Khil

Last Updated: 12/7/2023

Name: Khil

Humanoid: Yes

Classification: Near-Human/Alternative

Homeworld: Belnar

Coloration: Green or Gray

Biology: Khil were a near-Human species originating from the swampy, water world of Belnar. They stood approximately the same height as the average Human, with the same general body shape, size, size, weight, and build, and their biology was supposedly even close enough to baseline Humans to allow them to mate. Khil also often lived longer than the average species, although to what extent is unknown.

Khil generally had variations of green skin, and their bodies were hairless. They had noses akin to that of humans, pointed ears, and did not have traditional mouths. Instead, they had a series of tentacles hanging from their upper lip all the way down to their neck, known as the “Hullepi.” This made them visually similar to another, more aquatic species, the Quarren. The Hullepi were hollow, and the holes on the tips were used for both breathing and vocalization. This made their voices very fluty and melodic. They also used these tendrils to intake sustenance. While they could process most foods, they preferred to submerge themselves in the swamps of Belnar to absorb nutrients from the surrounding water and algae. They had the ability to vocalize Galactic Basic, although they preferred to use their native language, Khilese.

Society: The Khil prioritized both hard work and ambition, attempting to become the best at whatever craft they set their minds to. Because of this, they were incredibly versatile and were hired in a multitude of positions all across the galaxy, including musicians, tour guides, engineers, inventors, pilots, scientists, entrepreneurs, politicians, and farmers. They hated downtime or laziness, which found them sometimes coming off as arrogant or unpleasant to non-Khil species who were just trying to enjoy their lives.

While Khil were not considered “aquatic” or “amphibious,” they still loved to live in marshlands, as that was where they derived nutrients, as well as their very scarce downtime. Wherever they went, they would create biomes similar to that of Belnar that they would call their homes. These swamps were known to be very beautiful, and often became tourist attractions on any world they were created.

Khil preferred to live in smaller communities, and thus quickly spread out from Belnar, colonizing dozens of other worlds that they also called home. Because of this, the Khil preferred to be called “citizens of the galaxy” instead of hailing from any specific world. They were incredibly territorial about their colonies, and knew how to put up a fight should someone try and claim their land for their own. Because they were so technologically advanced and able to integrate almost any outside form of technology into their own, they quickly gained many technological defenses and weapons that helped them keep their stakes out claims.

Despite this, they did have a certain charm to them. They were very hard and humble workers, and if you were to push past their driven and arrogant facades, you would find a species who love what they do, no matter how hard it is. Khil loved to meet new people and try new things (as long as those people and things didn’t want to take their colonies away from them) and they could be a very welcoming and hospitable species under the right circumstances. They really did base their existence around serving the galaxy, no matter the cost.

The Khil were among the first alien species to join the Galactic Republic, contributing their warriors to serve the Republic thousands of years before the Clone Wars, as well as being some of the most important political anchors, strategic military leaders, and even gave way to some powerful Jedi. They supported the Republic up until the end of the Clone Wars, although their involvement and voice slowly diminished over time due to the dispersing of their people and slowly growing idealistic divide.

When the Empire rose to power, they were initially very strong supporters, appreciating all of the hard work and effort was put into the system. However, the Empire took advantage of this support and appointed an Imperial governor to each of their colonies, including Belnar. They didn’t outwardly oppose the oppression at first, but they began to conspire with the Khil authority figures on how to protest the takeovers. On one of their colonies, Merakai, a group of Khil began publicly protesting the construction of Imperial facilities being built, which led to the massacre of a crowd. After this moment, many Khil flocked to the Rebel Alliance, and they were one of the very first species to join the New Republic as well.

Legends/Canon: Khil only exist in Legends at the moment, although their homeworld, Belnar, has been canonized so there’s still hope! The one thing that cannot be added even if it does transition, however, is their inclusion in the battle against the Yuuzhan Vong. They helped the New Republic battle the otherworldly invaders, deploying a multitude of troops and technologies. Unfortunately, their efforts were ultimately in vain.

Unexplored: The Khil have been explored fairly thoroughly in Legends. However, since they have yet to be added to the current Canon, it is up in the air what details will be left intact and which ones they’ll want to omit.

Additional Notes: This species actually has some incredible lore, always working behind the scenes as “citizens of the galaxy.” I do not think the Khil will be added back to Canon anytime soon. They were just a fun attempt by old Legends writers to add a miniature Cthulhu to the galaxy, and while I like the design, it is so incredibly similar to that of the Quarren that they may need some sort of slight redesign before be reintroduced. Overall, I really enjoy this species and I want to see it a lot more, so get writing!

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