Bonbrak (Barat-Karabak)

Last Updated: 09/09/2025

Name: Bonbrak (Barat-Karabak)

Humanoid: No

Classification: Miniature/Beastite (Chiroptera)

Homeworld: Bartokan V

Coloration: Brown, Tan, or Orange

Biology: Bonbraks were a diminutive rodent-like sentient species, specifically possessing some bat-like species. They stood approximately .3 to .5 meters in height, with thin, lanky frames, and abnormally long limbs. Bonbraks were covered in a thin layer of fur, commonly a wide variety of shades of brown or orange. They had smooth, almost rat-like tails with large tufts of hair at the end. And they had large two-toed prehensile feet and three-fingered hands with surprising grip strength, as well as just strength in general, being able to lift objects their own body weight or presumably more.

Bonbraks had large heads with pointed facial hair growths emulating beards, mustaches, and bushy eyebrows.. They had large, flat, hairless noses, with a large tuft of hair extending up from the top, formatted to assist their refined sense of smell. Their wide mouths were filled with exactly twelve pointed teeth spaced fairly far apart. They also had noticeable overbites, their upper teeth sitting on the outside of their lip, and they had thin, pointed tongues that assisted with vocalization.

In addition, the Bonbraks had small beady black eyes that were very sensitive to bright lights. And they had massive, bat-like ears that stood straight up from their heads. Bonbraks had an incredible sense of hearing, capturing all sorts of sounds due to the shape of their pointed ears. A series of long, thin sensory hairs also extended from within their ears, and they had tufts of long hair on the crest of their heads. Bonbraks did not have the capacity to pronounce Galactic Basic, instead speaking exclusively in their squeaky native tongue of “Bonbreez.”

A crucial aspect of most modern Bonbraks diets was caffeine, and they were known for being a hyper species that slept very little, although this may have been a relatively new trait given their modern occupations. They were also a very quick species, being able to scurry and climb using all four of their limbs as well as their tails. Contrary to popular belief, the Bonbraks were actually quite clever, although they also had a penchant for hyperfocusing or being single-minded. They were also known to reproduce very rapidly.

Lore: The “Barat-Karabak,” or “Bonbraks” as they were called by the outside galaxy,” were first found on the planet Bartokan V. Bartokan V also housed another non-Bonbrak group known as the “Svor Clan,” although there is some debate over whether they were simply a religious order of Human colonists or new species entirely. The Svor Clan actually revered the Bonbraks, worshiping them as a race of deities, and naming them the Barat-Karabak, which meant “Fierce Teeth” in the Svor Clan’s native language.

We know very little how the Bonbraks themselves lived, although it seemed as though their population was rather low, listed as “protected” within the Republic’s archives. They had single word names such as “Tip” or “Breebak.” They were also known for being agile, and sometimes fierce fighters, tearing into their enemies with their sharp teeth and nails. However, many Bonbraks chose to leave their homeworld, while others were even taken against their will. Many Bonbraks used their size, intelligence, and natural skill to become engineers and inventors, often serving as repairmen for the Galactic Republic and Jedi Order. Those who were kidnapped were sometimes used as slave labor, although they were also considered a black market delicacy.

Becoming members of the Galactic Republic by the time of the High Republic era, the Bonbraks were viewed fairly favorably, although many xenophobic Republic citizens still considered them pests due to their rodent-like appearance and nature. They spread out quickly among the Republic-allied worlds in what many referred to as “Bonbrak infestations,” taking jobs in engineering or similar professions. They had become a much less common site by the start of the Clone Wars, and especially during the reign of the Galactic Empire, however, they could still be found in every corner of the galaxy.

The Bonbraks shared a strange yet unknown relationship to the Anzellan species, who’s own origins are relatively unknown, though it has been revealed they hailed from the Anzell System. They were both around the same size, both were skilled mechanics by nature, and their languages were actually so similar that they could understand each other, sharing many of the same words and phrases. How this came to be has been left a mystery for now, but there is definitely more than meets the eye with the Bonbrak-Anzellan relationship and their past.

Continuity: The Bonbraks are exclusive to Star Wars Canon, being one of the first new concepts introduced within The High Republic era/event.

Unexplored: Despite being one of the most fleshed out species to come from the High Republic so far, the Bonbraks are still rather cryptic, with origins and a homeworld shrouded in relative mystery. When did they first achieve sentience and when were they first discovered by the Republic? Who and what were the Svor Clan, where did they come from, and why did the worship the “Barat-Karabak?” What sort of relationship did the two species/groups share, and did the Svor Clan perform rituals or offer sacrifices to their gods? Were the Bonbraks really suffering from a dwindling population, and what was Bartokan V like, and was it a dangerous world with many predators? Also, why were the Bonbraks and Anzellans so similar?

Why were the Bonbraks so naturally skilled with tools and machinery? Why did the galaxy call their colonization efforts “Bonbrak invasions?” Which slaving organization was responsible for rounding up Bonbrak labor? And what did Bonbraks taste like? What happened to an individual who harmed or consumed a Bonbrak with the Republic’s protection laws in place? And what happened to all of the Bonbraks by the time of the Clone Wars and during the rule of the Galactic Empire, as well as beyond? Exploring the answers to all of these questions, as well as fleshing out other world building aspects such as the Bonbrak’s religious, political, economical, and philosophical standpoints would really help us to better understand this up-and-coming species.

Additional Notes: I really like the Bonbraks. I remember them being teased when “The High Republic” was first announced, and digging the similarities (as well as differences) to other species they shared traits with such as the Chadra-Fans or the Anzellans. I especially like the lore surrounding their natural-feeling relationship and interactions with the Anzellans, and look forward to seeing all of that get explored some time in the future. Overall, there’s a fun little concept here, and I’d be interested to see them in other art styles, or even live action someday!

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