Da-vlunnian

Last Updated: 12/27/2023

Name: Da-vlunnian

Humanoid: Yes

Classification: Alternative

Homeworld: Unknown

Coloration: Tan or Orange

Biology: De-vlunnians were a rather grotesque humanoid species. They were bipedal, standing approximately the same height, if not slightly shorter than the average Human or near-Human species, but definitely not short enough to be classified as “diminutive.” They had two arms and two legs, with spindly limbs and bodies. Their skin was a tan or yellowish-orange coloration, with a very fleshy, hairless appearance and various wrinkles and bumps all over them, adding to their naturally disheveled appearance. Da-vlunnians had between three and five fingers on each hand, with sharp, pointed fingernails that were the same color as their skin.

Da-vlunnians appeared to lack chins, with their torso leading directly into their head. They had gaping mouths, with small lips that revealed protruding, pink gums coating outward angled jaws. Their large tongues were guarded by widely-spaced jagged teeth that were situated asymmetrically throughout their mouths, seemingly at random intervals. Presumably their teeth rested on the outside of their mouths while shut, and some of their back teeth could have a flatter, molar-like appearance. Da-vlunnians were capable of pronouncing Huttese with no issue, but it is currently unclear whether or not they could speak Galactic Basic given the shape of their mouths.

Moving up from their mouths, their heads grew larger, forming into an obtuse, bulbous shape. Their protuberant foreheads were massive and rounded, overlapping the crinkled ridge right above their upper lip. They also possessed a small knot on the back of their head that ended in somewhat of a point, which is where they could perch head coverings or hats. Da-vlunnian eyes were solid gold or yellow, which were possibly bioluminescent, but were usually naturally squinted, separated on the sides of their head and presumably giving them a blind spot. They had flat ear-like growths with two aural cavities on each side, four in total, while they seemingly had no visible nostrils. We also now know that the species could be Force Sensitive as well.

Lore: We have zero idea about any general lore pertaining to the Da-vlunnians. The only one we’ve seen so far, an individual named Masakene, was the Chief Steward for a Hutt named Skarabda during the High Republic era. Despite the esteemed title, however, Masakene was no more than a blundering lackey who was treated just like most Hutts treat any other species or individual found within their service.

Legends/Canon: Given their introduction via The High Republic media, the Da-vlunnians are exclusive to Star Wars Canon.

Unexplored: While we have little basis to even begin to ask specific worldbuilding questions, there are at least a few tidbits of context that may possibly give us some clues into the species’ greater identity overall, at least more than we usually get from new species like this. Mainly we need to talk about their potential connection to the Hutts. Could the Da-vlunnians have possibly been a “slave species” of the Hutts, or at the very least, could their currently unnamed homeworld have been found within Hutt Space? Exploring their relationship with the all powerful slugs, or other Hutt-related species such as the Niktos, Weequay, and Klatooinians, could really help get their foot into the door of an already well established and well known area of Star Wars lore.

Alongside more specific attributes, exploring general traits that all species have is never a detriment. These concepts in dire need of establishment include but are not limited to: origins, evolution, history, civilizations, architectures, anatomy, diets, homeworld, discovery, society, politics, economy, exports, arts, allegiances, habits, practices, traditions, advancements, technology, wars, religions, philosophies, and involvement in major intergalactic events. As time goes on, I hope we start to see lore introduced that fills out these categories, and it wouldn’t hurt to see more illustrations, and especially see them in different styles of media such as animation or live action. (We know they could work in live action, but we’ll talk more about that in the Additional Notes below!)

Additional Notes: This species is an interesting case as, when they first appeared, most people just assumed Masakene was a weird looking Fluggrian, both Wookieepedia editors and myself included. However, some were quick to point out that when Skarabda the Wise calls the character a “Da-vlunnian dimwit,” confidence in the Fluggrian theory was shattered. Then, concept artist Jake Lunt Davies revealed a piece of concept art that was lifted almost 1:1 for the look of Masakene, and how Cavan Scott, the writer of “The High Republic (2023) #1” where the species debuted had stated he wanted to use Davies’ art in something. And finally, after sharing this and referring to the species as a Da-vlunnian, Cavan Scott simply liked the tweet, sealing the idea that this was a new species with a new name! I’m excited to have been involved in the initial distribution of this information, and passing on the name to the artist who created them in the first place!

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