'ans did not want to draw attention to themselves for fear of meeting more powerful cultures who might try to conquer them, they eagerly welcomed visitors who wished to experience the healing for themselves. However, once the water was proven to be nothing more than ordinary water, most people forgot about Utapau, once again leaving it alone.^[2]

The Pau'an culture was disturbed during theClone Wars by theConfederacy of Independent Systems. Though the neutral Utapauns attempted to fight back with severalRendili Star Dreadnaughts, the CIS succeeded in conquering the planet as a stronghold.^[2] Administrator Tion Medon and his aideLampay Fay were forced to hostGeneralGrievous and his allies on Utapau, turning the planet into a Separatist safehouse.^[7] The Pau'ans hid theirstarfighters,Porax-38 fighters, so they would not be used by the Separatist war machine or destroyed.^[8]

With the arrival ofJedi MasterObi-Wan Kenobi, many Pau'ans and Utaifought back against thedroid forces, with the Utai flying their starfighters in an effort to help liberate their planet,^[4] though Utapau was subjugated once more with the formation of theGalactic Empire.^[1] The Empire used the planet's resources with no thought to the native cultures that were affected, and Pau'an captives were shipped asslaves for several Imperial projects, including the colonization ofByss.^[9] Some Pau'ans and Utai created resistance movements, and the different cities were able to unify once more in the face of a great threat.^[2]

Following the liberation of their planet by theNew Republic, they joined the new galactic government, hoping to avoid further enslavement and poor treatment at the hands of the leaders of the galaxy.^[1]Following theYuuzhan Vong War, the Utapauan Committee elected to join theGalactic Alliance, holding democracy as vital to the preservation of the galaxy. When theSith LordDarth Krayt took control of theGalactic Empire, Utapau shelteredAdmiralGar Stazi of theGalactic Alliance Remnant late in thewar after having providing theGA fleet shelter throughout the conflict.^[10]

Condemning thegenocide wrought by theSith onDac, Port AdministratorTelan Medon ofPau City agreed to harbor Stazi and his wounded men deep in the labyrinthine caves that pocketed the capital. Unbeknownst to the Pau'ans, Sith scientistVul Isen had established alaboratory on the planet, conducting illegal experiments on the natives. Located within plain sight in one of Pau City's main precincts, the lab's function was to provide Isen a space to concoct a deadly virus that would wipe all life from Utapau indefinitely. Before Isen could unleash the deadly plague,Jedi KnightCade Skywalker infiltrated the lab and cut Isen down, securing the toxin and saving the Pau'an race from extinction.^[10]

Pau'ans in the galaxy[]

Pau'ans were rarely found on a world other than Utapau, owing mainly to the remoteness of their planet. However, one individual who did achieve notoriety was the Pau'anDarth Desolous, who served as a Jedi prior to his fall to thedark side, when he became aSith. Born in approximately3522 BBY, Desolous joined theJedi Order before being expelled due to his violent tendencies. He turned to the dark side, returned to Utapau, and trained a number of Pau'ans in melee combat. Desolous and his armykilled a number of Jedi before he was defeated and killed by theJedi High Council atYaga Minor.^[11] In another instance,Lar Le'Ung attained the rank of Master within therebuilt Jedi Order by25 ABY, only to die at the beginning of the bloodyYuuzhan Vong War.^[12]

Pau'ans that left Utapau could be found as aides to nobles andsenators. Having Pau'an aides was seen as a status symbol, much like havingCaamasi advisors. As the Pau'ans were skilled leaders, some were recruited by theCorporate Sector Authority to work as managers of corporations. At one point, so many Pau'ans were recruited by companies that the CSA had to intervene and force businesses to take only a limited number of Pau'ans to be managers. However, following the rise of the Empire, Pau'ans were mistreated, and the assistants who had formerly enjoyed pleasant, successful lives were mocked and used as slaves. Imperial nobles used Pau'ans as servants and pets^[2] while female members of the species were used as their concubines.^[13]

