Pinurquian

Last Updated: 5/20/2024

Name: Pinurquian

Humanoid: Yes

Classification: Near-Human/Beast

Homeworld: Unknown (Pinurquia System)

Coloration: Tan, Brown, or Red

Biology: The Pinurquians were a bipedal, humanoid species, usually standing slightly taller than the average Human, with both bovine and suidae-esque traits. They had wide, imposing frames, with large features, including broad chests and pudgy, four-fingered hands. The species’ skin could range anywhere from pale tan to an almost reddish-pink, with hair that could be brown or dark red as well. Pinurquian heads were large, with long faces, sporting wide mouths with large fangs, upturned noses, small, solid black or white eyes situated under pronounced brows, and pointed ears. The species could grow hair on top of their heads, as well as various places on their face including their lip and chin. Additionally, they had curved, ribbed, white horns extending up and back from the top of their heads. The species had the capacity to speak Galactic Basic Standard clearly.

Lore: The Pinurquians were a species considered to be fairly commonplace within the Star Wars universe. They hailed from an unidentified planet found within the Outer Rim’s “Pinurquia System,” though they had been discovered and introduced into the greater galaxy some time prior to the official collapse of the Galactic Republic in 19 BBY. By 4 ABY, an influential planetary mafia made up of Pinurquians had established themselves as the head of the Outer Rim planet Keyorin. These mobsters, led by a Pinurquian named Tinketh Fo, also known simply as “Boss,” were contacted by agents of the Rebel Alliance in the form of Han Solo, Lando Calrissian, and Chewbacca, who invited them to attend “First Conference of Free Peoples” held on Endor. After some convincing, Fo would attend this meeting, representing the entirety of Keyorin, and would become one of the first members of the “Alliance of Free Planets” which eventually became the New Republic, though we do not know if all Pinurquians would ally themselves with the new intergalactic government or just those under the Boss.

Continuity: The Pinurquians are a species currently exclusive to Star Wars Legend, only officially appearing three times throughout the EU, with two of those appearances being within the original 1977 Marvel comic run.

Unexplored: We really never learned much about this early Star Wars species, which is a shame when looking at how many other species originating from the OG comic series got expanded upon further later on within the EU. Hopefully we can still see them make their Canon debut someday, possibly within the THR multimedia event before it comes to a formal end. However, regardless of the source, we’re going to ask some questions that, if answered, would help us better understand this species. So first and foremost, where do the Pinurquians hail from? What is the name of their homeworld, what was it like, and was it possible the species was fully spread out across the Pinurquia System or even beyond? How or why did so many members of the species end up on Keyorin, and is it possible it has some ties to their original home?

What sort of creature did the Pinurquians evolve from? Was it possibly some sort of cow or pig-like beast, or something else entirely? When did they first develop sentience, how long after were they first discovered, and by whom? Did they have any sort of prominent allegiances, potentially being members of the Galactic Republic? How did the Pinurquians view the outside galaxy? How advanced were they as a civilization? What sorts of governments, society, cultures, economy, exports, politics, philosophies, religions, traditions, etc. could be found on their homeworld(s)? Were they ever caught up in any major events or wars? Just how well known was the species exactly, and how far was their reach? Was it commonplace to find organizations like the Boss’ on various worlds across the galaxy? How influential were the Pinurquians among the budding New Republic? What happened to them in the following eras, and what did some of their pre-Empire history look like? Exploring the answers to some or all of these questions, as well as diving deeper to their anatomy, biology, and appearance via updated illustrations or depictions, would be incredibly helpful going forward!

Additional Notes: While it’s not the most unique design in the Star Wars universe, they do hold a spot as being one of the earlier named members of the pantheon of sentient species, and as such, definitely deserve some level of recognition. It’s really neat to see species reappear in multiple issues throughout the OG comic run, especially when continuity didn’t mean nearly as much as it does today to both creators and consumers alike. Hopefully they will make their Canon debut in the foreseeable future, and honestly, they wouldn’t be hard to pull off in live action (there’s a very similar looking individual seen within the first season of The Mandalorian already)! Until then, however, we’ll just have these few brief appearances to go off of, which is definitely better than the numerous unidentified species who originated from the same source!

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