Tocoyan

Last Updated: 12/18/2023

Name: Tocoyan

Humanoid: Yes

Classification: Alternative

Homeworld: Tocoya (Ktilac Regions)

Coloration: Orange, Pink, Green, or Blue

Biology: The Tocoyans were a little known alien seen occasionally in the Star Wars universe. They had fairly humanoid bodies, but stood with a slouch, making them slightly shorter than the average Human or near-Human species. They were observed being quite a few different colors, including grayish-blue, dark green, orange, or even pink. They also sometimes possessed distinct natural markings or patterns on their bodies that were generally asymmetrical in design. The Tocoyans were completely hairless, their skin loose and wrinkled and their limbs slim and oftentimes rather gangly. From the neck down, they were surprisingly similar to humanoids, however, their heads are where they are truly unique.

They had thick necks with multiple fleshy flaps and veins. Their heads were segmented into multiple bulbous “lumps,” generally three to potentially as many as five, with a crest down the middle and approximately three segments on each side, although this was more pronounced on some individuals while barely visible on others. Their faces were elongated, ending in a small, fleshy, beak-like mouth. Instead of being a true beak, however, it was actually four large teeth that curved into a point, two on top and two on the bottom.

Below their mouths were two to four small barbs that hooked inward towards each other. Above their mouths was a flat nose-like structure with two large nostril holes, and what is seemingly a single nostril slit shaped like an upside down capital “T” above that. The Tocoyans small, beady eyes were situated on the far sides of their heads, seemingly providing them with a rather large blindspot, these eyes often either solid white ot black in coloration. Their large, floppy ears hung down from the backs of their heads, a fleshy pink on the inside and usually tapering off into a sharp point. The back of their head also displayed a deep crease leading up to their crests. It is unknown if they were able to speak Basic fluently due to the shape of their heads and mouths.

Lore: The Tocoyans were complete isolationists, but not necessarily in the traditional sense. They were native to the Ktilac Regions and refused to leave it, forming a coalition with the Regions’ two other native sentient species, the Ktilacs and the Murachauns. All three species were widespread and lived in harmony, each ruling over 63 entire systems within the Ktilac Regions but refusing to move any further beyond. This refusal was rooted in their zealous belief that the Ktilacs region was the only “Holy Space,” and everywhere outside was inherently evil.

This “Ktilac Confederacy” strongly maintained their borders, although it is unclear whether they utilized their extensive resources to create an sort of sizeable militia or not. The Tocoyans and their fellow species were very hostile to outsiders and rarely interacted with species outside of those found within the coalition. Other species were also barred from joining their religion, and it was considered taboo for anyone who had touched evil space to enter their holy territory. Proposing the idea of leaving Ktilac was blasphemous among the Tocoyans, and any heretic who chose to leave was considered an exile and was never allowed back into the Ktilac Regions or they would be put to death.

A few Tocoyans did abandon their religion and leave in search of answers or adventures, with many of these heretics ending up in the service of the Hutts or other criminal organizations, and while it was Tocoyans left more often than the others, it was still a very rare occasion given just how populous the Tocoyans truly were. Interestingly there were exactly 3 “Sanctuary Worlds” located near the edge of the Ktilac Regions where offworlders were allowed to temporarily visit and interact with members of the coalition without punishment. This compromise was made when the members of the confederacy realized they needed to maintain some level of connection with outside forces to avoid major galactic conflicts, as well as trade with those who brought resources not found within the Regions.

The Tocoyan homeworld of Tocoya was a dry, rocky wasteland that has long since been built up to seemingly become the capital of the Tocoya’s little empire. However, between their hundreds of worlds, none held much additional importance over the other. Due to their almost symbiotic relationship with the Ktilacs and the Murachauns, the Tocoyans did not have any world to themselves, with settlers from all three species inhabiting each, the governmental power just belonging to Tocoyans in their 63 systems. Similarly, they had no real unique cultural practices or beliefs, instead sharing the same religion and traditions with every member of the coalition.

The Tocoyans (and the Ktilac Regions) were able to remain neutral for the majority of galactic history. Due to the fact that they were situated within the Inner Rim, they were discovered by the Galactic Republic pretty early on during the Old Republic era. Still, they were able to maintain their independence throughout most of the major galactic conflicts, only really facing any form of subjugation or occupation by the Sith Empire around 1000 B.B.Y. and Darth Krayt’s Galactic Empire following 137 A.B.Y. The Ktilac Regions were also technically located along the popular Perlemian Trade Route, although travelers rarely if ever ventured into “Holy Space.”

Legends/Canon: Right after I made the last edit to this article (when the species was still exclusive to the EU), the Tocoyans were canonized thanks to “The High Republic (2022)” where a green member of the species appeared (which you will see below), although the species has not officially been named yet in Canon. This is one of those situations where it’s only a matter of time, but we can make a logical assumption that they are the same species in the meantime (just like with the Trunsk and Drovians as of the current iteration of the article, which is why they may or may not have Canon Wookieepedia pages at the moment).

Unexplored: Surprisingly, for a random species with minimal appearances in obscure Legends-exclusive media, the Tocoyans were fairly fleshed out, and the exclusivity of their society makes it hard to explore the species to any additional extent. Of course, anything could change in Canon, and their involvement with the Sith and Krayt’s Empire would have to change. An interesting to explore in either continuity, however, should their general backstory remain the same, would be the perspectives of those who left? Why did these heretics choose to go against their culture or religion? What did they think of the galaxy outside of the Ktilacs Regions, what about the planets and the people? Why did so many end up in a life of crime? There are many interesting scenarios you can create with a species essentially fleeing a galactic cult.

Additional Notes: The Tocoyans were so close to becoming Canon by default, with a practical Tocoyan mask being created for Jabba’s Palace in Star Wars: Episode III “Return of the Jedi.” However, it never actually made it to the big screen and so only images of a Tocoyan head remained for quite some time. They did eventually appear in a few other pieces of media, but none of those are anywhere close to being Canon, and they have no reason to canonize a random alien mask at the moment so we’ll have to wait and see if a new iteration of the Tocoyans make their way into some book, comic, show, etc. The High Republic seems to be a fantastic candidate in particular to include this special species!

Additional Images: