#ghorfa

Index

• General Info • The Force • Jedi Order — Structural Changes — Relevant Members — Affiliated Characters • Clones — General Notes — Coruscant Guard — Deserters • Mandalore — New Mandalorians — Death Watch — True Mandalorians — Nite Owls — Red Blades — Journeyman Protectors — Old Mandalorians • Darksiders • Dathomir • Tusken (Ghorfa)

General Info

I grew up with the franchise and love many aspects of it, but honestly can't keep track of everything going on in there, especially the later additions. Majority is based on my understanding of the old movies, parts of TCW, Bounty Hunter, the 2003 Clone Wars micro-series (which I adore) and pieces of Legacy I've picked up over the years.

Overall direction and setting are a collaboration between myself and two friends. Any art and designs shared here will be made by "V" while I and "R" handle the world and writing. Our projects will be tagged as #vcr works.

The main events of the story take place in the middle of the Clone Wars (late 21 BBY) but since certain aspects have been changed, we'll also go into some of the altered and adjusted backstories of characters prior to that point.

Main premise:

About two years after Endor, Luke and Leia get sucked into the past while investigating Korda Six and accidentally save the life of none other than one Jaster Mereel. Unfortunately, it's not his correct time either, so the three of them have to figure out their way through the Clone Wars, in a galaxy both so familiar and yet foreign.

The Force

For the sake of simplicity, I'll leave it relatively vague in its exact machinations and the way the characters interpret it depends on their individual beliefs.

Honestly, I still have no idea what the deal with the sides is, exactly. And I'm almost too afraid to ask at this point.

The way I've chosen to interpret the "dark side" is that it's inherently unnatural - a corruption. In my mind, I see it like a loophole that's easy to exploit, but comes with a certain cost. It's backwards to the way the Force/universe works and to "restore balance" would mean getting rid of this corruption. Jedi use the Force by reaching out and connecting to it, allowing it to guide them, while a Sith takes control of it, bends it to their will.

Somewhat similar to the way each handle kyber crystals - Jedi bond with their crystals, but Sith simply "bleed" them.

The biggest point for me would be that "falling" is a conscious choice you have to make and continue to make yourself.

On a side note: I don't like the idea of eye color suddenly changing to yellow/red - kind of an obvious tell, if you're trying to hide your status as a darksider. (Not to mention the whole Blue Eyes = Good Guys thing that's uhhh. Yeah.) In Palp's case, it's quite deliberately his Sith Lightning disfiguring and partially blinding him.

Jedi Order

Following the Ruusan Reformation, there was a push to train initiates from a young age* and keep familial ties minimal, as a means to prevent any Jedi from holding strong attachments or falling for Sith ideology. Although rare, some exceptions are made when necessary. Official marriages were no longer permitted, as every Jedi was expected to fully commit themselves to the Force and so could not promise commitment to a single person. They could love and have children, but it was always expected to put their love for and duty to the galaxy at large before any such ties.

If someone can't follow that idea, they're free to leave the Order, but will still always be welcomed as a friend. (Which was the case for Dooku, before he outed himself as Evil.)

Jedi wouldn't really place the same kind of importance romantic and familial relationships have in most cultures over others, if they really believe in their teachings. I think, to be a Jedi means understanding that your partner or mother can't be more important than, say, your neighbor or a random stranger on the street. You kind of have an equal duty to all of them. For children raised in the Order as babies, I can see them never truly grasping the concept of a traditional family and likely comparing the bond between a parent and child to that of a Padawan and Master.

It's easy to see how this attitude could be perceived as "cold" or "un-feeling" by other people, but I'd argue it's the opposite - Jedi simply don't really draw a line in the amount of love & compassion they have for different beings or even the world itself. (At least ideally, can't guarantee it works for everyone.)

*young age implies newborns to 6 years or equivalent, which I think is still a very impressionable range and could explain differences in accents and cultural nods.

Involvement with the GAR came to be, due to the clone army technically belonging to the Order. So, the two major problems were:

1. To amass such a military body is against the Ruusan Reformation and could be considered an act of war. Hence, ownership needed to be transferred to the Republic.

2. Knowing the Republic doesn't view clones as people and the kind of damage naval officers could do in the name of efficiency, Jedi needed to step in and ensure there wasn't any more suffering than strictly necessary.

Their inherent ties to the Republic have many benefits as well as disadvantages for the Order. They are offered resources, support and certain immunities within Republic space for their service. Yet this binds them to the Senate's interests and limits them in their work across the galaxy; stunting their potential by focusing majority of their efforts in maintaining the status quo of the Core.

(not much of a change and more just me tapping a sign)

Structural notes:

Masters count as Generals in the GAR

Knights count as Commanders

Padawans count as Captains, but are usually not meant to get directly involved (if their Masters can help it)

Every eligible Jedi with the necessary skill and knowledge is assigned their own clone regiment or brigade

The rest are exempted or serve as agents/specialists aiding the Republic in the war effort

Jedi luminaries are those who go on to become Padawans, Knights and Masters

Jedi votaries are former initiates that ended up joining the Service Corps instead

On the Council:

The High Council features 20 active members at all times (when possible)

-> Master of the Order -> Caretaker of First Knowledge -> Speaker of Reconciliation -> Minister of Reassignment -> 16 Masters of the Guardians, Consulars and Sentinels

Temporary positions may be filled by additional Masters to act as support in times of need (such as Yoda during the Clone Wars)

On Padawans:

Padawan Trials are (currently) taken at 13 or equivalent

They are usually chosen by their mentors during the trials, or if there's already an established synergy between them

Initiates don't receive lightsabers until after becoming a Padawan

The pilgrimage to find their kyber crystal(s) is very personal and usually undertaken with the guidance of their Master

Jedi may "outgrow" their kyber crystals due to changes in their character or life and later search for new ones

Padawans receive a bead from their Master for each trial they pass until their knighting

I want to clarify that the Order is only one of many ways Force adepts around the galaxy practice their beliefs and skills. Being a Jedi of the Order is a full-time commitment, which can be quit at any time, if one chooses to dedicate themselves to a different path - such as family or politics. You don't have to stop serving the Force in your own way, or using it, you just shouldn't misuse it.

Some character notes & changes:

Yoda

Has been living hidden on Dagobah for centuries, but occasionally returns to the temple when the Force calls for it (or is requested)

Was once the Head Master of the Order in his youth, takes up the title again during the Clone Wars

He's kind of weird, cryptic, and likes to mess with people, while also being the most legendary Jedi alive

May trust in the Force to handle everything a little too much

Yaddle

Shadow Master of the Order - This may be a piece of popular fanon I've absorbed at some point, but I do think it's perfect

More of a calculating, quiet observer, yet fierce and ruthless when she needs to be

Has much experience dealing with Sith artefacts and darksiders

Didn't believe the Sith were ever truly gone

Not dead (yet)

Plo Koon

(chronologically) practically ancient, but only became a Jedi in the past three decades (-> going with 383 Kel Dor years, which we've decided equals about 505 Standard in this setting)

Had already mastered the Force, but wished to follow the Order, so an exception was made by Tyvokka, who decided to tutor him

Only member allowed to (officially*) wield Force Lightning, the technique otherwise forbidden (*unofficially: Shadows)

Thanks to his long life-span, he's studied and followed many different Force-philosophies throughout the times

Doesn't always agree with the Council, but doesn't outright deny them either

Obi-Wan

Keeping some parts of his Legends history, though a little more sensible in his overall Padawanship and relation with Qui-Gon

Him and Feemor are good Padawan-brothers and occasionally work together

Was more involved in The Phantom Menace as a fresh knight and the one to save Anakin, urged by his own (relatively brief) experience as a slave when he was about that age

Really does take on Ahsoka as his new Padawan - I just don't think it's fair to throw her at Anakin of all people as a way to "fix" him

On Tatooine, he kept in touch with the farm and Luke would learn much from him, but remain unaware of his powers

Also kept up with the Organas and often acted as Leia's bodyguard and teacher

Ahsoka

Don't really have much I'd change for her characterization, but will add that I think her lightsabers should be yellow

Became a Padawan a year before the Clone Wars, a few months after Anakin's knighted

Being under Obi-Wan's tutelage makes her look to Anakin as a fun (if stubborn and reckless) Padawan-brother

Develops proper friendships with Barriss and other peers throughout the war

Plo Koon and Anakin will usually act as her temporary teachers (she gets to co-captain with Rex)

Anakin

His character is a mix of both Clone Wars series and the original draft for The Phantom Menace ("The Beginning")

