Sernpidalian

Last Updated: 11/11/2023

Name: Sernpidalian

Humanoid: Yes

Classification: Near-Human

Homeworld: Hettitite

Coloration: White or Gray

Biology: The Sernpidalians were a Near-Human species found on a number of worlds throughout the galaxy. They were very similar to baseline Humans, possessing the same general height, build, and features. However, they differed primarily in coloration, having pale white or light gray pigmentation. The color of their hair was also always identical to the shade of their skin. In addition, the Sernpidalians had piercing solid red eyes, not unlike that of the Chiss. Sernpidalians had the capacity to pronounce Galactic Basic, however, they rarely ever did, instead preferring to speak their own native tongue.

Lore: The Sernpidalians were a simple people, not necessarily primitive, but very set in their ways. Sernpidalian society was deeply rooted in religion, both worshiping and fearing their benevolent goddess, Tosi-karu. It was common for Sernpidalians to forgo much of their individuality, with most of them dressing in the exact same manner: loose fitting dark-red and white striped robes with large hoods. They were also a fairly reserved species, and seldom interacted with offworlders. And they may have been pacifistic in nature, as they never displayed any motivation to defend themselves.

At some point in their past, their original home planet of Hettitite was believed to be skirted the aftermath of a supernova, and so they were forced to take to the skies, eventually ending up on the planet Sernpidal. It was here that they took on their namesake, and it is unclear what they were referred to as before this time. Still, it is believed some eventually traveled back to Hettitite post calamity, with the majority of the species being fully settled onto Sernpidal approximately between 1000 and 500 BBY. At the very least the Rebel Alliance knew of the Sernpidalians existence, but it was also stated that Sernpidal and the Sernpidalians were very seldom known by much of the galaxy.

During the Yuuzhan Vong invasion in Star Wars Legends, the Sernpidalians on Sernpidal were nearly entirely wiped out by these galactic conquerors. A New Republic response team including the likes of Han Solo and Chewbacca arrived to rescue the citizens of Sernpidal, but the Yuuzhan Vong in turn were causing one of the planet’s moons, Dobido, to crash into its surface in an act the locals believed was the divine punishment of their goddess. This resulted in the annihilation of the entire population, save for a few dozen Sernpidalians who were able to board the Millennium Falcon. Sadly, this event resulted in the death of Chewbacca, and the fates of the Serpindalians, both survivors and those found elsewhere, is ultimately unknown.

Legends/Canon: As mentioned above, the Sernpidalians (and especially the lore surrounding the Yuuzhan Vong and Chewbacca’s death) are completely exclusive to Star Wars Legends, specifically in one of the earlier iterations of the EU’s loose “continuity.”

Unexplored: Canonically, everything could be considered “unexplored” in regards to the Sernpidalians. To make them fit, of course, certain aspects (especially regarding their ultimate fate) will need to be completely wiped or altered to make them fit. But even if all of the lore that could possibly be made Canon is made so, further exploring ideas regarding their history, philosophies, religion and deities, fashion, culture, habits, traditions, colonies, or even their governmental structures, galactic allegiances (if any), economy, and societal norms and practices would help set the Sernpidalians apart from other near-Human species.

Additional Notes: This is an… intriguing species. Not in the traditional sense as their design (barring their clothing) is rather insignificant. But in the Legends lore that they played a part in. The death of Chewbacca was an uber-important event to most Star Wars fans, and the Sernpidalians were right in the midst of it, surviving due to the Wookiee’s sacrifice. So because of Chewie, they became important, and it’s a shame we never learned any more of them. Hopefully their religion shifted post Yuuzhan Vong to incorporate their savior. And while there’s no specific reason for the Sernpidalians to make it into Canon above the many other much more interesting Legends species, I still wouldn’t mind if they were referenced in passing, maybe even in relation to something within Chewbacca’s Canon story.

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