Lore Update: Weequay



There is a myriad of species in the Star Wars universe. From prominent races like Humans, Twi'leks, and Zabraks, to the more obscure such as the Voss, Kubaz, and Vurk, aliens proliferate across the galaxy. Though some aren't playable in Star Wars: The Old Republic, it is still good to understand on who these aliens are and what their role is in the galaxy. As part of our continuing lore updates, we are taking a look at the Weequay, a species you may recognize from the Star Wars films and extended universe.
Appearance and Culture


Image from Wookieepedia

Weequays are humanoids from the planet Sriluur, a hot desert planet of the Outer Rim in Hutt Space. Their coarse, rough skin varies in color between tan and dark brown. They have no lips, but feature a frill around the jowls of their cheekbones. Male Weequay tie their hair into long braids with each braid representing a single Sriluurian year spent away from their homeworld; when returning home, they shave these braids. Female Weequay do not follow this tradition and are usually bald.

Originally thought by humans to be unintelligent because of how little they spoke, Weequay communicate to other members of their clan through pheromones. No other known species can detect the pheromones, though some Jedi can sense when Weequay communicate. Because each Weequay's pheromones are unique, they rarely take names. In their culture, the import is on the survival of their clan over individuality. As long as the clan survives, a single Weequay is expendable.

Image from Wookieepedia

Religion is the central pillar of a Weequay's life. They worship many gods, but their primary god is the moon-god Quay. In fact, Weequay literally translated means "follower of Quay." Weequay use small spherical objects as totems to communicate with Quay and their other gods. In an effort to please the gods, they address each totem as the god itself, often asking advice and waiting hours for the answer they want. Cities on Sriluuar are built around black shrines called Thal that are built of polished stone. Weequay often make offerings at these shrines to the gods. Thal are strictly prohibited from being built off-world, prompting off-world followers, known as sant, to leave offerings of large animal sacrifices.

Because of their often brutal culture, Weequay find work mostly as pirates and mercenaries. They first played this role during the Hutt-Xim conflict at the Third Battle of Vontor, where they joined Nikto, Vodran, and Klatooinian in service of Kossak the Hutt against Xim the Despot. After the conflict, the Weequay were the only ones not to sign the Treaty of Vontor, staying free of Hutt control. However, they continued to work for the Hutts in various roles throughout history.



While not many Weequay are prominent during the Old Republic era, Tanno Vik has made his name as a Trooper in the Republic military. He quickly became an expert in demolitions and is able to locate weaknesses in structures with remarkable speed. Though he was born on Nar Shaddaa, his Weequay nature made him antagonistic and kept him from entry into the Special Forces division. After his discharge for extorting citizens of Talay for protection money, he has worked as a mercenary in several conflicts across the galaxy.


Weequay Beyond the Old Republic


Weequay can be Force-sensitive, and several rose to the rank of Jedi during the Clone Wars. Jedi Knight Que-Mars Redath-Gom died during the Battle of Geonosis and Jedi Master Kossex died in the First Battle of Kamino. Jedi Master Sev was a general during the Clone Wars who died during Order 66. Sora Bulq, who was also a Jedi Master, betrayed the Jedi Order to become one of Count Dooku's Dark Acolytes.

Image from Wookieepedia

Hondo Ohnaka, another notable Weequay during the Clone Wars, led a gang of Weequay pirates on Florrum that eventually captured Count Dooku. They held him for ransom, and the Republic sent Jedi Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker to confront and negotiate with the pirates. In an effort to triple the ransom, Ohnaka captured Kenobi and Skywalker as well. While the ransom was en route, Ohnaka's second-in-command, Turk Falso, and fellow pirate Barb Mentir shot down the shuttle carrying it, killing several clone troopers and a senator in the process. Republic reinforcements eventually recovered the ransom and attacked the pirate gang's base, allowing Count Dooku and the Jedi to escape. After Dooku killed Falso, he stole a ship and left the planet. Ohnaka, realizing what happened under his command, allowed the Jedi and clones to leave the planet unharmed.

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