Was found and made a Padawan at 12 years old and seemed wise if dangerously reckless for his age

Was knighted at barely 21, after facing off against Ventress a year before the Clone Wars

Really wants to leave the Order but feels obligated to stay and fulfill his destiny duty, especially with Padmé's insistence

He totally eats bugs and all manner of critters

His initial lightsaber was blue but he later gathered a new crystal once it fell out of tune (his current one being orange)

Barriss

We sort of tried to blend the different versions of her character, so she's still a Padawan but aiming to become a Jedi Healer

Her Padawanship is quite different from Ahsoka's and as they grow closer, it also sparks a certain resentment for her and the Order

The war really takes a toll on her faith and while she doesn't turn to the dark, she still struggles with fighting for the Order/Republic

Luminara's more pragmatic Jedi philosophy ends up clashing with her sentiments and ideals as a healer, eventually becoming a tipping point after a particularly harrowing incident

Wanted to give her more of a red/green look, so her and Luminara have switched lightsaber colors in this

Feemor

Former Temple Guard, later Jedi Investigator

More pragmatic, grounded, and direct compared to Obi-Wan

Handled a number of Rim worlds, but focused more on the Core after taking on a "Padawan" (in secret) (if you thought he'd be an outlier in the Disaster Lineage, think again!!!)

Mostly deals with the underbelly of Coruscant these days and is familiar with the Guard

Affiliated:

Kilindi

Yes, THAT Kilindi Matako, because years ago I once saw art of her as a kickass Jedi and never forgot. And I love her (that said, if anyone here knows of that, please tell me where)

Was saved a year prior to the Orsis massacre by Feemor, who recognized her latent Force-sensitivity and after learning of her background, offered to train her in secret

Initially merely aiming to develop her skills, she began taking genuine interest in Jedi philosophy the more she learned of the Force

Additionally trained by the Fallanassi, she became adept in Force Immersion and illusions

Operates independently from the Order, but often works with Feemor

Luke

He may be a Jedi, but isn't really part of the Order (acts independently)

I can't stress enough how weird this guy would be to any other Jedi, he's got an amalgam of saber forms that's closer to a bar brawl and can even fold space (among other things)

Following the fall of the empire, he went on a "pilgrimage" seeking to better understand the Force and his role as a Jedi

Spent much time learning anything about the Order and other Force-religions he could find

Found particular interest in the ancient "Way" and humorously calls himself a "Wayseeker" (by coincidence)

Leia

Although having no desire to follow their traditions, she's a definitive ally of the Order

Luke trains her in the Force and with lightsabers to a point where she grows on par with him, but still prefers blasters

After the death of the emperor, she chose to dedicate her time helping to build up a new, better Republic

She never married Han Solo, having more of an On-and-Off relationship due to her convictions and his flighty nature

More than anything, she seeks to rid the galaxy of corruption and help those in need

Update: We've decided to make Aunt Beru Anakin's step-sibling for this setting, instead of Owen. Meaning Shmi Skywalker married Cliegg "Whitesun."

Clones

-> Clones Overview

-> GAR Structure Jedi & Clones

To summarize some points in the links:

In this AU the Kaminoans agreed to grow experimental units (Alphas) before the actual clone production was scheduled, since Tipoca City was specifically made for this project and still under construction. It would place the eldest clones around 22-23 (developmentally) during Geonosis, while the rest of those ready to be deployed ranged 18-21—including the commandos.

The point is that they're all insanely young when they're shipped out and I can imagine with rising demand, there's gradually more pressure to send them out as early as they can afford. In this setting, it means by the second year of war, there would be active troopers as young as 16—to put into perspective just how "shiny" some of these guys are.

Decommissionings did occur—much more so before the Jedi's arrival—but mainly within the first years of development, or if a trooper was deemed "unsalvageable" in the field. There was a lot of reprioritizing and wrestling of opinions involved, but eventually the Kaminoans could be convinced to let certain things slide if the benefits outweighed the cost. Reconditioning and termination are more of a last resort, but some "defective" clones may be kept around for other uses.

They're making soldiers, so they don't need exact copies of Fett, but they do want consistency at a higher "quality" and efficiency. That said, there are little to no significant physical differences among the clones beyond what might change once they've been deployed. (Sorry, but Rex is very much a bottle blonde lol.) Besides personality, behavior, scarring & moles; I think it's reasonable for the greatest natural differences to be their voices/speech and physique, as both are extremely adjustable via training or other factors. Trends like hair dye and tattoos only really become an option after the first few months of war and even then it's only after they leave Kamino.

