Urodel

Last Updated: 1/30/2024

Name: Urodel

Humanoid: Yes

Classification: Amphibious

Homeworld: Unknown

Coloration: Pink and Gray

Biology: The Urodel were an amphibious, salamander-like creature hailing from an unknown watery or marshy world. Most of their body was covered in pink, wrinkled skin, while they possessed harder plating-like skin that protected certain portions of their bodies. They had long legs, and their hands possessed only four fingers each. Their necks were also incredibly thick, supporting the hard, gray plating that ran up from their backs to the top of their heads. Their eyes sockets were slightly extended out onto the sides of their heads, and their large irises were often blue in coloration.

They stood approximately the same height as the average Human, however, they usually had a slumped posture, possibly due to the armored shell-like growth on their back. Due to their amphibious classification, it is most likely that they can breathe both above and under water, although we have not witnessed this as of yet. It was possible for them to be Force Sensitive, and it was possible for them to pronounce Galactic Basic, although we do not know the name of their native tongue.

Lore: Nothing is really known about the Urodel people and their culture or society at this point. Their homeworld remains unknown, although at least some of them allied themselves with the Resistance at one point during the Cold War, at least one Urodel was a Jedi during the High Republic era, and others were spread out across the galaxy (and were seemingly well integrated already) during other eras such as the Galactic Civil War.

Legends/Canon: The Urodel did not exist in the EU, instead canonized early on in Episode VII: The Force Awakens and popularized through the gaming community via the Jedi Nooa and with general audiences thanks to Vetch, one of the few alien characters featured in Andor Season 1!

Unexplored: Like many of the new species introduced in the Star Wars Sequel Trilogy, the majority of their backstory hasn’t really been fleshed out in the films or even visual guides. Many eventually receive some sort of lore in encyclopedias and even High Republic media years after they first appeared, so there is a good chance we will get more depth surrounding them eventually (much like we see with the introduction of the Padawan Nooa in the “Tales From the Galaxy’s Edge” VR experience).

In the meantime, what needs to be explored should you want to utilize one or more Urodel in your fan works is the appearance, location, and environment of their homeworld, what some of their cultural traditions might be, how their biology allows them to interact with water and air, what languages they speak, their base level of intelligence and development, and why some chose to ally themselves with the Resistance in their war against the First Order. Once some of these things have been established, you can really begin to dive deep into your Urodel’s characterization, traits, and personality.

Additional Notes: Some people say Urodels were inspired by a armadillo, while others say their design was inspired by a salamander. Since they are amphibious in nature, they are probably more salamander or even turtle than any armored mammal. Regardless, I think this is an incredibly fun design, and there’s a lot of potential for a species with this appearance and their biological and anatomical traits. Enjoy yourself with this species and take them in whatever direction you choose in your own work, as they are still, for the most part, a blank slate!

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