Tarnab

Last Updated: 11/13/2023

Name: Tarnab

Humanoid: Yes

Classification: Beast/Alternative

Homeworld: Tarn

Coloration: Brown and Gray

Biology: The Tarnab were a sentient species with a generally humanoid appearance, but with some unique anatomical traits. They stood between 1.8 and 2.3 meters tall, with the same build and limbs as the average humanoid species. Much of a Tarnab’s body was covered in a thin layer of brown hair that was described as being coarse to the touch, although their skin was also varying shades of mottled brown and tan in coloration. Tarnabs had long arms with large hands, each sporting three thick fingers and long brown claws. They also had thick muscular necks that gave way to uniquely large and triangular heads.

These heads were elongated, with flat faces and low hanging mouths. These mouths were filled with a number of large, pointed teeth. Their large flat noses were upturned, displaying wide nasal cavities. Their small beady eyes were tucked under their pronounced, bony brows. These eyes were usually bright blue, pink, red, or white sclera that shined brightly in under lights. Tarnabs also had six to ten horns extending from the upper sides of their head. They had an even number on each side, and they often grew smaller the closer they were to the back of an individual’s head. 

The top of their heads were hairless, usually displaying dark brown spots or stripes. They did, however, possess long, easily tangled hair extending from the back and sides of their head, as well as sporting a beard and mustache, all of which was brown when young, but turned gray with age. Tarnab’s possessed an average lifespan longer than the average Human or near-Human species, although the actual length is currently unknown. Tarnabs had a heightened sense of smell. They also had the capacity to pronounce Galactic Basic with no issue, although they presumably had their own unique native tongue as well.

Lore: The Tarnabs were a long time member of the Galactic Republic, and had become one of its most prominent members in the years leading up to their Clone Wars, their Senators holding massive sway and special privileges within the Republic Senate. They were known for being intelligent, fluent speakers, although they also had a knack for being stubborn. Surprisingly little is known about the species, their history, and their homeworld. However, they were considered by many to be a particularly frightening looking species, something some viewed with shame, while others used to their advantage.

Legends/Canon: The Tarnabs originated from the prequel trilogy, appearing sparsely within Star Wars Legends media. Due to their appearances in both Episodes I – III as well as The Clone Wars animated series, they were made Canon by proxy. Interestingly, they have received more lore within Canon than they ever did in Legends, thanks primarily to media within The High Republic. This includes the name of their homeworld as well as the general notion that the species’ appearances was considered creepy and unsettling.

Unexplored: For such a prominent species from the prequels and The Clone Wars, there is surprisingly much left unexplored surrounding their lore. Answering the following questions would definitely help expand upon the species and make them more memorable and easier to characterize. For starters, when did the Tarnabs develop sentience, what sort of species did they evolve from, and when were they first discovered? Were they originally located early on by Republic explorers, and would this explain why they were so powerful within the Republic? Did they boast a prosperous economy or unique exports, and were they an incredibly wealthy species?

What happened to the Tarnabs during eras such as The Clone Wars? And how were they treated under the rule of the Empire? Did they keep a seat on the Imperial Senate, and were they a species who fought back against the change, or did they generally go with the flow and accept the new regime? How did the Tarnabs view the outside galaxy, and did they possess any sort of unique philosophies, prejudices, allyships, or religious beliefs? What sort of government did Tarn boast, what kind of society and norms did they have, and did they have any unique customs, habits, traditions, or rituals? By exploring all of these rather broad concepts, as well as just their history in general, I believe the Tarnabs can really make a name among the Star Wars universe and fandom.

Additional Notes: The Tarnabs are one of those species you vaguely recognize as they’re always just kind of there, but you find hard to identify or say any facts about because of just how un-fleshed out they currently are. I am glad they are receiving some additional prominence within The High Republic media event, specifically in the form of both Jedi Grand Master Pra-Tre Veter and Arathab Fal. I hope we continue to see more, including what made them so important to the Republic, and I think we sort of missed a big opportunity to do so within The Clone Wars animated series. Here’s to hoping Star Wars takes advantage of the Tarnab’s unique design more in the future, and I encourage any fan artists or writers to do the same the next change they get!

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