Kage

Last Updated: 11/8/2023

Name: Kage

Humanoid: Yes

Classification: Near-Human

Homeworld: Quarzite

Coloration: White or Tan

Biology: Kages were an incredibly Near-Human species, sporting only a few known differences from that of a baseline Human. Despite sharing the same general features, shape, weight, height, build, and overall anatomy, they did differ greatly when it came to pigmentation. Their skin was a pale gray or white in coloration, with silver or gold hair, and bright pink, yellow, green, or blue irises in their eyes that glowed in low-light environments. They also possessed slightly pointed ears (although this does not necessarily make them connected to the Sephi). Kage were naturally very fit and athletic, usually considered conventionally attractive by humanoid standards all across the galaxy. They were also a naturally subterranean species, and thus were used to dwelling in darkened places, although they had little aversion to light. They had the capacity to clearly pronounce Galactic Basic, although they seemingly preferred speaking in their native tongue.

Lore: The Kage were an isolated species that dwelled in the crystal caves deep below Quarzite’s surface. For all of their known history, they had been locked in an intense conflict with Quarzite’s other native sentient race, the tyrannical Belugans. The Belugans held the planet’s political power, jurisdiction of the planet’s unforgiving surface and space elevators, and the rights to Quarzite’s resources and gem exports. This meant that the rich Belugans had the resources to purchase advanced tech, while the oppressed Kage needed to rely on primitive weaponry such as kunai and electroblades. The Kage had also tamed the native fauna such as the giant Milodons, which they used as vehicles that rivaled the fastest Belugan railcrawlers.

As a whole, the Kage were very ritualistic, holding to traditional beliefs, ways of dress, martial arts, and much more. They possessed a sort of royal families system created from the lineage of great warriors (such as the Sodi family who were prominent during the Clone Wars era), and over the years they had constructed sporadic cities throughout Quarzite’s caverns, although they were often hidden for fear of being under siege by the Belugans. It was common for every Kage male to be trained as an elite “Kage Warrior” once they reached a certain age, although when that training began was unclear. Kage women were viewed as valuable by the Belugans, often sold into slavery and used as concubines by the wealthy Belugan elite. This meant that along with sabotaging the Belugan mining and exporting processes as a form of Rebellion, Kage Warriors were also always tasked with protecting they and their comrades wives and daughters.

While Quarzite remained neutral during the Clone Wars, we know that the Belugans were favored by the Galactic Republic. This caused certain Kage Warriors who were able to escape their homeworld to rent themselves out as mercenaries specifically for the Separatist Alliance. These warriors were key in delivering damaging blows to the Republic in the latter half of the war, and they proved invaluable both as warriors and commanders of the droid army. A number of Kage who had fled Quarzite also ended up allied with Saw Gerrera’s Partisans, although it is unclear whether this was because the Galactic Empire had made their way to Quarzite, or if they simply sympathized with those who were oppressed regardless of the oppressor. Despite these aforementioned instances, most Kage never left their homeworld, and rarely interacted with those from beyond Quarzite’s cavernous expanse.

Legends/Canon: The Kage originated prior to the formation of the official Star Wars Canon thanks to their appearance in the fourth season of The Clone Wars. Despite their existence within Star Wars Legends, however, all of their extended lore was created post-Disney, and as such, is fully Canon.

Unexplored: While not unique in design, their place in the galaxy is rather distinct, and exploring the answers to the following questions would really help them stand above the plethora of other similar Near-Human species. First off, were they originally from Quarzite, or were the Belugans the true native species and the Kage were descended from ancient Human settlers? How many Kage were left, and when did their conflict with the Belugans truly begin? Why were they the underdogs, and were they less technologically advanced than their neighboring species by choice or circumstance? How were they able to tame the giant Milodons and other native species? Were there any Kage that held more political power than the head Kage Warriors? And what sort of cultural traditions, technology, or religious beliefs have we yet to learn about?

In addition, how often did the Kage leave Quarzite? Was it incredibly difficult for them to sneak offworld, or had they developed their own ways? What was their view of the outside galaxy, and how common was it for them to interact with offworlders? Why did so many Kage Warriors pursue careers as mercenaries and assassins? Were there any distinct reasons as to why a number sided with the Separatist Alliance? And similarly, why would so many join up with the Partisans? Was it due to convenience, or did they prefer Saw’s rather violent ways? How did Quarzite function when the Empire rose to power, and did they ever gain any ground in their fight against the Belugans? Finally, what were the odds of a Kage being Force Sensitive, and are the theories that they may have had a connection to the Dark Side of the Force actually true?

Additional Notes: There’s something about the Kage that I just love! I can’t explain it, because on paper they’re pretty basic, but I NEED to see them in more stuff. I do like that they appear in media every so often, especially with The High Republic, but they’re also kind of hard to spot given how similar they are to Humans. With just a few more mainstream appearances, I think they could achieve the same recognition as a species like the Pantorans, although their established lore does also limit how often they can actually appear.

Additional Images: