Selkath

Last Updated: 2/7/2024

Name: Selkath

Humanoid: Yes

Classification: Amphibious

Homeworld: Manaan

Coloration: Varied

Biology: Selkath were amphibious creatures who evolved millennia ago from a predatory fish known simply as the Firaxan Shark. They had two lobes extending off of the front of their oblong heads that presumably assisted their senses underwater (and all Selkath tend to stroke these lobes when deep in thought or conversation, which could either be due to habit, or it possibly a way of stimulating their brain). Most female Selkath also had 1.5 to 2 meter long tentacles that protruded from the back of their head, although, besides that, they looked almost completely identical to their male counterparts. Their average height, weight, and size could vary widely, with some standing upwards of 2 meters, while others were much shorter, yet muscular and stocky, with thick torsos and limbs.

Usually, however, Selkath stood just a head shorter than the average Human, usually around 1.5 meters tall, and often carried themselves with a slumped, hunchbacked posture, making them seem even shorter than they actually were. They preferred existing perpetually underwater, and were excellent swimmers, possessing both hidden gills as well as true lungs. They seem to be able to live indefinitely on land, however, it was rather uncomfortable for them, and many wore apparatuses that constantly misted their bodies to keep them moist. The tops of their heads often took on the pattern of “light on an ocean floor,” and used this coloration as camouflage from predators above them, incredibly similar to sharks or rays. The color of the sea floor where they lived contributed to the natural progression and evolution of their many unique multi-colored skin patterns, and they have been observed as being about every coloration possible. They were also occasionally seen with spikes extending from the upper-back portions of their heads.

Selkath eyes allowed for for a wider range of view, although they seemingly had a blind spot in the center of their field of vision that could impair their eyesight at times (although this was seemingly less of a problem underwater). They could also extend and retract the poison tipped claws on their hand, allowing them to slice at and stun, or on rare occasions kill, enemies. Selkath lifespans averaged out at around 100 years long, making them slightly longer lived than most galactic denizens. Selkath could also speak Galactic Basic Standard fairly well, though often stuck to their gargled native tongue, Selkatha, which sounded much better below water than above. It was a hard language for non-Selkath to master, but we know it was possible.

Their brains were easily susceptible to “memetic hazards” and Force-based mind tricks, and when the last remaining Firaxan Shark, simply known as the “Progenitor,” still dwelling on Manaan emits it’s high pitched sonic wailing, all Selkath within range of the call will go into an uncontrollable, primal rage, attacking and killing all non-Selkath around them (as well as sometimes even attacking each other) until the effects eventually wear off. They find these occasions incredibly disturbing, and apologize immensely after they have lost control, although they are fortunate these episodes are incredibly rare and localized. It was pretty common for Selkath to be Force Sensitive, presumably meaning they had an elevated baseline midi-chlorian count, although that has yet to be expressly stated as of yet.

Lore: Selkath society has always been firmly rooted in peace and ingenuity. They strongly believe that sentient races should not engage in petty violence or infighting as their primal ancestors had done. In fact, any Selkath who does commit crime or engage in hostilities is shamed by their peers, and treated as a savage, or someone who is not completely evolved like the others. Instead, many Selkath apply themselves to careers that helpothers, becoming inventors who design amazing tools, objects, artifacts, architecture, and even some self-defense weaponry, such as the vibroblade. They also harvest and manufacture a unique healing agent known as “Kolto,” which served as Manaan’s main source of bustling economic growth for millennia. Unfortunately, around the time Bacta became a widespread commodity, the market crashed, many of the Manaan’s Kolto taps ran dry, and the planet went into a deep recession, turning to other lesser inventions and exports in an attempt revitalize their economy.

Strict moral codes and honor were also an extremely big deal among the Selkath, and while they did possess venom tipped claws, they refrained themselves from ever using them, as that was a primitive and dishonorable thing to do. Any rogue Selkath who left Manaan and pursued life as a mercenary or bounty hunter were said to have brought great shame to the species as a whole, and were subsequently shunned by their communities and their families indefinitely. The Selkath chose not to associate themselves with any sides or faction during global conflict, and usually remained neutral, selling their Kolto and other goods to any potential buyer. They remained fairly independent during the Old Republic, High Republic, and Clone Wars eras, only assisting the Republic every once in a while when necessary. By the time the Galactic Civil War had begun, they had gained a reputation for being “cowardly” due to their refusal to ever take a stance on galactic matters, and so they finally chose to stand up against the galactic Empire to prove their detractors wrong. Unfortunately, the Empire quickly retaliated and overtook the entire planet of Manaan, quickly putting the Selkath back into their place and commandeering their industries.

We do know a little bit about their earliest history, being first visited by the Rakatan Infinite Empire shortly after they had developed sentience, who subsequently enslaved the entire species and used them as one of their many massive species-wide workforces. It wasn’t until the Rakatans finally lost their influence that the Selkath were first freed, leading to their disdain for being told what to do by higher powers, which is why they declined the Galactic Republic’s invitation to join. Still, many Selkath secretly supported the Republic, lending their services and sending aide to Republic-allied worlds when they could do so without drawing attention to themselves for fear of breaking treaties or laws. Around 4,000 BBY the Sith Empire kidnapped and brainwashed a number of Selkath children, leading to a generation of violent Sith-sympathizers and Selkath Sith Lords, that was followed by a strong anti-Sith rhetoric for the rest of their existence, though the Selkath’s love for the Jedi Order and their peaceful teachings only grew.

The Selkath also seemed to worship, or at the very least revere, the last “Progenitor.” While it was the sole remaining remnant their ancient ancestors, they regard it as a different species entirely, and still refuse to hold it accountable for when it drives them mad and forces them to dishonor themselves due to it’s primal, supernatural commands, as they believe it only does so as a defense mechanism when offworlders get too close to Manaan’s large, raw, untapped Kolto supply. Those involved with the Bacta industry unjustly judged the Selkath as being malicious, with some Republic Senators even falsely accusing them of being responsible for the Great Hyperspace Disaster due to the damage it caused to the Hetzal System, home to one of the galaxy’s premiere Bacta producers. Fortunately, the Selkath were too busy performing humanitarian acts and cleaning their seas of pollution to pay any mind to the blame temporarily being leveled against them.

Legends/Canon: While the Selkath debuted within the EU, they and many elements surrounding them are Canon. They do have some EU-exclusive lore thanks to their heavy inclusion within KOTOR and SWTOR, primarily regarding their early history, involvement with the Jedi and Sith, and everything that has to do with “Progenitor,” although they also now have some Canon-only history via their inclusion with The High Republic!

Unexplored: The Selkath have honestly already been explored A LOT, though mostly only in the EU at this point. Being one of the defining Old Republic species makes them pretty special, and their consistent appearances only continue to flesh them out while also giving better looks into their anatomical diversity and individual characteristics. Still, there could be more fleshed out details in some aspects, especially when it comes to Canon, so the following are some questions that pinpoint elements we could learn even more about! When exactly did the Rakatans first come across the Selkath, and how long after they had fully evolved from the Firaxan Sharks and developed true sapience did that take place? When they were finally freed, did they immediately begin to develop their deep sea cities, or did it take possibly millennia for them to recover and start to build?

When were they first infiltrated by the Sith, and why were they a prime target for kidnapping and Sith conversion? How many major events were they pulled into despite their attempts to remain neutral? What percentage of the population desired to be a part of the Republic, and were there ever any major political debates or divisions caused by these allegiances? How common was it to see the Jedi visit Manaan throughout the years, and when exactly did their economy collapse and their Kolto reserves run dry? Had they bled the entire planet dry, or were there many untapped Kolto pockets or veins that they just didn’t know of or see a need to extract due to the rise of Bacta? What all happened to the Selkath during their occupation by the Empire, and were they freed by the Rebel Alliance or did they eventually liberate themselves? Additionally, did they align themselves with the New Republic, Galactic Alliance, Resistance, or other future anti-fascist groups or governments? Exploring the species’ spotty past, as well as their uncertain future, and the various worldbuilding aspects present throughout, will grant us an even greater understanding of the Selkath, Manaan, and their collective shared existence!

Additional Notes: The idea of the Progenitor is actually pretty neat, although in Canon, it might be handled a little differently (and named differently due to the Drengir). I think the concept of Force Titans could be a cool thing to explore at some point, and traveling to Manaan to meet this creature, as well as those who revere it, would be a really neat canonical occasion. The recession Manaan went into after Kolto was replaced by Bacta in the market is also really interesting, and there could be a whole lot of potential found within such an interesting political and socio-economic situation for the entire galaxy. Ultimately, the Selkath have been given an incredibly rich backstory that has yet to be truly uncovered in Canon, and I think they could be a perfect addition to your next story!

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