Kadrillian

Last Updated: 12/1/2023

Name: Kadrillian

Humanoid: Yes

Classification: Reptilian

Homeworld: Unknown (Kadril)

Coloration: Green, Yellow, Orange, and/or Gray

Biology: The Kadrillians were turtle-like semi-diminutive species originating from an unknown planet. They stood anywhere between 1.2-1.8 meters tall, with a slightly hunched posture (potentially due to a semi-formed “shell” hidden on their backs). They had a generally humanoid shape, being bipedal and possessing five-fingered hands. The majority of their skin was green although the tops of their heads were sometimes yellow. They had no real visible chin, with their wide necks running directly into their beak-like mouths. These mouths were pointed and showed no visible teeth. Directly above the mouth were the small nostrils, which could seemingly be closed at will. They had no visible ear canals, and their eyes were situated on opposite sides of their heads, giving them less than optimal monocular vision.

Male Kadrillians had small eyes compared to those of the females, which often appeared squinted or surrounded by wrinkles. Female Kadrillians had much larger eyes, although their pupil size seemed to remain the same. The females also had large eyelashes, the only known body hair found on a Kadrillian, and they possessed visible breasts while the males had considerably flatter chests. 

The most interesting aspect of the Kadrillians were the unique patterns that appeared on their bodies. Initially appeared to be scales, upon further inspection they are revealed to be patterns of wrinkles known as “I.Q. Whirls.” These I.Q. Whirls seemingly displayed the total intelligence that the individual did/could possess, allowing Kadrillians to gauge each other’s worth before verbally communicating. The more abundant and complex the whirls, the more intelligent a Kadrillian was believed to be, although these whirls were almost never found on their faces or limbs.

Still, they also spoke Basic fluently, allowing them to communicate with other species. They were said to have evolved from a similar, non-sentient terrapin species local to their unidentified homeworld. However, during the evolution process they seemed to lose any trace of a shell. It also seems they were no longer an amphibious species, or at the very least they no longer lived an amphibious lifestyle.

Lore: While we do not know the planet the Kadrillians originated on, seemingly millennia ago they colonized the world of Kadril and even adopted it as their namesake. They weren’t the planet’s only inhabitants, but they were the most dominant. They seemed to have access to some fairly advanced technology, including space fairing, hyperspace capable vessels. Despite this, however, they seemed to live fairly rudimentary lifestyles, often dressing in monk-like robes or simple spacesuits, both of which have a clear uniform cultural design. 

The Kadrillians were actually split into two subgroups, the baseline and the Nociv. The main caste, while living simple lifestyles, did actually make some great advances in technology, especially regarding crystalline mechanical structures. The Nociv, however, believed their brethren were attempting to be progressive in vain, as it was, in their opinion, against their better nature. These Kadrillians lived intentionally primitive lives in an almost religious manner.

Despite their differences, both sects of Kadrillians were peaceful, timid, and despised conflict. They also based many of their interactions on the naturally forming “I.Q. Whirls” found across their bodies. They believed these patterns indicated how intelligent a Kadrillian had the potential to be, and these Whirls often helped or hindered both the Kadrillians ability to find a job as well as a mate.

Because of their pacifistic nature, they rarely aligned themselves with any galactic powers or factions. They also never intentionally participated in wars, although the Galactic Civil War did eventually reach Kadril. Pursuing the rebellion, Darth Vader and his Imperial forces arrived a year following the destruction of the first Death Star and attempted to test out their new chemical weapon, “Pacifog.” This chemical compound was created at an Imperial laboratory orbiting Kadril, thanks to the assistance of a few traitorous Kadrillian scientists.

The Empire chose Kadril as it was home to a rare Kyber crystal-like gemstone known as the Kunda Stones. These stones had the special ability to directly counteract the effects of Pacifog, and may have possibly been used in it’s creation. These were used to filter out the gas for all Imperial personnel, but as for non-Imperials, this gas weakened the mental fortitude of alien species and brought out their weakest attributes (and completely melted humans, an unintended side effect).

Fortunately Rebel operatives like Luke Skywalker and Han Solo came to the aid of the Kadrillians and helped them utilize their own natural resource, the Kunda Stones, to combat the Empire, thwart their inhumane experiments, and drive them away from Kadril.

This wasn’t the end of the Kadrillian’s suffering during this time, however, as only four years following this event, the Stenax Massacre took place. Using stolen Imperial technology and weaponry, the Stenax species carried out violent raids and bombings on dozens of worlds located in or around the “Gordian Reach.” 

This included Kadril, which was bombarded by the Stenax, killing millions of the planet’s inhabitants. The majority of the other species local to Kadril were completely killed off, however, a small handful of Kadrillians did survive. It is unclear if and when they fully recovered from this event, but it was considered a pivotal moment in Kadrillian history and an era that they will never forget.

Legends/Canon: When I first posted this article, the Kadrillians were exclusive to Star Wars Legends, however, they have very recently been mentioned within Canon thanks to media set during the High Republic era! Among the very little Canon info we received regarding them, they are described as short, turtle-like species with a “half-shell” which were partially colored an orange hue.

Unexplored: Some interesting things to possibly explore include: Were the Kadrillians affected in any way by the Clone Wars, Cold War, or any other major galactic altercation in Canon or even Legends? When were the Kadrillians first discovered? Was their economy based around Kunda Stones, or did they have other resources or products? Did the Mining Guild ever attempt to move in on Kadril? What other species, sentient or otherwise, were native to Kadril? And where was the Kadrillian’s original homeworld? What was their planetary political structure akin to? And finally, did they have any unique practices, traditions, religions, or rituals outside of those involving the I.S. Whirls?

Additional Notes: The original design of the Kadrillians themselves aren’t anything groundbreaking, even for what species we had back during their debut 1980. The idea of the “I.Q. Whirl,” however, is pretty fascinating, and was what drew me to the species in the first place. I like these more obscure and outlandish concepts that really make the species feel more alien, and the Kadrillians seem to accomplish just that!

Additionally, the Kadrillians have recently made their way into Star Wars Canon as of my 2022 review and update of this article! If there’s one thing I love about The High Republic, it’s that they do a fantastic job referencing or featuring obscure Legends creatures, and they did just that for the Kadrillians. Based off of their incomplete physical description, they may have a slightly different appearance within Canon, but until we receive an official illustration, we can’t entirely say for sure.

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