After Geonosis, the first few months of the war were comparably "messy" to the later organizational structure of the GAR. This adjustment period relied heavily on the trained ARC troopers to take charge and lead difficult military operations alongside Navy officers and the Jedi.

Some time following missions after the first battle of Kamino, Alpha-17 and a number of other Alpha-class ARCs were selected as instructors for the new ARC training program. Commanders—as well as standard clone troopers who had shown potential, such as Rex—received additional training for up to three months. It promoted individuality and independence through difficult battlefield scenarios, resulting in increased creativity and resourcefulness. The commanders of Rancor battalion were among the first graduates and would continue the ARC program while stationed on Kamino.

Coruscant Guard

There's a slight difference between the Guard and shock troopers deployed through Homeworld Security. The former is focused as a military police on Coruscant, with duties that cover matters regarding the Senate, the war effort, high-security prisons, off-world escorts, and urban control in high-risk situations. The latter, on the other hand, deploys Coruscant-trained shock troopers as security forces stationed around important facilities, patrol routes, and orbital stations—even on other Core Worlds.

They operate differently to the GAR in both structure and conduct. These clones are trained to be loyal to the Republic and follow orders without question, regardless of their moral judgement. Needless to say, giving lab-grown, highly effective super-soldiers such a degree of power and authority over the general population isn't a particularly great idea.

Since the Coruscant Guard was established a couple of months into the war, there's a mild disparity in behavior and way of thinking between the clones who were present for initial battles, and those who graduated from Homeworld training facilities. It was deemed necessary for cadets to be transferred and trained on the planet, to better prepare them for the urban setting. These facilites are overseen by Homeworld Security officers, with regular inspections by a number of selected Jedi Investigators (on the Council's insistence).

The Deserters

Honestly, I have a lot of mixed feelings and opinions regarding the whole Kyrimorut operation in the RepComm books—mostly that the setup had potential but was also a pretty bad idea.

I'd like to explore the concept of clones choosing to leave either the GAR or the Republic as a whole for various reasons, and particularly in the form of an independent organization that fights for their own—without being under the direct thumb of a natborn, especially a (former) superior officer/trainer.

Mandalore

The planet itself isn't as inhospitable as it's made to appear, much of it has managed to heal after the Dral'Han, though large wastelands still remain. Sparse forests cover portions of the northern hemisphere, while the south is filled with tundras and marshes. The New Mandalorians chose to remain in their domed cities within the wastes out of a mix of pride, convenience, and fear—knowing they would make easier targets attempting to build up settlements out in the open. Frequent sand- and electrical storms usually help to deter any unwanted guests. Because of that, they are relatively unaware of the exact number of survivors and re-settlers residing in the old cities or wandering as nomads.

The Civil War—also known as the Clan Wars— is still quite active and has taken its toll on both the people and their planets, scarring worlds many times over after skirmishes and raids. It has marked Mandalorian space as best avoided by the rest of the galaxy, while pirates see it as an opportunity.

New Mandalorians

Referred to as the Evaar Mando'ade, or simply Evaar'ade by other Mandalorians. Led by Duchess Satine Kryze, after having spent a year on the run due to the ongoing hostilities. Following republic occupation, Kalevala is one of the few worlds which began heavily incorporating non-Mandalorian customs and ideals found beyond the sector, such as concepts of nobility and gendered presentation. These notions developed on a significantly larger scale, however, among the citizens of Mandalore, resonating with the more comfortable, metropolized life seen in the Republic.

Originally from Kalevala, Satine underwent diplomatic training on Coruscant and through Republic aid spearheaded the modern civil movement. Believing the change was necessary to ensure a stable future and prevent another Dral'Han, the New Mandalorians declared themselves as the face of Mandalore, despite strong opposition. They hope to gain political allies and secure their position in the galaxy using diplomacy and trade agreements, even if it means forsaking their cultural heritage.

Death Watch (Kyr'tsad)

Lit. "Death Society" - Once a splinter group of extremist criminals founded by Tor Vizsla in response to Jaster Mereel's rise in popularity back in 60 BBY, Death Watch has since grown into a full-blown political faction in direct opposition to the reforms introduced by both the New and True Mandalorians. Wishing to return to their "days of conquest", Death Watch pillage and murder their way through the sector and its neighbors, seeking glory and control.

