Aruzan

Last Updated: 09/07/2025

Name: Aruzan

Humanoid: Yes

Classification: Near-Human

Homeworld: Aruza

Coloration: Blue

Biology: The Aruzans were a near-Human species that were visually nearly identical to similar species such as the Pantorans. They had the same general shape, build, anatomy, and features as the average Human, although they were said to be ever-so-slightly shorter on average. They possessed deep blue pigmentation, sometimes alongside lighter blue mottled spots or curved lines on their skin, in addition to purple, dark blue, or occasionally solid black hair. Like most humanoids, they had the capacity to speak Galactic Basic fluently. It has been hinted at that they are fully compatible for breeding with Humans, but we were never given any specific instance or situation where this was proven to be true.

Nearly every Aruzan possessed a special, cultural cybernetic implant known as an “Attanni.” This Attanni granted them a form of artificial telepathy (although it may have actually been used to amplify natural latent telepathic abilities). This “brain link” granted them the ability to sense the emotions of other Attanni users (or certain non-Aruzan cyborgs), share thoughts and dreams with those they had an intimate relationship with, and even engage in a form of memory pooling, though with the downside of dulling general emotions and gradual loss of individuality if used too much, eventually resulting in a permanent “hivemind” of sorts.

Lore: The Aruzans were a very reclusive species, and had a reputation for being peaceful isolationists. They also put little value on individuality, as they knew it would eventually be stripped away by their Attanni. They were a very intelligent race, and the intricacies of their Attanni devices were evidence of their technological and neural prowess. They were perceived by the rest of the galaxy as vulnerable, and when the Galactic Empire rose to power, they placed a target on the backs of the Aruzans.

The secretive Imperial “branch” known as the “Commission for the Preservation of the New Order” or “COMPNOR” selected the Aruzans as the subjects for an experiment intended to create feral warriors from previously pacifistic alien races. This was known as the “Processional Orientation Experiments” or “Project Redesign” and required the surgical removal of certain sections of the brain, primarily those that processed positive emotions, rationality, or compassion. In the fear of their subjugation, they actually reached out to one of the first semi-successful subjects of Project Redesign, and a cyborg who was compatible with their Attanni, the Bounty Hunter Dengar. He would temporarily rescue the Aruzan from COMPNOR, although eventually would fall right back into Imperial control.

Continuity: After some time, the Aruzans did eventually make their debut in Star Wars Canon, although all the lore surrounding the Attanni and their occupation by the Empire currently remains exclusive to the Star Wars Legends continuity.

Unexplored: The first thing I think we need to know is whether any changes are intended to be made to the Aruzans between Canon and Legends? This includes ideas such as, does the Attanni technology still canonically exist, and if not, what unique aspect of the Aruzans sets them apart from the more notable blue-skinned near-Humans like the Pantorans or even the Chiss? On that matter, if their EU continuity remains intact, how does or would the Attanni work in a more detailed manner, and does it have any relation to latent natural abilities, perhaps involving the Force? Of course, further exploring concepts like Aruza’s society, governmental structure, potential exports, early history, galactic influence, and other cultural traditions, as well as other aspects of our usual worldbuilding trait list, would also be very beneficial in the long run.

Additional Notes: For a near-Human species, the Aruzans can be incredibly fascinating from a lot perspective, making up for their lack of a unique design. They definitely set themselves apart from similar species, and were very memorable for what was essentially a one-off species back in Legends. I’m glad to see them make a return in Canon, and in the form of Dengar’s fan favorite EU partner Manaroo no less! Now if they can only adapt the rest of their story in an equally exciting way, I would be very onboard (and will update this article if they do!

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