Talpini

Last Updated: 11/10/2023

Name: Talpini

Humanoid: Yes

Classification: Dwarf

Homeworld: Tal Pi

Coloration: Black, Brown, Orange, Tan, Gray, & White

Biology: Talpinis were diminutive species found throughout the galaxy, notable for a few defining traits. They stood approximately 1 to 1.2 meters in height, with stocky bodies and stubby limbs. Certain parts of their body were covered in thick patches of hair, including their hands, chest, and portions of their heads. This hair was usually dark brown, although it grew white with age. Their skin was varying shades of brown, tan, or gray, being very coarse, mottled, and bumpy in texture. They had thick, five-fingered hands, and were surprisingly strong for their size.

The Talpinis were also known for their large rounded heads. They had massive, downturned mouths, strong jaws, and hundreds of tiny, razor-sharp teeth. Their flat noses were scrunched right in the middle of their faces. Their small, beady eyes were perpetually squinted, and usually featured yellow or green sclera and/or irises. Talpinins had very pronounced brows, with massive foreheads and hairless crowns. Their hair only grew on the lower back portions of their heads, circling around and merging into their beards, forming an almost mane-like growth. Talpinis had the capacity to speak Galactic Basic, as well as their native language.

Lore: We know very little about the Talpini as a whole. They hailed from the Outer Rim world of Tal Pi, which was discovered by the Galactic Republic relatively recently compared to many other planets. It is unclear whether or not the Talpini were ever given a seat on the Senate, although Tal Pi was often overlooked or forgotten about entirely in certain archives. The Talpini, however, had long since spread out among the galaxy, and were known for joining pirate or rebel groups including the Nihil, the Partisans, etc.

Legends/Canon: The Talpini are exclusive to Star Wars Canon.

Unexplored: With the inclusion of individual Talpinis but not their collective society, much is left to be explored and expanded upon. First and foremost, we need to further explore their homeworld. What is Tal Pi and why did it cause the Talpini to evolve in the manner that they did? Why was their world so… “forgettable?” And when were the Talpini first discovered? What was their history like, and how was their first contact with the outside galaxy? Were they part of the Republic and why were so many Talpini associated with smaller, often criminalistic factions? Exploring these questions, as well as their general society, government, economy, religions, habits, practices, philosophies, etc. will really help to further flesh the Talpini out.

Additional Notes: This is definitely one of the more memorable races of the recent era, and despite some of their similarities with species like the Ugnaughts, there is still enough here to make them unique and recognizable. I’m always happy to see them pop up in Canon media, and hope for continual exploration as Star Wars continues to expand!

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