Species

The Star Wars galaxy contains a bewildering variety of species, each with its own unique outlook and civilization. Although Humans dominate the known galaxy, there are many intelligent alien species that can be encountered wherever you travel.

Humans live among the Core Worlds, throughout the Mid Rim, and even on the worlds of the Outer Rim territories. Most of the alien species have their own homeworlds and colonies, but individuals can be found anywhere, thanks to the prevalence of hyperspace travel. The promise of profit and power often lure members of all species to the same areas, including spaceports and metropolitan cities.

Sometimes it’s easy to believe that all Rodians are outlaws or all Wookiees are short-tempered, but the truth is that every member of every species is unique. Depending on the era in which your campaign is set, nonhuman species have different advantages or disadvantages, as explained in the Era Notes: Species sidebar below.

Knights of the Old Republic Campaign Guide, page 8.

In the days of the Old Republic, as in all Star Wars eras, a variety of species thrive throughout the galaxy, Even thouh Humans dominate the galactic governments and corporations, many other species hold prominent positions of power. The colonization of the galaxy expands during this era, however the number of inhabited worlds is comparatively fewer than in the classic era. Less common species live on Republic worlds, but they are likely to be fewer in number, and reside in their own enclaves.

Relations between species are more varied than during the classic era. Some worlds have few conflicts, with each species considering others more or less their equal. On other planets, species in the minority might be restricted to certain areas or have fewer rights than dominant species. This might be true even on planets that consider themselves to be among the most civilized in the galaxy. Non-Human species on the planet Taris, for instance, are not welcome un the Upper City during certain periods of this era. Characters might find their efforts and adventures hampered by such attitudes, but player might find such conflicts useful points for their character backgrounds.

Any of the common species available during the Rise of the Empire era are suitable for a Knights of the Old Republic campaign. However, primitive species such as Gungans and Ewoks leave their homeworlds only in rare and unusual circumstances. The remaining species presented in the Saga Edidion core rulebook, along with the species presented in this chapter, are all appropriate ofr a Knights of the Old Republic campaing.1

Choosing a Species

The Rebellion (10 BBY to 5 ABY)
The Empire was particularly entrenched with anti-alien sentiments. During this period of galactic history, most alien species were either enslaved or subjugated by the Empire. In the Outer Rim, nonhuman species continued to carry on their lives as normally as they were able, but in the more civilized regions, nonhumans were relegated to the status of second-class citizens—or worse. Many aliens joined the Rebellion, fighting alongside Humans in an effort to throw off the shackles of oppression and tyranny. Ewoks show up late in this era, during the Battle of Endor, and free Wookiees rarely appear due to their statues as slaves of the Empire. Late in this era, with the decline of the Empire and the birth of the New Republic, nonhumans once again take a prominent role in the affairs of the galaxy.

After you roll your ability scores and before you write them on your character sheet, choose your character’s species. At the same time, you’ll want to select your character’s class, since species affects how well the character can do in each class. Once you’ve decided your character’s species and class, assign ability scores to particular abilities. Alter the scores according to the species ability modifiers (see specific species) and continue detailing your character.

You can play a character of any species the GM allows, but certain species do better pursuing certain classes.

Your character’s species provides plenty of clues as to the sort of person they are, how they feel about characters of other species, and what motivates them. Remember, however, that the species descriptions only apply to the majority of people. In each species, some individuals diverge from the norm, and your character can be one of these. Don’t let a description hinder you from detailing your character as you like.