Shahkirin

Last Updated: 11/11/2023

Name: Shahkirin

Humanoid: Yes

Classification: Beast/Dwarf

Homeworld: Shahkir

Coloration: Brown and Gray

Biology: Shahkirin stood approximately 1 to 1.2 meters in height, with thin, flexible bodies that allowed them to fit into tight spaces. They were described as having “compressible cartilaginous skeletons,” presumably able to, essentially, compact their bodies at will, almost as if shrinking in size. They had wrinkled brownish skin that was coarse in nature, although most of their body was also covered in a thin layer of gray hairs, concentrated primarily on the top and back of their head, as well as their chin. They had large eyes that were sensitive to light and required special coverings to protect. They also possessed wide mouths and thick, white teeth, with no apparent nostril or aural cavities. Shahkirins had exceptional vision, especially within dark environments.

Lore: Not much is known about this diminutive species, aside from the fact that it was natural, or at the very least common, for them to dwell in small, cramped places. This is possibly due to some aspect of their Inner Rim homeworld of Shahkir, but we cannot say for sure yet as it’s baseline environment has not been described in any detail. But because of this trait or habit, they were often employed as technicians or placed within similar roles that saw them climbing into tight compartments or ducts to perform repairs. They have currently only been observed during the Cold War era, although there’s no indication that they weren’t also around during prior eras, especially given how early their planet of origin would have been discovered. Some of them also apparently seemed to have an inclination to join the Resistance movement of the time, potentially alluding to the idea that they suffered under the hands of the First Order and/or Galactic Empire.

Legends/Canon: The Shahkirin are exclusive to Star Wars Canon, making their debut in The Rise of Skywalker.

Unexplored: The Shahkirin are ripe for exploration, and given the few context clues we’ve received, we can begin to characterize them in a unique and interesting way. Was their homeworld dark and cavernous to suit their distinctive biology, or did this trait evolve more at random and less due to necessity or survival? If it was an intentional adaptation, were they a subterranean species? How advanced or primitive was Shakhir’s civilization? Were they plagued by creatures much larger than them, or were possibly they the apex predators? And did they suffer notable oppression or persecution during any of the major galactic events, wars, or takeovers? Exploring these questions, as well as things such as their standard politics, culture, economy, traditions, history, arts, relationships, philosophies, religions, habits, and more will really make the Shahkirin a standout species among those introduced to us during the “Sequels” era.

Additional Notes: The Shahkirin aren’t the most interesting species in the galaxy at the moment by any means, and even among the pantheon of diminutive mechanics and/or cave dwellers, they rank towards the bottom in my eyes. However, with a design like theirs, including the almost comically large eyes and their signature protective goggles, I could see them receiving some fun and creative iterations, whether again in live action or within 2D or 3D projects, sometime down the line. Also, fun fact, the species was named after actor Kiran Shah who played the first Shahkirin, “Yipsit,” in The Rise of Skywalker. So yeah, pretty neat stuff, and I hope we see them further explored in something like the High Republic or other comics soon!

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