Pitrillistian

Last Updated: 3/19/2024

Name: Pitrillistian

Humanoid: Yes

Classification: Insectoid/Giant

Homeworld: Pitrillistia

Coloration: Brown, Purple, White, Blue, Red, & Green

Biology: The Pitrillistians were a complex, colorful, visually distinct insectoid species known for possessing a number of unique anatomical traits. They were a thin and gangly race, standing between 2.1 and 2.2 meters tall on average, being bipedal, with two arms, two legs, and a curved upper back. Their base skin appeared to be dark brown in coloration, with thin, almost boney proportions and segmented joints. On top of much of their skin were thick plumes of spiky fur, most of which was the same brown color as their skin, especially around their back, while their forearms were instead covered in stark white fur. Their thighs seemed to be rather bulky compared to the rest of their bodies, while their lower legs and ankles were slightly furry, ending in long, seemingly two-toed feet bearing sharp claws.

One of the Pitrillistians’ most distinctive traits were their hands, which differed greatly in shape and size. The right hand of a Pitrillistian was fairly Human-like, though it possessed only four fingers, being the same color as the rest of their skin. Their left hands, however, were instead incredibly insectoid in nature, featuring only two elongated pinsiers that were segmented at the “knuckle,” appear to be somewhat lighter in coloration than their other hand as well. Each hand had differing utilities, and showcased both their more fleshy and chitinous traits. Situated on certain portions of their body were bright purple plates that served as a pseudo-exo-skeleton. These plates could be found on their chest, shoulder, as well as overlapping on their upper back/neck/cranial area. Additionally, it was said they housed a set of small wings somewhere, presumably on their back.

Pitrillistian heads were also quite fascinating, being crimson in coloration, angular in shape, and almost mosquito-like in design. On the lower-sides of their head could be found two large, solid white eyes. Extending from the front of their face was what appeared to be a long proboscis-like growth that extended outward to a point, being light blue in coloration, and potentially housing their mouth and/or nose. Dangling from the sides of their heads were two additional pointed lobes, also light blue, described as being horns, though they appeared to be malleable and segmented. A small tuft of what appeared to be yellow or green hair could also be seen sprouting from their forehead, while a dangling beard-like growth of darker hair hung from under their chin and upper shell portion. Pitrillistians could not pronounce Galactic Basic, instead speaking a unique language consisting of melodic buzzing, assisted by wing fluttering rhythms.

Lore: Little remains known about the Pitrillistians, who rarely if ever left their Outer Rim homeworld of Pitrillistia. They seemed to be a relatively simple, potentially primitive species, who wore minimal clothing in the form of robes, and brandished ornate plating, jewelry, and staffs. They also had a peaceful society, avoiding conflict whenever possible, though they weren’t afraid to carry a blaster when needed. The musical aspect of their language was important to them, making it both a form of communication as well as an art. Though seemingly not often visited, the outside galaxy did know of their existence, and mistakenly characterized as intimidating due to their stature. Pitrillistia was placed within Imperial jurisdiction sometime prior to 4 ABY, their System and Sector patrolled by the Empire’s Oversector Outer branch’s “Outer Rim Imperial Fleet” during the next few years, though their presence had pulled out (or been forcefully removed) shortly before 7 ABY..

Continuity: The Pitrillistians currently remain exclusive to Star Wars Legends, being an “Honorable Mention” entry within the old “Design an Alien” competition, which, according to “Keeper of the Holocron” Leland Chee does technically count as official within the grander EU continuity/continuities!

Unexplored: Being a “Design an Alien” species means most of their lore is obscure at best and non-existent at worst. That means there’s a ton left unexplored regarding the Pitrillistians, not only within the EU but also Canon, where they’re a blank slate should they ever be adapted into the current continuity. So, for starters, what does this species’ origins look like? What sort of creature did they evolve from, how long have they held sentience, when were they first discovered, and how often do they interact with offworlders? Additionally, what was their homeworld like? What sorts of environments did it boast, how did that affect their upbringings, lifestyles, and culture? Were they technically primitive, or did they intentionally choose to live simple lives as a part of some philosophy, religion, tradition, etc.? Exploring the answers to a few of these very basic questions, as well as our usual list of general worldbuilding traits, in addition to more anatomical and biological exploration, will really help nail down this species as one of the fascinating greats! (Also, as cool as the OG is, we’re in dire need of some more, updated illustrations/depictions!)

Additional Notes: All of the Design-an-Alien winners and honorable mentions are so creative, a diverse style of creativity I feel we lack in the modern age of the franchise, and the Pitrillistians are no exception to this! I love the look, even if the images we have are relegated to low quality scans, and desperately want to see this one recycled in something someday with a slightly updated appearance that is still 100% true to the original design! Bravo to then-nineteen-year-old Desset Fabien, who left his mark on the identity of Star Wars itself way back when he submitted this awesome idea for an incredible species! (I hope he’s still doing well!)

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