Gurlanin

Last Updated: 12/4/2023

Name: Gurlanin

Humanoid: No/Yes

Classification: Changeling/Beast (Canine)

Homeworld: Qiilura

Coloration: Black (Varies)

Biology: The Gurlanin were one of the few species in the galaxy classified as “changelings,” or shapeshifters. However, unlike other changelings such as Clawdites, they could rearrange their entire body shape (while still maintaining their original mass). This meant that the largest shape they could contort into was roughly an average, adult human. However, they could compress themselves to transform into something much smaller than their original size as well.

In their base form, they took on the appearance of a large black canine approximately 1.5 meters in height. They always had distinctive, luminescent orange eyes that were said to be an unsettling sight. Their fur was naturally very thick and black, however, these details could vary widely as each individual Gurlanin could alter coloration and fur length at any time for the sake of size or camouflage.

Gurlanin did not have any visible ears, although their ear cavities were actually located inside of their nostrils. This allowed them to utilize echolocation, which they rarely ever actually took advantage of. They also had the ability to rearrange their vocal chords so that they could speak any language, including Basic, with relative ease. Their voices were always said to be silky, calming, and hauntingly alluring.

They also had the ability to communicate with each other telepathically, possessing a nearly unlimited telepathic range, However, this ability could not extend to non-Gurlanin. Many attributed this ability to something akin to magic, but it was later confirmed to actually be the species incredibly strong affinity with the Force and naturally high midi-chlorian count. This is apparently the extent of their force abilities, however, and it is unknown (and highly doubtful) that they can perform anything beyond basic telepathy.

Surprisingly, Gurlanin were also classified as marsupials, making them the only marsupial sentient species in the known galaxy. Their young remained in their pouch for seemingly anywhere from 1 to 10 years, and it is still unclear where the young disappear to when the mother Gurlanin transforms. Gurlanin can live for up to 700 standard years, and fully mature sometime between the (relatively young) ages of 18-45.

Lore: Gurlanin have no structural society, and instead treat all of their kind as equal. Because of their near limitless, mass telepathic abilities, they are constantly communicating with each other and can see each other’s thoughts through a telepathic network. While this does resemble something similar to a hive mind, they still retain a sense individuality throughout most of their life, having unique personalities, goals, and experiences. One thing this species prides themselves on is their intense cunning and ability to deceive, and they have no qualms or ethical dilemmas regarding lying, stealing, and manipulating (as long as it is beneficial to their species as a whole).

Gurlanin are monogamous creatures, mating for life, with each pair being regarded as their own single entity. The young are raised and closely cared for by the mother, although it is unclear what role the father plays. They are very territorial, and while they will not outright attack intruders, they will use their powers of deception to trick or frighten visitors and settlers to leave. They do not approve of their natural habitat on Qiilura being destroyed, and have tried everything in their power to keep as many offworlders away from their planet and their homes.

The Gurlanin actively avoided picking a side during the Clone Wars, although they were temporarily forced to side with the with the Republic after a Separatist occupation threatened their ecosystem and their homes. Due to their shapeshifting abilities, many Gurlanin have since left Qiilura and secretly embedded themselves all across the galaxy. Specifically, they inserted themselves among both the Republic and Separatists, serving as agents, soldiers, and senators. If the Republic or Separatist invasions were to last too long or appear to be a mainstay on Qiilura, the Gurlanin had the means and influence to strike devastating blows to either side of the war, completely undetected no less. Most of these “agents” were seemingly recalled after the Republic and most Qiilaran settlers left the planet, although there is no way to confirm these claims.

Legends/Canon: Gurlanin have not been canonized, and solely remain within Star Wars Legends/EU. It is unlikely that they will ever be canonized due to their bizarre nature and unbalanced affinity with the Force. The reception would most definitely be rather poor.

Unexplored: The Gurlanin’s link to the Force has mostly been left unexplored. It is possible that they could have become Jedi had they been given the chance. Although, it is also unlikely that the Jedi Order would just randomly pick out one young Gurlanin, since their entire species has the same natural level of Force sensitivity. Still, their connection to the Force remains largely a mystery, and it is interesting to think about what form they would take to be a Jedi, since in their base form, they would not be able to easily wield a lightsaber.

We have never seen a 700 year old Gurlanin either, and someone with that much wisdom and experience would definitely be a force to be reckoned with. Since their aging slows after 70, we do not have a description of what an elderly Gurlanin would look like, if they would appear any different at all. In fact, we barely have any official visuals to indicate what a Gurlanin base form, young, transformation, or any other form would look like (aside from the one somewhat confusing image above). So illustrations involving the Gurlanin would definitely be worth considering.

Ultimately, since it has not been canonized, it is possible to rewrite the species and their history as a whole. The idea of Gurlanin agents hidden throughout the Republic is incredibly intriguing, and seeing what they could or would do to cripple the Republic is an amazing story concept just waiting to be explored.

Additional Notes: When Karen Traviss introduced the Gurlanin in her first Republic Commando novel, a lot people criticized it for being far too complex, overpowered, and changing the Star Wars lore too much. Many could not grasp the general idea, and a lot of people still do not know what this creature actually looks like. The “ears-in-the-nose” thing kind of threw everyone off, as did a lot of the more abstract details. Still, Force telepathy had only been explored to an limited extent at that point, so now that we’ve seen an iteration of it in the Sequel Trilogy and related media, it isn’t considered quite as far fetched canonically anymore.

Even in Legends, this creature was incredibly underutilized. I believe there were only four named Gurlanin entities ever mentioned, so there is definitely more room to expand! (Also, all confirmed Gurlanin only went by one name, as they seemingly didn’t need surnames/last names. This could be an idea you could carry over to any of your future writings to preserve Traviss’ established continuity surrounding them.)

I would also just like to note that I’m not entirely sure where the Featured Image for this article comes from. When I first wrote this article years ago I was convinced it was official, but now I’m not so sure… I had featuring unlicensed (or at least unofficial) artwork in my articles, but for the time being I am forced to leave it. If I did remove it, I suppose I would need to just scrap this entire article as it’s no longer a species with both a depiction AND a name. I am, of course, working on compiling a list of just named (not pictured) species, and will attempt to give them all their own articles after I finish (or at least catch up) on these. If and when I do, and if I still don’t have answers as to where this picture originated from or have a brand new illustration, I may migrate this over there. That is only IF I am ever able to write 1,000+ named/pictured articles, so it’s a big “we’ll see.”

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