Zemerin

Last Updated: 11/6/2024

Name: Zemerin

Humanoid: No

Classification: Alternative/Diminutive

Homeworld: Unknown

Coloration: Dark Gray or Brown

Biology: The Zemerins were a bizarre species with a unique anatomical profile. Standing somewhere between 1 and 1.5 meters in height, they were considered to be on the shorter side as far as the average sentient species was concerned, but still considerably taller than the usual diminutive race, especially when their leg was extended. The species was digitigrade, possessing only one leg that ended in a long, three-fingered appendage. Their bodies were oval and plump, sporting two additional appendages, each of these arms possessing a hand nearly identical to their lone “foot,” when they generally kept clasped together and close to their chests. Zemerin heads were perched atop elongated necks and took on a distinctive “Y” shape, with beak like mouths, pill-shaped eyes with dark green sclera, light green or yellow irises, and black pupils, and two pointed bony growths extending out from the backs of their craniums.

The species had smooth, seemingly hairless skin, being either a dark gray or muted brown in coloration, and potentially possessing a slightly lighter-colored lower jaw as well. Given their single leg, the species moved by springing themselves around, giving them presumably a rather unique hopping form of locomotion. Zemerins could seemingly pronounce Galactic Basic Standard, and possessed a form of natural telepathy, most likely rooted in the Force and a high midichlorian count. Uniquely, the species did not survive off physical sustenance, but instead consumed negative energy to live. This negative energy came only from sentients who were provoked to fear, anger, sadness, distress, or other detrimental emotional states, forcing the Zemerins to sow chaos in their wake, or at the very least seek it out in order to simply survive.

Lore: The Zemerins were a species who had been discovered some time prior to the collapse of the Galactic Republic. Little is currently known about their origins or where they hailed from, however, they had a growing reputation in the galactic eye that was anything but favorable. Despite the strange nature of their physiology, the species was actually rather advanced, developing powerful technologies and being able to repair nearly any tech they didn’t create themselves, given enough time. Zemerins seemingly used these natural skills to their advantage, apparently traveling around in small groups or families to various worlds in need of assistance, being welcomed into communities where they began to work, all the while sowing fear, anger, and confusion among those around them, so that they can feed off of the negativity it created for as long as possible.

One such occurrence happened on the world Enujut, though the group was eventually discovered to be the culprits behind the rather sudden unrest, and they were eventually forced to leave. Given these revelations, the Zemerins were rather crafty, and generally came across as malicious and untrustworthy, ideas that weren’t entirely unfounded. They were also obviously nomadic, as it seemed they could not feed off of each other. This would presumably mean they had all but abandoned their homeworld, and no unity could exist between them as a whole, though, as their reputation continued to naturally spread, they seemingly hid themselves better and better from those who may be aware of their true natures.

Continuity: The Zemerins are exclusive to Star Wars Canon, at least presumably, as they come from a rather unique source. The species debuted in a storytime segment in the second episode of the “Star Wars: Jedi Temple Challenge,” alongside a currently unidentified species I’ve talked about a fair bit, the one “Gantu-inspired” Evor Haris belongs to!

Unexplored: There’s still a fair bit of information we’re lacking regarding this fascinating species that I would love to see revealed someday. This includes the answers to questions such as: Where did the Zemerins come from, and were they forced to abandon their homeworld in search of food, or is it possible they established their planet as a trap for unsuspecting prey, while some still left to seek out more plentiful food sources elsewhere? When did the species first develop sentience, and when did their unique “diets” develop? Were there any evolutionary benefits behind it, maybe they could originally drain non-sentients before they grew too greedy or maybe too numb to it? And were these abilities rooted in the Force, or potentially some other source of power?

When did the Zemerins first strike out among the stars? How advanced is the technology on their homeworld, and what are some of the most impressive inventions? Did they develop hyperdrive tech on their own, and why exactly were they able to repair almost anything they weren’t even familiar with? What were the first worlds to succumb to their “curse,” and is there anywhere where they established their presence and were never chased off? How quickly did their reputation spread, and was there some point in galactic history where their name and abilities had become well known? Did anyone ever attempt to hunt them, potentially even governments like the Republic or Empire? And did they have any allegiances or relationships of their own, or were they forever bound to their greater nature? Alongside these questions, it would also be worth diving into the usual list of standard worldbuilding traits I include in these articles, and most especially concepts like their traditions, religions, and philosophies.

Additional Notes: I think this species is INCREDIBLY interesting, from both a design and lore standpoint, and it’s almost kind of sad that they’ve been relegated to a small segment in a nearly forgotten children’s television program (not to discredit Jedi Temple Challenge of course). Hopefully the people at Lucasfilm or Disney, maybe a member of the Story Group, are still keeping track of their existence, and they’ll bring them to the attention of an artist, writer or creator who can insert them into one of their next projects in any acceptable capacity! I guess we’ll have to wait and see, but maybe, just maybe, the mere existence of this article will help generate interest that will then bring the species back into the spotlight (if they were ever even in the spotlight originally)!

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