Ongree

Last Updated: 12/6/2023

Name: Ongree

Humanoid: Yes

Classification: Amphibious

Homeworld: Skustell

Coloration: Orange, Yellow, Green

Biology: The Ongree had a very peculiar and unique biological structure, with most non-Ongree perceiving their head to be attached upside down. They had muscular bodies with prominent joints, broad shoulders, and often times semi-hunched backs. Their skin was usually orange or yellow in coloration, although they have been seen with brown or even green pigmentation. They also had four-fingered hands, with two incredibly long fingers located directly across from one to two smaller “thumbs.”

Their heads were the most recognizable aspect of the species, with a massive, toothy, downturned mouth sitting in the center of their face. They possessed no lips, nor a pronounced nose, although there were four nostrils on their face (below their mouth). Their eyes were located on two eyestalks protruding from the lower sides of their head, well below their mouth. These eyes could move independently, giving the Ongree a large field of view. The eyeballs themselves were massive and usually red or orange in coloration, with their pupils taking on something of a three-pronged “Y” shape. The top of their head was tapered and ridged. And on their chins there were around six tentacle-like sensory lobes of varying length, although the exact purpose of these is currently unclear.

The Ongree are considered an amphibious species, although they are perfectly comfortable living completely on land or in water. Despite their large, somewhat awkward bodies, they were incredibly proficient swimmers underwater, and surprisingly agile on land. Being naturally muscular and usually standing over 2 meters in height, they were also known for their strength. From what we know, they had an above average midi-chlorian count, with many of them becoming Jedi. It is possible that this is linked to the fact that their minds and perception differ from most other species, supposedly being able to perceive things “at all angles.” They had the ability to speak Basic, although they were more comfortable speaking their own language of Ongreenen. Their lifespans were said to be approximately 90 standard years in length.

Lore: The Ongree were renowned for being level-headed negotiators. Their minds processed information differently than most, and because of their ability to see and perceive multiple views and angles independently due to their unique eyes, they were often able to see the broadest, most unbiased opinions and solutions to problems. This made them a valuable asset to the Galactic Republic, a government which they were apart of for over 25,000 years. Often times you could find Ongree as mediators or diplomats, as well as senators and representatives.

We know that the Ongree were native to Skustell, which was covered mostly by water. And while local Ongree lived in the water, the Ongree found throughout other parts of the galaxy never mentioned needing to live near or in water, so it must have been a preference. Ongree native to Skustell and/or allies of the Republic were generally a peaceful people, although some served in the Republic fleets pre-Clone Wars, while other became Jedi. Ongree Jedi were incredibly powerful and agile, but were also scholars, peacekeepers, and ones known for giving wise counsel.

The same could not be said for many of the Ongree just found throughout the galaxy. Because of their intellect and ability to see and comprehend every angle of a problem, many crime bosses employed and corrupted a number of Ongree, some of whom became crime lords themselves. They were both physically and mentally terrifying, and served as aides and strategists for pirates and even the Black Sun criminal organization. They were also prone to forming cults, which had fairly catastrophic effects of their own.

Legends/Canon: Because of their inclusion in the Prequel films and Star Wars: The Clone Wars, the Ongree were Canon from the get-go. A lot of the basic information about them, including their homeworld and biology, has remained Canon since their inception as well. However, their involvement with the Old Republic no longer exists, relegated to the EU. Additionally, in Legends, during the Clone Wars, a large number of Ongree started a cult to worship Darth Revan. And while Revan is now technically Canon in name, these details about this species’ past and potential allegiances are not. We do know that the species have canonically been longtime members of the Galactic Republic, so a lot of their other general info can be more or less inferred.

Unexplored: So with most of their history and lore wiped for Canon (although there wasn’t all too much to begin with), the species can really be taken in any direction. A race this strange-looking is bound to have some pretty unique traditions and cultural practices, so be creative in exploring what makes this already distinct species all the more memorable. What exactly is Skustell like? Are their cities underwater or above? Have they always been peaceful, near-pacifistic, or did they once suffer from civil wars or even conflicts with neighboring systems?

How exactly does their psychology play out in their head? Can you capture their thought process with words, or is it just too abstract? How do they view the galaxy when they are able to comprehend every angle? How twisted is their supposedly unbiased viewpoint if they use their intellect for evil? And what exactly would a major villain be like if he was an Ongree (horrifying to say the least)?  How do other species perceive their appearance? And are any of the kind Ongree ever hurt when someone considers them ugly or refuses to speak with them because of their appearance?

How long have they been a part of the Republic, and did they ever consider leaving? What happened to them after the fall of the Republic and the Galactic Empire? Did they retreat to their homeworld and hideaway like the Iktotchi, or choose to fight alongside the Rebellion like the Mon Calamari? Did any participate in the Battle of Exegol? And if you are exploring Legends, are they somehow related to the Rakatans? There’s so many other unique questions you can ask because of how bizarre this species is at it’s core.

Additional Notes: This is by far one of my favorite species to come out of the initial Prequel era. They, alongside the Vurk, have such interesting philosophies (and they also both had Jedi seated on the council during the Prequels who happened to be named Coleman). There are so many avenues you can take an Ongree character, both good and evil, and official Star Wars creators have distinctly noted how creepy their visage is in the past. Their design is just so memorable, and expansion they got during The Old Republic, while not Canon, is still a fantastic touch!

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