Tor was succeeded by the then barely 17 Pre Vizsla, who quickly garnered respect thanks to the Darksaber handed to him by the Sith as part of a deal. The mythology surrounding the ancient weapon and his vision for Mandalore allowed him to sway a great number of clans. Over the years, his cunning and vicious nature would come to serve the group via carefully planned, underhanded tactics. 

Despite claiming to represent what it really means to be Mandalorian, the majority of its members have shown to abuse the power and authority given to them, even among their own. They've gained a reputation as crafty and ruthless killers, loyal to none except their leader. Since the faction sprung from Vizsla and his sympathizers, its members came to base the right to lead on whomever possesses the mythical blade. As it can only be won in a duel, it's symbolic of their prime ideology: Only the strong survive and are worthy.

Pre's Death Watch initially used abandoned mines on Concordia as hideouts, but with growing support (and enough pressure), the larger clans would use their homes and additional resources to establish forts, eventually securing the moon for themselves. Most of the children are enlisted into the faction's Fighting Corps, raised into effective and loyal soldiers from a young age.

True Mandalorians (Haat Mando'ade)

Also simply called the Haat'ade - all of the original True Mandalorians may have been killed, but their ideology—emphasizing honor, justice, and to care for one another—is still carried by former sympathizers and allies. The actions of both New Mandalorians and Death Watch since have only shifted other clans' views on Jaster Mereel's vision into favor, even marking him as a martyr to some. His Supercommando Codex is still being passed around by a number of mercenaries, while the rest began adhering more closely to the Resol'nare.

However, beyond a handful of individual covert operations, very few are banding together and standing against the Duchess or Vizsla, instead choosing to keep a low profile or leave the sector. For many years following their fall, calling yourself a Haat Mando'ad was a surefire way to get yourself and your loved ones killed, as Death Watch made it a sport to hunt any of the remaining members and supporters.

Nite Owls (Ca'haaise)

Lit. "Night Eyes" - a group of elite soldiers originating on Kalevala, especially skilled as pilots and close-combatants. Valuing justice, loyalty, and authority above all else, they once upheld order around their home. It was seen as a noble commitment for a time, until New Mandalorian policies called for the Owls to disband. Some deferred to Kryze's authority out of respect for her clan, which once harbored many of its members within their ranks. They were hired as official security forces in the form of the Mandalorian Guard, along with members of similar groups, like the Journeyman Protectors of Concord Dawn.

The rest refused to give up their vows or traditions and left Kalevala in their ships, becoming semi-nomadic, still patrolling the borders of Mandalorian space out of a sense of duty for their people.

When Bo-Katan Kryze rose to be leader of the Nite Owls, she agreed to join Death Watch as a means to remove the New Mandalorians from power and restore their ways. Some members would eventually splinter off and return to patrolling the sector, put-off by the dishonorable and often cruel actions typical of the extremist group.

A defining feature of the Nite Owls, next to their shoulder-emblem, is the distinct helmet. The narrow, angled visor and leaf-like "bladed" dents in the cheeks are meant to inspire the image of a bird and serve to set them apart from other Mandalorians, regardless of clan. Some lean even more into it, by painting wings or a stylized owl face over the brow. Their armor mostly features blue, teal, and black, with accents of white.

Red Blades (Tal'kale)

Built on the ideals of the Haat'ade, similar to the Nite Owls not loyal to Vizsla, these soldiers serve all of Mandalore and its people as protectors and emergency responders. These can include Supercommandos, or will be joined by them on missions, if their goals align. The Blades, however, generally do not expect compensation for their work and are fairly self-sufficient.

The Red Blades were founded by a number of the clone deserters who had fled into Mandalorian space, with other Mandalorians soon joining their cause. They aim to fight back against Death Watch and the corruption invited into the sector, as much for the good of the people as it is for the chance of a home and chosen purpose. Refusing to let their skills go to waste, they wish to help wherever they can—landing somewhere between organized vigilantes and relief workers.

Their emblem depicts crossed swords, with a triangle above and a drop below. True to their name, most of their armor is painted red to honor each other and to be easily recognizable. Other common colors used in combination mainly include: black, white, and green.

Journeyman Protectors

The law enforcement agency fell under jurisdiction of the New Mandalorians when Concord Dawn's govenor joined the movement in response to increasing attacks by Death Watch. Some of the constables would go on to become members of the Mandalorian Guard issued by Satine—the stability and payment favored by most, while younger recruits often wish to enact law and order beyond the confines of the farm-world.

Old Mandalorians

These encompass any of the neutral, independent, or un-involved Mandalorians adhering to the Resol'nare. Most of these clans and individuals have chosen to distance themselves from the civil war, leaving the Mandalorian sector to settle somewhere else, or wander around the galaxy as bounty hunters and mercenaries.

Colors

Most, but not all Mandalorians, use colors to signify their core traits and values. From painting their armor, to the shade of their kute—the way they choose to present themselves can say a lot about them as a group or individual.

Black - Justice

White - Vision, Forethought, and later Death

Gray - Mourning a loved one

Silver (light) - Purpose

Gold (sand tones) - Vengeance

Red - Honoring clan, heritage, or leaders

Orange - A lust for life and much more

Yellow - Honor, Integrity

Green - Duty

Teal - Cunning

Blue - Reliability

Purple - Freedom

Pink - Tenacity

Brown - Valor

Darksiders

Ventress

Based on her appearance in the 2003 cartoon, she's got those glowing white eyes and buff shoulders, ok?

Actually Rattataki instead of a Nightsister and is only 21 at the start of the Clone Wars

Ambitious, arrogant, immature but focused, and eager to prove herself with a certain dramatic flair

Appointed herself as Dooku's Apprentice (pending), with a desire to obtain and understand the power of the Sith and "punish" the Jedi for their arrogance etc.

The thing is that her heart really isn't in it, even if she acts that way and what she really wants is the strength to make a difference when it matters (trauma alert)

She follows as a student, not as a pawn, her loyalty only to her own belief

Maul

Survived getting bisected, as usual, but it was mostly thanks to his training at the Academy, the Force and a whole lot of help

It took a while for him to start walking again and by then, the thought of facing Sidious after his failure made him hesitate

Masking his presence even from Palpatine via a nodule of the Force dragon he once killed in Coruscant's depths

Once possessed by ideas of revenge, his focus eventually shifted as his needs did, later becoming a skilled slicer and assassin

He would learn to grow beyond his conditioning, while accepting the darkness as an inevitably inherent part of him

A decade later as an ex-Sith, his greatest desire is to see his fromer Master's house of cards fold into itself and watch the old man trip and die

Would be reasonable for him to hold some grudges against everyone who's wronged him, including Obi-Wan... And yet, it would be kinda funny if Maul barely even gives a damn anymore and is just being petty, but Kenobi still has nightmares about him.

Grievous

Also based on his 2003 CW appearance - that guy was Menacing

Dangerous, unpredictable, and a force to be reckoned with, despite being as Force-sensitive as a rock

Definitely ups the horror factor and plays with his opponents before viciously striking them down

Doesn't really do the whole hacking, coughing, or weird villain accent, sorry.

He's like a creepier, slightly more unhinged version of Vader; really displaying that "more machine than man" theme

Has been killing Jedi since he was brought into this war and is an actual major threat

Dooku

Joined the Sith after becoming disillusioned with the Republic and sees the grand plan as the best way to "fix" everything wrong with the galaxy

Has the full intention to overthrow Palpatine once all the pieces are in their place

He's in a weird position where he's very much aware of the corrupting power of the dark side and has fallen to the same kind of greedy ambition he hated, but also can't see any other way to achieve meaningful change

Inevitably trapped himself in a downwards spiral where he continues to struggle with his attachments to others

Especially when it comes to Yoda, Kenobi and eventually even Ventress, whom he can't help but harbor a certain fondness for

Dathomir

The Dathomiri are a hybrid-species born from the intensely force-sensitive natives of the planet and a group of Zabraks, who once settled there. The original population strictly divided themselves into female witches and male hunters, the practice persisting even after contact. Key features include a lack of hair, glowing eyes, and a crown of horns found more prominently (though not exclusively) among males. Time also brought a significant dimorphism in color: majority of the women bear cooler skin-tones, while men tend to have more intense, warmer shades.

Majority of the witches on Dathomir are part of the Nightsisters, led by Mother Talzin. Some of the other clans remain, though they are few and far between. These witches still practice their old traditions and cultivate close bonds with the native rancors.

