Leyakian

Last Updated: 12/4/2023

Name: Leyakian

Humanoid: Yes

Classification: Near-Human/Alternative

Homeworld: Unknown

Coloration: Brown

Biology: Leyakian are a humanoid species with dark brown skin. They have flat heads with large, yellow eyes set both wide and back into their head. They also have two fleshy, horn-like appendages protruding from the back of their head and curve around towards the front. It is possible that these serve as sensory organs similar to lekku. They are rough human in shape and size, although they have three-fingered hands. They are confirmed to have the ability to clearly pronounce Galactic Basic Standard.

Lore: Leyakians were one of the first species to ally themselves with the Confederacy of Independence Systems (CIS), and strongly wanted to secede from the Galactic Republic. While they held a spot in the Separatist Parliament, they did not participate in any of the actual war efforts. They were a peaceful people who just wanted the best for their world, and supplied political insight to the CIS when needed. They were, however, willing to make peace with the Republic prior to the death of Separatist Senator Mina Bonteri.

Legends/Canon: Leyakians were introduced around the same time that the current Canon was being established, and while they did technically exist in Legends, all information about them has remained the same in Canon. They have currently been mentioned in one additional Canon source outside of the one Clone Wars episode they debuted in, that being the “Reflection Day” short story in the “Life Day Treasury” collection, but no new information was gleaned about them from this source.

Unexplored: Being one of the only new currently named species added to the CIS Parliament in Star Wars: The Clone Wars, this species development as a whole has left must to be desired. The exploration into what makes an individual species or faction leave the Republic and join the Separatists is incredibly intriguing, and each race has their own entire backstory and motive for why they did what they did!

The Leyakians do not have that yet, but being one of the more peaceful members of the CIS, we really need to explore what they contribute. Do they approve of the aggressive attacks made by the droid army? Do they like or dislike Count Dooku and the involvement from the mysterious Sith? What are their thoughts of the Trade Federation and some of the other corporations backing their movement? And what were their motives for desiring peace with the Republic once more? Once these have been developed, you have an entire treasure trove of exploration to do during the Clone Wars era, not to mention what the species did once the CIS was dissolved, previously Separatist-allied worlds were oppressed by the Empire, and further eras began.

Additional Notes: They may not have a whole lot going for them visually at the moment, but the potential this species has just in the Clone Wars alone astounds me. I wish we had seen more of them, heard more about their backstory and planet, etc. But since we didn’t, the floor is yours to be creative and dive into some really unique and interesting political and economical themes in your own works, as well as to develop some potentially interesting characters!

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