Zexx

Last Updated: 11/29/2023 (OUTDATED)

Name: Zexx

Humanoid: Yes

Classification: Giant/Alternative

Homeworld: Prazhi

Coloration: Green, Blue, Gray, or Purple

Biology: The Zexx were a hulking sentient species that were sometimes found throughout the known galaxy, originating from the planet Prazhi in the Expansion Region. This species bore a striking resemblance to a much more well known Outer Rim-hailing species, the Esoomians, to the point some people considered the species identical. An adult Zexx stood anywhere from 2 to 3 meters in height, although this was seldom observed as their main resting posture was in a squatted position. They were an incredibly muscular species, possessing next to no body fat, and their large upper back gave them a very hunched appearance. While they appear to have smooth skin, they are actually covered with a thin layer of durable scales.

The Zexx were bipedal, with massive legs and wide feet with three large, pointed claw-like toenails. They had three fingered hands, two longer fingers with pointed nails and a much smaller thumbs. Their muscular torsos and chests give way to an incredibly short neck. Their heads were disproportionately small compared to their heads. Their skulls were pointed, and they had ribbed, bony crests on the tops of their heads. Their faces were wrinkled, with small beady eyes, wide noses, and two sets of tusks, one large and one small.

The long tusks and claws were incredibly sharp and were used for cutting and slashing. The curved set of tusks were especially designed specifically for offense, suiting the Zexx’s naturally violent disposition. The Zexx had the capacity to speak basic, but were known for having relatively low natural intelligence (despite how long they’ve had to evolve). They were also known for being able to live for hundreds of years, although the exact extent of their lifespans were never revealed. No direct link has ever been specified between the Zexx and the Esoomians, although they were highly speculated to be a subspecies (one way or the other) or cousin species, although how they got separated is a complete mystery. It’s also possible the two species were the result of extreme convergent evolution, as is seen with some near-Human races. The Zexx did possess the ability to speak Basic, although from what we saw, it seemed to often be coarse and broken.

Lore: The Zexx were an ancient sentient species that popped up on the planet Prazhi tens of thousands of years before the definitive Battle of Yavin. Despite how long their society had existed, they were considered much more primitive than most other sentient species. They were known for their brutish nature, violent tendencies, and greedy and possessive attitudes. Zexx were quick to act, easily manipulated, and didn’t see the value in things like excessive clothing or advanced technologies. From what we know, they never developed their own form of space travel, nor did they achieve any major technological feats. 

For thousands of years, the Zexx functioned under a tribal society, with many warring clans popping up all across Prazhi. Tribes fought over plots of land and resources, as the Zexx valued property more than anything else, and they thrived on greed and ownership. The idea of “borrowing” or “lending” something was highly offensive to the Zexx, and they seldom shared their possessions, even among those of their own tribe. Prazhi did not see any form of unification until the Galactic Republic discovered them around approximately 5,000 B.B.Y. Compared to most of the Expansion Region and especially that branch of space known as “The Slice,” Prazhi was relatively tame and quickly came under Republic jurisdiction.

The Zexx definitely did not take kindly to the Republic claiming their entire planet at first, although they were no match for the Republics fleet nor the Jedi, and eventually submitted to the Republic occupation. Because Prazhi was located along a then bustling hyperlane, it quickly became a pit stop for travelers and the Zexx were forced to acclimate to a very new way of life. The Republic was able to institute a planetary governmental system which slowly phased out the tribal system, and the Prazhi were officially initiated into the greater Galactic Republic, although we do not know if they were given a seat on the Republic Senate or not.

With so many travelers frequenting Prazhi, many sought to capitalize on its newfound popularity by setting up spaceports, refueling depots, cantinas, repair shops, and more. Over the next thousand years, these industries would thrive, hiring the local Zexx as their workforce. The planet would profit, and everything would work out surprisingly well until around 4,000 B.B.Y. when the nearby hyperspace route was decommissioned for an unknown reason. For the next four thousand years, the economy on Prazhi would continuously decline as many travelers stopped frequenting the world and many businesses shut down. This would not change until the Galactic Empire arrived and occupied the planet, bringing with them hordes of offworld settlers. This new influx of citizens brought on a new age of stability and prosperity for the world, mutually beneficial to both the Zexx and the Empire. This gained the Zexx’s approval of the new galactic regime, and there is no known instance of a Zexx ever joining a rebel cell or the Alliance. 

Despite this, many Zexx had long since left Prazhi, being recruited by the Hutts or other pirates or smugglers due to their combat prowess and brute strength. They were popular among the galaxy as laborers or bodyguards who were largely subservient due to their perceived low intelligence. The Hutt Cartel especially took advantage of this, recruiting many Zexx shortly after their discovery. Others were recruited by much more reputable companies, usually still as laborers or crew members aboard shipping vessels. This expansion may have resulted in the appearance of the almost identical species, the Esoomians, who could be found on the other side of the galaxy, although the timeline still doesn’t seem to match up correctly in this regard.

Legends/Canon: The Zexx have only appeared in Star Wars Legends media (although the Esoomians are now Canon).

Unexplored: Surprisingly, at least within the confines of Star Wars Legends, the Prazhi were fairly fleshed out. The biggest mystery, of course, was their relationship with the Esoomians and whether they were actually related or simply evolved by chance. It would also be interesting to delve into their relationship with both the Galactic Republic or Empire. How long was the conflict between the Zexx and the Republic, and what exactly did that look like? And was there ever any contact or aggression between the Zexx and the Rebellion? Did Prazhi offer any unique resources that would be valuable to outside groups, or was it solely their location and potential for providing a workforce that drew others to the primitive world? These are some of the most interesting things that could be explored if their lore should transfer over intact into Star Wars Canon, but if not, they are a completely blank slate with infinite possibilities for exploration.

Additional Notes: This is a very memorable design for me, appearing in one of the first Star Wars comics I ever read. Both in and out of universe, I really want answers regarding they and the Esoomians. Were they accidentally given 2 separate names in different media and this lore was created to rectify it? Or did they fully intend for them to be different but mysteriously linked from the very beginning? This kind of stuff is fun for me to think about and research, and maybe someday we will get some sort of answer!

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