Villarandi

Last Updated: 6/3/2024

Name: Villarandi

Humanoid: Yes

Classification: Insectoid/Diminutive

Homeworld: Unknown

Coloration: Yellowish-Green and Yellow

Biology: The Villarandi were a short insectoid sentient race found within the Star Wars galaxy. They stood approximately 1.2 meters tall on average, with a thin, spindly frame, possessing two legs and four arms, the latter possessing three digits each. Their bodies were hairless and covered in various, close-knit segments and plates, presumably some sort of exoskeleton, with each of these chitinous sections being a yellowish-green in coloration. Villarandi had elongated necks, with rounded heads perched atop. On these heads were peaked mouths with tooth-like spies protruding from both lips, as well as large, angular, glassy yellow eyes possessing miniscule indented pupils, and on top of their cranium were two long, segmented antennae. Additionally, they had a large, rounded carapace extending from the back of their head, with appeared to be a soft, almost cloth-like, light underside while, the back was hardened and protective. Villarandi had the capacity to clearly pronounce Galactic Basic Standard.

Lore: Next to nothing is currently known about the Villarandi as a collective species. Only one Villarandi has currently ever been seen, a rather well known, albeit infamous, bar owner known as Kradon Minst, who had taken up residence on the holy moon of Jedha by the early days of the High Republic era. Based off of Kradon’s appearance and mannerisms, the species seemed to don jewelry, ribbons, or other attachments on various portions of the outer section of the circular carapace at the back of their head (though again, this may have just been a rather unique and particular taste of clothing exclusive to Kradon.) Despite their smaller stature, the species could be quite intimidating and boisterous, able to easily boss around beings much larger than themselves and assert their presence from amongst a dense crowd.

Continuity: Though they resemble some of the many insectoid species to originate from within the EU, the Villarandi are a concept exclusive to Star Wars Canon, being created specifically for the “The High Republic” multimedia event.

Unexplored: At the moment, I can sincerely just put “everything” for this section. It’s hard to form any precise questions about this species without the necessary context, so the biggest inquiry I can pose is just about the basic building blocks of their lore. This includes concepts such as the Villarandi’s homeworld, origins, evolution, history, anatomy, biology, diets, clothing, architecture, developments, cultures, society, civilizations, economies, politics, governments, alliances, advancements, exports, arts, reach, philosophies, religions, traditions, habits, languages, cultural practices, and future, among many other ideas! Additionally, receiving additional illustrations, interpretations, or adaptations across various art styles and mediums, might help make them stand apart from other insectoid sentients even further!

Additional Notes: It is worth noting that in at least a couple of the THR “Tales of Enlightenment” short stories published in Star Wars Insider, the species’ name is spelled “Villerandi” with an “e” instead of an “a.” I decided not to include this as an alternate, in-universe spelling at the top of the article, however, because this appears to be nothing more than an error which was corrected in subsequent ToE entries. Still, if this trend continues in the future, I may come back and update the article so that it is treated as an official alternative. That being said, the Villarandi are pretty fun I suppose. They’re not the most unique insectoid species in the universe by far, but I do like what they’re done with Kradon, and there’s something about their eyes and the almost hat-like, “handpan” shaped growth behind their heads that really sticks with me. Hopefully we’ll have the opportunity to see them in live action soon in something like “The Acolyte” or a similar project!

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