At leastone Pau'an joined the Galactic Empire, serving as an interrogator. This particular Pau'an enjoyedtorturing suspects, and would use torture to force them to divulge information. Around0 ABY, he interrogatedPrincessLeia Organa, a member of theRebel Alliance, in an effort to determine the identity of thepilot who haddestroyed the Empire'sDeath Starsuperweapon. This individual was killed by theassassinX-7 before he could force any information from Organa.^[14]

Behind the scenes[]

The Pau'ans were created forStar Wars: Episode IIIRevenge of the Sith, although the planet of Utapau was first conceived for therough draft and later included in thesecond andthird drafts ofA New Hope before being renamedTatooine for the fourth draft.^[15] Utapau was the name forNaboo in thefirst draft ofThe Phantom Menace.^[16] The species first appeared inStar Wars Legends in thesecond issue of theRevenge of the Sith comic adaptation.

The design of the Pau'ans forRevenge of the Sith was originally intended for thenatives ofMustafar. They were designed aslemur-like creatures perGeorge Lucas.^[17] ArtistSang Jun Lee drew some initial sketches of the Pau'an species, andRobert E. Barnes andMike Murnane created sculptures of their faces. The design developed over time and was later changed to the Pau'ans' current appearance asRevenge of the Sith developed.^[18] Their backstory was later expanded on inThe New Essential Guide to Alien Species, andan article onWizards.com. The Pau'ans inRevenge of the Sith were created through a mix of prosthetic makeup effects andcomputer-generated imagery.^[17] The design of their face was inspired by an African tribal mask.^[19]

Appearances[]

• Knights of the Old Republic 17(Appears in hologram)
• Darth Plagueis(andaudiobook)(Mentioned only)
• Kinect Star Wars(Mentioned only)
• Reversal of Fortune
• Star Wars: Episode IIIRevenge of the Sith
• Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith novelization(andunabridged audiobook)
• Star Wars: Episode IIIRevenge of the Sith junior novelization
• Star Wars: Episode III — Revenge of the Sith 2(First appearance)
• Obi-Wan's Foe
• Evasive Action: Recruitment
• Star Wars: The Force Unleashed
• Star Wars: Empire at War: Forces of Corruption(Mentioned only)
• Rebel Force: Hostage
• Invasion 0
• Invasion 2
• Invasion 3
• "Celestia Galactica Photografica" —Star Wars: Visionaries
• Legacy (2006) 49
• Legacy (2006) 50

Sources[]

Explore all of Wookieepedia'simages for this article subject. Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith: The Visual Dictionary The Art of Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith Star Wars: The Official Figurine Collection 8Species and Beings — Two Symbiotic Species: Utapaun Ultimate Missions: Revenge of the Sith Alien Sophistication: Bruce Spence as Tion Medon onStarWars.com(original site is defunct) Star Wars: The Ultimate Visual Guide Star Wars: Complete Locations Star Wars Chronicles: The Prequels Star Wars: The Official Figurine Collection 24Heroes and Villains — Utapaun Administrator: Tion Medon Star Wars: The Complete Visual Dictionary Star Wars Miniatures —Bounty HuntersPack:Utapaun on Dactillion "Aliens of Episode III" —Star Wars Insider 90(reprinted inAliens, Creatures, and Droids) Star Wars: Empire at War: Forces of Corruption Expansion: Prima Official Game Guide The New Essential Guide to Alien Species Starship Battles Preview 6 onWizards.com(original site is defunct) You Can Draw: Star Wars Saga Edition Web Enhancement: The Pau'ans onWizards.com(original site is defunct) Starships of the Galaxy, Saga Edition The Complete Star Wars Encyclopedia The Essential Atlas Dining at Dex's onHyperspace(article) (content obsolete and backup link not available)(Mentioned only) Boga in theDatabank(original site is defunct) Medon, Tion in theDatabank(original site is defunct) P-38 starfighter in theDatabank(original site is defunct) Utapau in theDatabank(original site is defunct) Utapaun in theDatabank(original site is defunct) The Creatures of Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith on the officialStar WarsYouTube channel(backup link)(Posted on StarWars.com) Star Wars: Edge of the Empire Core Rulebook Star Wars: Force Collection(Card: Lampay Fay) Star Wars: What Makes a Monster? Star Wars: Age of Rebellion Core Rulebook Lords of Nal Hutta

Notes and references[]