All covens delve in illusions, visions, and echoes, but have also developed a Force technique allowing them to manipulate temperature - freeze objects solid or set them on fire. They tend to make for exceptional Force healers, too.

The Nightbrothers aren't entirely subservient in this, it's a more complicated relationship. They live a largely nomadic life on the surface of the planet, moving with the seasons as hunters and honing their skills as warriors. The 'Sisters live in hidden, vast underground networks, to be "closer to the heart of Dathomir, the darkest shadows." While both have night vision, the 'Sisters usually can see in complete darkness, although it tends to make them sensitive to light. The hunters both revere and fear the witches, typically offering tribute and sometimes trade - supplies for potions and help.

While the greater majority of Dathomiri are force-sensitive to some degree, the hunters usually go without proper training and their connection often fades as they grow older. Sometimes a child turns out too strong in the Force to ignore, and is taken by the Nightsisters to be trained as a "Shade" - warriors skilled in the Force, often given to outsiders as assassins and soldiers (particularly the Sith).

The full-body tattoos is a tradition shared by some other Zabraks, either as a rite of passage, or to denote belonging to a clan or family lineage.

Tusken (Ghorfa)

Among themselves and some groups of Jawa, they are still known as the Ghorfa, who once lived in the ruins built into canyons and caverns. Many of the settlers on Tatooine are not aware the "Sand People" of the Dune Sea are the same ones as the "Lost Architects" of their archaeological finds, or simply choose not to see it.

"Tusken Raiders" initially only referred to tribes with a similar appearance as the group that once attacked Fort Tusken, but some—particularly off-worlders—use it as a blanket term for all Ghorfa. Through the generations, an ever-increasing number of people have taken to calling the nomads of the Wastes simply "Tusken."

There are many different tribes, with various traditions and opinions, most of which keep to themselves and are simply trying to survive, keeping their culture alive. However, there are those who carry more resentment towards outsiders for driving them from their homes and killing their people. These are better known to the settlers and off-worlders, due to frequent skirmishes and raids.

Tuskens use little, if any, metal in their tools and wear; the sand and heat would make it too much of a hazard. Of course, there's always outliers and exceptions, but majority of the hard materials they use are bones, wood, stone, and clay or glazes. Many have a disdain for the technologies of settlers, either drawing back on old beliefs that such technologies caused the downfall of their civilization and killed their world, or simply finding them ill-suited for the desert. Not all share this view to the same degree, as some are seen making use of scavenged items and have even left the planet via ship.

Born of the need to protect themselves from harsh conditions, the practice of covering their entire body in robes eventually became a sacred tradition. Showing any skin outside of clan members or healers is considered a great taboo, although the exact rules can vary among tribes. The design of head gear is not only essential to their survival, but also signifies their tribe and sometimes even profession. The language is a mix of spoken words and hand signs; keeping sentences short and frank. Their vocalization is nearly opposite to the Jawa, with strong and deep voices to be heard through wind and robes—they have a surprisingly easy time conversing with Wookiees.

The greater majority of them are noted to be exceptional navigators and mathematicians; according to myths, the Tusken "never lose their way." We've also decided making them a longer lived species with an average of 250 years or more in better conditions. Also, I don't care what canon says, these guys can be Force-sensitive as well. Those who are, usually become known as Guides, Seers, and Healers and are regarded with the highest respect across tribes.

That's all for now.

If you have any questions or suggestions, please let me know!

The abduction and torture of Shmi is a classic captivity narrative, with the role of the Tuskens played by indigenous peoples (Native Americans, First Nations peoples, Bedouin, etc.) and the role of Shmi played by any innocent white woman. Captivity narratives -- which also include variations where the abductee eventually becomes part of the tribe -- were exceedingly popular in the U.S. and in Europe from the late 17th century up through the mid-20th. Sometimes these narratives were based on true events, but sometimes they weren’t... and even when they were, they generally (albeit understandably) didn’t provide a lot of context for their captors’ actions and often sensationalized everything for better sales and/or to serve a settler agenda.** 

The Tuskens are canonically dehumanized (debeingified? desentientized? language is tricky when dealing with a universe that contains sentient beings besides humans!) throughout the films and EU materials. They’re referred to as “animals” and “vicious, mindless monsters”, as well as made visually foreign -- and thus presumably frightening -- with their masks and wrappings, all of which hide any trace of who or what might be behind them. (This also, incidentally, codes the Tuskens in such a way as to play into Orientalist and Islamophobic tropes.) Whether the Tuskens are literally humans or are some form of sentient alien lifeforms -- which Legends canon suggests at multiple points -- is beside the point.

