Espirion

Last Updated: 11/13/2023

Name: Espirion

Humanoid: Yes

Classification: Near-Human

Homeworld: Espirion (and/or Alderaan)

Coloration: Red and Black

Biology: Espirions were an incredibly near-Human species found throughout the Star Wars galaxy. They had the same general height, weight, build, and anatomy as the average Human. However, they did differ on a few accounts. Their skin was naturally bright red, with black patterns evident on their foreheads. They had naturally receded hairlines, and long, pitch black hair. Their ears were pointed in an elf-like manner, and their chins were also sharp and slightly elongated. Their eyes also sported uniquely green sclera, alongside yellow irises. Espirions had the ability to interbreed with Humans, and produce a hybrid offspring with their own unique traits.

These hybrids were most often referred to as Alder-Espirions, due to the first of their kind coming from relations between Espirions and the Humans of the planet Alderaan. As opposed to pure Espirions, Alder-Espirions had much more Human-like ears. While still red, their skin was paler than their full Espirion counterparts. Their hairline was akin to that of Humans, and their hair could also vary widely in color, with the possibilities extending to any shade that was natural for regular Humans. Alder-Espirions could, of course, breed with both Humans and Espirions. Both pure Espirions and hybrids could clearly pronounce Galactic Basic, and both had the capacity to be Force Sensitive.

Lore: Hailing from the prosperous Inner Rim world of Espirion, the Espirions had been considered technologically advanced in comparison to the rest of the galaxy since the days of the Old Republic. They had a booming population, sophisticated governmental system, and notably large and well-trained military. They were an incredibly wealthy species, and often adorned themselves in ornate, flowing garments. They had long since opened their world to other species, and large colonies of Humans, Bith, Rodians, Talz, and Wookies could be found spread across Espirion, many of which were safe havens for galactic refugees and occasionally criminals.

It is unclear if the Espirions were ever an official part of the Galactic Republic, but their intense militarization was frowned upon by much of the galaxy. They did, however, have a strong relationship with the equally as advanced Human colony world known as Alderaan. Due to their strong bonds, many of these” Alderaanians” would move to Espirion and start families with the locals, creating an entirely new hybrid subspecies known as the “Alder-Espirions.” These hybrids would take up residence almost exclusively on Espirion, and would create their own subculture that was distinct from their pureblood Espirion relatives.

Over the centuries, the two worlds grew apart. However, following the destruction of Alderaan at the hands of the Empire, a plea was made for the Espirions to house any Alderaanian refugees. While many of the Espirions were wary of the idea, not wanting to make a full-on enemy of the Empire, but thanks to the pleas of the Alderaanian Princess Leia, many of the Alder-Esperirions began to open up and offer their planet as a sanctuary. This angered the Galactic Empire, and while it is believed the two factions would go to war, it is currently unclear what came of their conflict.

Legends/Canon: The Espirions and the majority of their lore is Canon, however they did technically exist in-name within Star Wars Legends thanks to the Old Republic Jedi known as Handi. Anything regarding the Alder-Espirions is exclusive to Canon.

Unexplored: There’s still a fair bit left unexplored in regards to the Espirions as a whole. We have the outline for their history and society, but diving into some of their lore more in-depth by exploring the answers to these questions would go a long way in helping to set the Espirions apart from other similar near-Human species. For starters, getting some more lore on their extensive past and rise to technological prominence over the millenia would be incredibly beneficial. When did the Espirions first develop sentience, and how long did it take them to develop their megacities and intergalactic traversing technologies?

Why did they feel the need to create such a large and advanced military? What was their overall relationship with the Galactic Republic, and were they ever represented among the Republic Senate? Why did Espirion form such a strong bond with Alderaan? Was it due to their similarities when it came to societal progress and political landscapes, or was it something more akin to the overall close proximity of their worlds? When were the first Alder-Espirions birthed, and how were they viewed differently by both the Espirions and the Alderaanian Humans? Why did they tend to always live on Espirion; was there any sort of prejudice or xenophobia among the Alderaanians?

Why were the Espirions so welcoming to refugees, and how did these offworlders simulate or acclimate to their time living among these advanced humanoids? Aside from the Galactic Empire, did the Espirions ever make any prominent enemies? Were they ever involved in any major galactic conflicts that would warrant their militarized state? How were the Espirions and Alder-Espirions separated, both physically and philosophically, and what cultural distinctions began to arise between them? Were the Alder-Espirions systemically oppressed in any way, and did they hold as much power as their pure brethren? What caused Alderaan and Espirion to separate, and was it simply circumstantial or did bad blood form between the two worlds?

What happened to the Espirions during major events or eras, such as the galactic conflicts during the High Republic or the titular Clone Wars? How did the Espirions avoid the wrath or occupation of the Empire for so long during the Galactic Civil War? Were they forced to demilitarize, or did they just keep to themselves and hide what they were truly capable of? What happened when they opened their borders to rebels and refugees? Did the Empire retaliate in full, or was a methodical strike taken against the Espirions in the form of seizures and embargos? How did they respond, and did they wage their own war against the tyrannical government, or did they ally themselves with the Rebel Alliance?

Would the Espirions go on to join the New Republic, or maintain their apparent independence? How would the Alderaanian refugees be treated once on Espirion, and would they leave to regroup following the Galactic Civil War or simply call this world their new home? Were the Espirions affected by the Cold War and the First Order’s rise to dominance? And what would happen to them in the many harsh years to come? Exploring all of these answers, as well as general establishing concepts such as their overall history, societal norms, cultural practices, languages, religions, arts, unique biological or anatomical traits, political and philosophical beliefs, diets, architecture, economy and exports, traditions and habits, etc. will help to really bring the Espirions into the mainstream of Star Wars Canon (and giving them a live action or even animated appearance wouldn’t hurt either).

Additional Notes: For some reason the Espirions have always been super memorable for me, despite their limited appearances. Most likely it’s due to the Alder-Espirion lore, but for some reason, no one else I talk to seems to know or at least remember that they exist. So I’ve been looking forward to publishing this particular entry for a while. Anything that has lore relating to Alderaan is immediately important within Canon, so I desperately hope we see the Espirions and their hybrid offspring appear in more and more media soon!

(There was also speculation about a near-Human species seen in the Obi-Wan Kenobi show seen at the Organa’s party on Alderaan possibly being a live action version of the Alder-Espirions. Given the context, it might make sense, although there are enough differences that I’m not confident in the idea. Still, it’s very possible the Alder-Espirions we’ve see illustrated have been more Espirion, while the ones in the show inherited more Human traits? Either way, it’s an interesting idea but I’m not putting much weight into it until we learn more!)

Additional Images: