Clantaani (Clantanni)

Last Updated: 09/14/2025

Name: Clantaani (Clantanni)

Humanoid: Yes

Classification: Beastite (Canine)

Homeworld: Clantaano III

Coloration: Blue, Purple, Tan, Brown, or Orange

Biology: The Clantaanis (or Clantannis) were a unique species possessing dog-like traits, though evidence of horse and even rabbit-like elements could also be observed. They were bipedal, with a generally humanoid shape, although they often stood over 2 meters in height, and while a bit on the lean side, the majority of their bodies seemed to be made of almost pure muscle. Their skin varied widely in coloration, sometimes being bright orange or purple, while others were a muted blue or brown, almost always accented with tan patches on their face and arms, and darker mottled spots on areas like their shoulders. Said arms were slightly disproportionately long, and ended in four-fingered hands.

Clantaanis possessed elongated faces. Their low hanging mouths were naturally downturned, with large lips and an often pointed chin. Their teeth were large and flat, with pointed canine teeth on their lower jaw. Right above their lips, male Clantaanis had the ability to grow thick tan (or white) mustaches that were separated in the middle. Running up and between was a large philtrum that led directly to upturned noses with wide, exposed nostril openings. Clantaanis had squinted eyes that were often yellow in coloration, overshadowed by very pronounced brows that were sometimes hairless and sometimes had faint white or brown eyebrows.

Extending from the sides of their heads were long, floppy ears that pointed out and downwards. These ears flopped around when they walked, but didn’t hang flat to the sides of their heads. The top of their heads also had a noticeable ridged crest. Clantaanis had enhanced physical strength, as well as an elevated sense of hearing, presumably due to the shape of their ears. They were also were known for having loud, often gruff or grumbling voices, having the capacity to pronounce Galactic Basic Standard rather easily. It also seemed they had a similar lifespans to that of the average Human or similar species.

Lore: The Clantaanis were a sentient species originally native to the Clantaano III (also often just referred to as Cantaano), located deep within the infamous chunk of the galaxy known as the “Slice.” This world was covered in unforgiving desert, featuring limited resources that continued to dwindle year by year. As such, they remained relatively untouched by the outside galaxy, despite long being introduced to it. Due to the planet’s nearly unlivable environment, some Clantaanis would move offworld if offered the opportunity, thoough very few offworlders ever desired to move there in return. The majority of the Clantaanis, however, were not privileged enough to possess space-faring, hyperspace-capable technology, and so lived less than comfortable lives among the arid wastes of their home.

These many Clantaanis were forced to come together as small nomadic tribes that were often made up of only a few extended families. These tribes never remained in one place for long, partially due to the lack of resources in any given location, and partially just due to longstanding tradition. Tribes commonly did not have good relations with one another, and often went to war over natural resources as well as existing stockpiles. Most had access to primitive weapons such as swords and spears, however, some groups also got their hands on low-tech blasters and similar technologies. Some of these tribes would evolve more into aggressive gangs that enjoyed simply antagonizing others, and would often eventually move offworld to pursue lives of crime together out among the greater galaxy.

Most of the outside galaxy viewed the Clantaanis as brutish individuals who consistently sported gruff, unapproachable personas, carrying themselves like those we’d associate with the “wild west” in real life. They had a widespread reputation as outlaws, and often embraced their “cowpoke” identities in dress, weaponry, speech, and more. Some even took on nicknames such as “Deadeye” and “Two-Guns,” and their names in general, including the likes of Longo and Hardwikk, had a very “western” vibe overall. The Clantaanis did come under the eye of the Hutt Empire at some point, and appeared to be placed under the loose rule of Corporate Sector Authority later into their history. They were also seen throughout the galaxy as early as the High Republic era, although it is unclear when exactly they were first discovered, and by whom.

Continuity: The Clantaanis were first created for Star Wars Legends media in its later days, staying relegated mostly to some early 2000s video game content. Relatively recently they were canonized within media from the beginning of Phase II of The High Republic, possessing the same general appearance, although their name has now been more commonly spelled “Clantanni.” It is unclear if this is a typo that hasn’t been caught, or if that will continue to be their officially recognized name, however, all of the extended lore above, including the name and state of their homeworld, has yet to be made Canon in any way.

Unexplored: Within the confines of Canon, the Clantaanis remain very unexplored, and even with their extended lore from Legends, there was a lot left unexplained when it came to this species. If we are to expand upon their Canon interaction, then here are some questions to ask that would help to flesh them out quite substantially. For starters, what is their canonical homeworld, and what is their canonical name (or are there multiple acceptable spellings)? When were the Clantaanis first discovered, do they have any notable alliances, relationships, or association with major galactic groups or governments? Did the Clantaanis still have the same nomadic/cowboy lifestyle, and were there still many Clantaani gangs spread out across their home and the galaxy?

What did the galaxy think of the Clantaanis and were they even very well known to begin with? Were they valued for their size, strength, and oftentimes skills with a blaster? Was there a reason as to why they had limited advanced technologies and stuff (if that is still true in Canon), whether circumstance, superstition, or some other sort of conscious aversion? And did anyone ever try to take advantage of them? Were they or their homeworld ever drawn into any major galactic conflicts? And what happened to them in future eras such as the Cold War or beyond? In addition, it would be great to get some additional details regarding their political systems, economies, philosophies and beliefs, religions, exports, history, traditions, habits, and other cultural practices!

Additional Notes: I was VERY excited to see these pop up in The High Republic, regardless of the whole spelling debacle. They’ve always stood out to me as a relatively unique species, both in design and just with the whole cowboy thing. Hopefully we’ll see them in other mediums soon now that they’re Canon, and I would be fascinated to see how they translate into live action! Space cowboys who are anthro-horse-dogs is just such a funny idea that HAS to be taken advantage of more at some point!

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