Mimbanese

Last Updated: 12/6/2023

Name: Mimbanese

Humanoid: Yes

Classification: Near-Human/Alternative

Homeworld: Mimban

Coloration: Red

Biology: The Mimbanese were a somewhat frightening humanoid species hailing from the muddy planet of Mimban. Mimbanese were bipedal, with the same general height, weight, build, and frame as the average Human. They had thick, scaly skin that was generally a dark reddish color, allowing them to blend in with the mud of their homeworld. They had a mouth full of pointy teeth indicative of a carnivorous species. They also had no protruding nose, but still sported wide nostril slits. Their eyes were very large and alien, taking on a black, glassy, marble-like appearances. They had a ridge of spikes above their eyes in place of eyebrows, and were completely hairless. They were able to pronounce Galactic Basic, albeit with strange inflections or something almost resembling a natural voice filter.

Lore: The Mimbanese were a very bountiful and powerful people, apparently forming one of the largest militias in the galaxy at one point. This often drew the attention of outside forces, and they were quickly overwhelmed as they were often drawn into what ever war the galaxy was currently hosting. During the Clone Wars, they were invaded by the Separatists, but struck a deal with the Galactic Republic for support. This landed them a spot on the Galactic Senate, and the support from two deployments of Clones, the 501st Legion and the 224th Division, the latter specifically trained for combat on muddy worlds such as this. Mimban would remain allied with the Republic until the rise of the Empire.

Unfortunately, the Empire deemed their massive, still active militia a threat, and were faced with much resistance as they tried to subdue Mimban. To make things worse, they redeployed the 224th, now a Stormtrooper division, to take back the world. This fight quickly became a battle of attrition, pitting old allies against each other. The Empire were ill equipped for such a campaign, and the Mimbanese, who were used to living in their subterranean homes, utilized the land to their advantage. They created massive traps, trenches, underground’s networks, and fox holes, turning what should have been a fairly easy victory into one of the Empire’s bloodiest campaigns. As the war neared it’s conclusion, they were approached by the Rebellion, which they quickly sided with. They were given a place in the New Republic, and became one of it’s most prominent fighting forces for a time.

The relationship between the Mimbanese and Mimban’s other native species, the green-skinned Mimbanites or “Greenies,” currently remains unclear. Both species seemed to keep to themselves, not generally associating with each other on the norm. The Mimbanites were viewed as much more cowardly than their peers, never formally taking up arms against either the CIS forces or the invading Galactic Empire, instead leaving the fighting to the Mimbanites and their various allies. Still, the Empire began to suspect that the thieving, lowlife Mimbanites may have been serving as spies for the Mimbanese, although this paranoia was never officially justified. It is unclear if the two species united following the Empire’s collapse, or if they entered the New Republic together with a newfound sense of comradery.

Legends/Canon: The Mimbanese only exist in Canon, although they have a Legends counterpart known as the Coway. They seem to be a mixture of the Coway and the Mimbanites, the other native race to Mimban, although they technically are just the Canon Coway going by a different name. The species as they are known now made their first Canon appearance in Solo: A Star Wars Story, and played a massive role in Han Solo’s backstory, despite only appearing onscreen for but a moment.

Unexplored: Since we are treating them as a species completely separate from the Coway (who I have decided to give their own article), then the Mimbanese really are open to any form of exploration. They hold a very special part in the various major galactic wars, and are featured fairly prominently throughout the Canon, despite not actually being shown very often. What still needs to be explored is their personal feelings on various matters. We always see them fighting, but did they feel betrayed when the 224th turned on them? Did it take them a while to trust again, leading to their own personal war efforts before finally turning to the Rebel Alliance? What were their thoughts on the New Republic?

We know they lived underground, but why? Was it because of their planet’s constant storms, because they felt much more comfortable in the dark, because of a territory dispute with the Mimbanites, or just because? What was their economy like during and between wars? And did they have any unique traditions, cultural practices, philosophies, or religions? They were generally regarded as having an unsettling appearance in-universe, and if so, did that bother them or were they just oblivious to it? What were there relationships with the Mimbanites at any given point, and did they share a common ancestor, or did they evolve independently (what the Mimbanites look like in Canon will serve as a major indicator)?

Additional Notes: As you have seen above, I think this species has some amazing potential that hasn’t truly been realized yet. They were on the losing side of a war, then they were one the winning side, then they were on the losing side, and if they joined up with the Resistance, then they would continue the cycle by winning and possibly losing once again. The day I originally wrote this article, the trailer for Star Wars Squadrons was released, and lo and behold, there is a Mimbanese (Kierah Koovah) front and center, which helped confirmed for us their overall allegiance to the New Republic. We can only hope they will have an even bigger role to play in the future, and I will update this article when that happens. Both as a species and individually, there is so much potential here, so definitely consider adding the Mimbanese to your next WIP, no matter when and where it may take place!

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