With all of this in mind, I suppose it shouldn’t be surprising that fandom often dehumanizes the Tuskens too (ex: “those things”), but... that doesn’t mean that I have to like it.

Long story short, the Tusken people have been majorly screwed over within the Star Wars franchise both from a Doylist and a Watsonian standpoint.*** If we go by Legends canon, they were enslaved at one point in their history but survived and managed to gain their freedom, only to later have their planet “discovered” and subsequently colonized****, with its limited resources -- some of which the Tuskens held as sacred -- raided by the settlers. As if that wasn’t enough, they were studied by the colony’s Bureau of Ethnicity and Socialization (and I don’t know about you, but that name sets off a lot of alarm bells in my mind) and betrayed by settlers who had pretended to be their allies. With this kind of a history, is it any wonder that the Tuskens are, to quote the Wookiepedia article, “extremely xenophobic & territorial of their native resources”?

I’m not saying that every piece of fanfiction set on Tatooine needs to deconstruct the treatment of the Tuskens or delve into their society and motivations, but it would be nice if fandom as a whole was slightly more aware of the tropes that they’re evoking when they uncritically accept and repeat what Star Wars -- both canon and Legends -- tells us about the Tuskens.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 

*I use the term Tusken(s) throughout this response instead of Sand People partially because that’s the term OP used, but also because Sand People sounds way too close to some real life derogatory terms for desert peoples. That said, if we go by Legends, the Sand People seem to call themselves the equivalent of “Sand People” in their own tongue, while “Tusken Raiders” is a term that came into use for them (by settlers) after their raid on Fort Tusken. YMMV for which terminology you prefer to use for them; neither is exactly ideal from both a real life and in-universe perspective, so I’ve erred on the side of respecting real life peoples over fictional ones in this instance. That said, if I ever write fic that includes Tusken characters and/or culture, I’ll probably have them use the term Sand People, if that makes any sense? Once again, I make no judgments on whichever term you prefer to use. For all I know, my own opinions on this subject may shift over time! 

According to Wookiepedia, “specialists studying the past of the Tusken Raiders” also used the term “Ghorfa” for the Tuskens, but #1. Very few people in the fandom would have any idea who I was talking about if I used this term, and #2. this brings us back to the alarm bells that went off for me the moment I heard the phrase “Bureau of Ethnicity and Socialization.” Once again, YMMV.

**This isn’t to say that Native Americans, First Nations, or Bedouin never acted as oppressors themselves -- life isn’t as straightforward as that, and these are very broad terms that encompass a wide variety of different peoples who had very different relationships with outsiders and fell and rose in power at different points in their respective histories -- but for the sake of this post, we’re talking about their relations with white settlers and about racist Western (European) captivity narratives, which certainly don’t make any such distinctions. I’m not wording this as clearly as I’d like, but I hope you take my meaning?

***Star Wars does occasionally show glimmers of realization of the unfortunate implications of this kind of in-text treatment of the Tuskens. Probably the closest the series ever comes to addressing it is in John Jackson Miller’s novel Kenobi (and to a lesser degree in the Dark Horse Star Wars: Republic comics).

****According to Star Wars Propaganda (which is a part of the new canon EU), 

“With eyes toward expansion into the uncharted reaches of the Outer Rim, the traditions of the Core became passé. Opportunity beckoned from beyond the borders of the Mid Rim worlds. The congested planets of the interior were saturated with messages of promise lying outward, a reversal from long-held notions that Coruscant represented the icon of advancement. Republic wordsmiths and artists collaborated to create a sense of civic duty, of manifest destiny, and of deep obligation to spread the Republic banner from Rim to Rim.

For the well-settled and wealthy elite of the galaxy’s most crowded centers, such notions were quaint but uninspiring. It was the citizens of the Inner Rim, those who had been crowded out of opportunity in the Core, who answered the call for new life in the frontier of the Outer Rim.”

Here’s an image from the book that strongly evokes those Manifest Destiny vibes: