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Sullustan

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Sullustan

Biological classification

Designation

Sentient^[1]

Classification

Near-Human^[2]

Physical characteristics

Average height

1–1.8meters^[2]

Skin color

Pink,^[2] gray, or light green

Eye color

Black^[3]

Distinctions

Large, darkeyes^[2]
Large, roundedears^[2]
Exceptional hearing^[2]
Scarns
Naturally tucked in cheeks

Sociocultural characteristics

Point of origin

Sullust^[2]

Language

Sullustese^[2]

Sullustans were aspecies ofnear-Humans fromSullust. As skilled pilots and navigators, Sullustans were a common sight for spacers and at busy spaceports. The Sullustans played an important role in theGalactic Civil War and were charter members of theNew Republic. Notable members of the species includeNien Nunb,Ten Numb andDllr Nep.

Biology and appearance[]

Hailing from theplanet Sullust, Sullustans were a diminutivespecies that weregenetically near-Humans despite their distinctive features. Sullustans ranged from 1 to 1.8meters in height^[2] and bore round, tapered skulls. Sullustans were distinguishable for their almond-shaped black eyes, facial jowls calleddewflaps and large, round ears.

Having evolved in the underground of their planet, their wide earlobes provided excellent hearing and a sense of directional sound, and their large eyes provided exceptional low-light vision and excellent peripheral vision. Sullustans could see up to 20 meters in the dark without being sensitive to infra-red, meaning they could effectively read and see normally with no light at all. Perhaps due to their relative lack of exposure to natural light, Sullustans began to suffer from corneal defects after 30 standard years. After significant deterioration, many chose to wear special visors to prevent further damage. Some Sullustans tattooed their heads as a form of individual expression.

Like humans, Sullustans had only a single heart and one stomach. It was very difficult to get a Sullustan drunk, and Sullustans who did get drunk did not suffer hangovers.

Sullustans were pink-skinned and generally hairless, although facial hair was known to occur insome cases in males, as it did with pilotDllr Nep and his white goatee. Cranial hair was rare for males, but females of the species often grew it; it was considered a symbol of individuality and was worn in a manner helping to express this.

Sullustans possessed an exceptional innate sense of direction and intuition since their civilization grew in underground tunnels;^[1] many were able to navigate a path after seeing a map only once. This ability extended to sublight and hyperspace navigation, as well as patrol work, so much so that Sullustans made excellent scouts, pilots and navigators; Sullustan pilots scouted theRimma Trade Route and those who joined theRebel Alliance were put to use foiling Imperial covert operations.

Society and culture[]

Sullustans were outgoing and mercantile, friendly and pragmatic. As a species they were altogether lacking in xenophobia. Though fond of practical jokes and extremely shrewd in their business dealings, they were eager to explore and travelthe galaxy. Inquisitive by nature, some have described Sullustans as reckless, especially for their preference to learn and discover whenever possible through personal experience.

Sullustans organized themselves into familial units known asWarren-clans. Each clan consisted of one polyandrous female, several husbands and their young. Unmated females, known as "Fems", were active members of their communities until they reached the status of "Ready" which marked their breeding years. At the outset of Ready, "Fems" chose their mates and founded their own Warren-clans.

Few Sullustans left their homeworld, but those that did often found employment as pilots ormerchants. Inspired by legends likeMayjeln, Sullustan spacers put their skills as navigators to use and were prized crewers across the galaxy. Because of this, their flowing, staccato language ofSullustese was known to manysmugglers. Sullustan names were often direct translations from Sullustese words and typically consisted of a given name and surname of four letters each.

Burial rites were given particular focus in Sullustan culture, with vast crypts and vaults maintained bycrypt masters. Death, known as "Eternal Sleep", was viewed with great reverence. The most important of these rites as theTomb-walling ceremony, an elaborate funeral procedure. Important leaders and famous Sullustans were entombed in theGallery of Ancestors and theCatacomb of Eminents.

Sullustan religion included a pantheon of gods likeTriakk. Governmentally, Sullustan names referencing nobility is evidence of some form of monarchy, but all recorded history demonstrates the use of democracy, excluding the brief authoritarian takeover by SoroSuub during theGalactic Civil War.

Sullustans were also dedicated to the principles of capitalism and open markets, but were primarily motivated by the possibility of bettering their people, not greed. Sullust's technologically advanced underground cities bristled with shops and markets attractive to tourists from across the galaxy.

Oddly enough, Sullustans eventually replacedWookiees as the galactic experts of the hairstyling business—in spite of the fact that they were almost devoid of hair. TheBarbers of Sullust were renowned for their skill with the cosmetic arts.

History[]

A Sullustan pilot for the Rebel Alliance.

Early in their history, the Sullustans dug extensive networks of underground caves to avoid the inhospitable atmosphere of Sullust, perhaps contributing to the development of their diminutive stature. The caves would eventually develop into beautiful underground cities, such asPiringiisi. The skills developed in engineering their large underground civilization and navigating its tunnels, would later earn them galactic renown as civil engineers, scouts and pilots.

Sullustan interaction with the galaxy began early in recorded history, as they were known aslightsaber scientists for the youngJedi Order. Some records indicate that their developments were crucial in the evolution of the lightsaber to its final form and in the instruction of Jedi in the creation process.

By as early as5500 BBY, Sullustan merchants had become common sights, and pioneered new hyperlanes like theRimma Trade Route.

Deep mines were built on Sullust and its moons, and the profits were used to develop Sullustan technology. By1000 BBY, the mines on Sullust's moonUmnub had been tapped.

Sullustan technological development flourished, eventually giving rise to theSoroSuub Corporation. While a diversified corporation, its major holdings in mining and refinement made it a charter member of theCommerce Guild. A Sullustan also sat on theTrade Federation Directorate in33 BBY and another acted as the commander of theTechno Union's Bulwark Fleet, but is unknown if they acted as a representatives of Sullust, SoroSuub, or a third party. SoroSuub came to dominate the Sullustan economy, employing over half the Sullustan population. In32 BBY, a constitutional amendment passed allowing SoroSuub shareholders to vote inSullustan Council elections, effectively making the post of SoroSuub CEO and Council President the same. Ostensibly, SoroSuub sided with theConfederacy of Independent Systems during theClone Wars, although it is unknown if the general Sullustan population supported the Confederacy.

Sullustan pilot and member of , . — Sullustan pilot and member ofRogue Squadron,Dllr Nep.

SoroSuub was an early supporter of theGalactic Empire, forcing increasingly stringent measures on the Sullustans to secure lucrative Imperial contracts. In2 BBY, SoroSuub ChairmanSiin Suub approvedCorporate Proclamation 137d, which declared a complete political, economic and military takeover of Sullust by the SoroSuub Corporation. The same proclamation formally aligned Sullust with the Empire and issued a strong denouncement of the growing Rebel Alliance.

With the transition to corporatocracy, crackdowns against dissidence came swiftly. Traditionally loyal to SoroSuub, many Sullustans began to question their new government's support of the Empire. The decreasing work conditions and open enslavement of Sullustans was the last straw for many. Notable Sullustans likeSian Tevv andNien Nunb could take no more, with the former founding the Sullustan resistance and the latter beginning a series of raids against SoroSuub shipping.

TheSullustan resistance movement chose not to join the Alliance initially, fearing Imperial retribution, although Nunb's raids were sufficiently disruptive to merit the arrival of anImperial-class Star Destroyer to support theSullustan Home Guard. Despite the movement's decision, many Sullustans chose to join the Alliance independently, including Nunb and his raiders.

Before theBattle of Yavin, as a part ofOperation Strike Fear, Sullust was assaulted and Sullustan tech staff and leaders were abducted.Red Squadron rescued them and the Sullustans were convinced to join the Alliance but theGalactic Empire responded by capturing the Sullustan leader (perhapsSian Tevv) on the planet. However, he was freed before being delivered to the Emperor.

Crix Madine and the Sullustans came up with a plan to stop the operation by destroying theInvincible and ended the terror.

Although not a formal member of the Alliance, the numerous Sullustan sacrifices earned them a seat on theRebel Alliance Advisory Council by2 ABY—an honor reserved for the species who suffered the greatest loss of life in the Rebellion's struggle.

, a pilot who joined the . — Ten Numb, aB-wing starfighter pilot who joined theAlliance to Restore the Republic.

A few months before theBattle of Endor, Tevv's resistance fighters succeeded in overthrowing the Imperial-aligned SoroSuub leaders and formally joined the Alliance. Perhaps as a symbol of their victory, the Tevv convincedMon Mothma to rally theAlliance Fleet at Sullust for their jump toEndor. Trouble quickly started to brew, however, as mercenaries claiming to be working for the Sullustans attackedBorsk Fey'lya, apparently due to an old grudge held against the Bothan people after the Bothans didn't inform them of an attack against the Sullustans that could have been avoided if they'd known. The attack nearly tore apart the Alliance. It turned out, however, that the mercenaries were being hired by Imperial agents. Thankfully, the crisis was resolved quickly, though the culprit was never caught. The Rebels massed at Sullust and carried out their plans for the Battle of Endor as intended. During the battle, Nunb served asLando Calrissian's co-pilot aboard theMillennium Falcon, something which Sullustans considered a cause for pride.

Following the victory at Endor, SoroSuub was brought back under the control of Sullustans and the Council reinstated. Under Tevv, the Sullustans earned a seat on the Provisional Council and were initial signatories of theDeclaration of a New Republic. Following suit, SoroSuub became a major supplier to theNew Republic. The Sullustans were ardent supporters of the New Republic, particularly as officers in theNew Republic Defense Fleet.

As of25 ABY, the Council was responsible for all internal and foreign affairs, and shared civil responsibilities with SoroSuub. Through theYuuzhan Vong War, Sullustan military officers under the leadership ofAdmiral Sien Sovv played major roles in the defense of key targets.

Sullustans in the galaxy[]

While Sullustans were known for remaining on their homeworld, small communities could be found scattered across theOuter Rim. Normally found in commercial ventures and on worlds along major trade routes, Sullustans were counted in notable populations onAridus,Eloggi,Gelgelar,Roon,Thaere Privo,Trieron, andVandelhelm.

Din Tinray was born deaf, and was helpless and ostracized because of it. She sawDoctor Rachael Tikaris for help, and the doctor provided her with a new ear, allowing her to be welcomed back into society.^[4]

In3951 BBY,Akkere was a trader and traveler, who also fought for theKhoonda Militia on the planetDantooine.^[5]

During theCold War between the Republic and theSith Empire, two Sullustans namedFekk andGelss werepirates aboard theAuriga Fire.^[6]

Another Sullustan during the Cold War,Bashrar, served theHutt crime lord Voontara Fa'athra.Usser was asergeant in theRepublic Army and was stationed on the planetVoss.^[7]

Feen Fenoob was a Sullustan gambler shortly before theBattle of Naboo who was sliced in half byDarth Maul.^[8]

During the Clone Wars,Benb served as atechnician underGilad Pellaeon on theRepublic Navy Acclamator-class assault shipLeveler.^[9]

Jander Bibbbi wascaptain of theJackpot, aYT-1300 light freighter that was owned by the crime lordNirama.^[10]

Borkus owned a diner,Power Sliders, on the backwater planetAbafar.^[11]

As a journalist,Den Dhur observed events on the war-torn worlds ofDrongar andJabiim.^[12]

Sullustans were also known to have been represented by members within the Jedi Order.Jedi Master Synred Vols was on the planetAlmas, where his body was found.^[13]

Jedi Padawan Elora Sund was stationed fought in theBattle of Jabiim during the Clone Wars.^[14]

Darrin Arkanian was a Jedi Master in the waning days of theGalactic Republic and an initial survivor ofOrder 66.^[15]^[16]Dllr Nep was aForce-sensitive member ofRogue Squadron.^[17] After his death, he manifested aForce ghost.^[18]

During the Galactic Civil War, many Sullustans were used as slave soldiers by theZann Consortium.^[19]Futor's Network was an office ran byFutor, a Sullustaninfochant onOmze's Incredible Traveling Starport.^[20]Habbala Brupt was aspy for the Empire, and was stationed on theYevethan worldN'zoth, were he wound upexiled to theValley of Rejection.^[21]Jalus Nebl served as a freighter pilot for theBesadii kajidic onYlesia, however he was allergic to theglitterstim spice he was supposed to transport.^[22]Jilaa San was a female Sullustan who worked as a technician at theDented Droid onthe Wheel.^[23]Dr'uun Unnh was the Rebel scout who surveyedYavin 4.^[24]

Aubro Ahntanda was a Sullustan slaver who had business withSibarra the Hutt,^[25] and the SullustanDawn Arkanian was known throughout the galaxy as "Thila", a ruthless slaver, however the "Thila" identity was simply a ruse so she could free all the slaves she purchased, with the help of the Rebel Alliance.^[15] The demolitions expert and smugglerZenn Bien stole theSecond Chance from anImperial impound lot overNilash III, and used it to steal parts from a newInterdictor-class Star Destroyer for the Rebel Alliance. She fully joined the Rebel Alliance after the Battle of Yavin, and her fellow Sullustan Rebel Nien Nunb flew in theSecond Chance during the Battle of Endor with Lando Calrissian, although it had been rechristened theMillennium Falcon.^[19] Another demolitions expert and member of the Rebel Alliance,Ten Numb, piloted aA/SF-01 B-wing starfighter during the Battle of Endor, and after the battle he used it to help put out fires on the forest moon.^[26]T'nun Bdu was intercepted in his ship, theSullustan, byNatasi Daala, but when her men found heavy weapons, communications equipment, and prefabricated building material that could be used to aid the rebellion, she had his ship destroyed after he sent a message.^[27]Kiara Schmong sold technology derived from the Separatist shipMalevolence, as well asE-wing escort starfighters, to theKaarenth Dissension.^[28]

During the Yuuzhan Vong War, the female Sullustan pilotLeth Liav was captured by theYuuzhan Vong, and launched at the planetBorleias. She was saved byTwin Suns Squadron, and later joinedRogue Squadron.^[29] Sien Sovv was thesupreme commander of theNew Republic and laterGalactic Alliance Defense Force during the Yuuzhan Vong War.^[30]Jae Juun was a smuggler whose copilot was anEwok namedTarfang during theDark Nest Crisis. TheBothan admiral Nek Bwua'tu offered them contracts to work for the Galactic Alliance,^[31] and they later met Han and Leia Organa Solo onKashyyyk before theBattle of Kashyyyk.^[32] Another Sullustan,Fiav Fenn, served as acolonel aboard theDodonna under the command ofMatric Klauskin, and laterTarla Limpan, during theSecond Galactic Civil War.^[33]Jaius Yorub was the captain of theIndomitable,Gar Stazi'sflagship, during theSecond Imperial Civil War.^[34]

Behind the scenes[]

In hisReturn of the Jedi novelization (1983), which contains the first published description of a Sullustan,James Kahn uses the phrase "a jowled, mouse-eyed creature." This exact phrase is repeated in the first edition (1984) ofA Guide to the Star Wars Universe's Nien Nunb entry. Curiously, the firstStar Wars Sourcebook (1987) changes this phrase to "jowled, mouse-eared" in its description of Sullustans. One can only assume this is a transcription error from one of those earlier texts, as there's nothing mouse-like about Sullustan ears, which the accompanying photo in the Sourcebook makes plain. (Sullustan ears are basically an oversized variant of human ears.) But this exact, erroneous phrase was propagated in numerous subsequent reference works, including the 1998Star Wars Encyclopedia and the 2010 SullustanDatabank entry. In 2011, the Nien Nunb entry in theonline Encyclopedia,^[35] which replaced the Databank, restored the original "mouse-eyed" wording.