#shili

Biology

Togruta babies are called Cubs (because I think is a cute word and bc they are aliens after all. Also it translate well to my native language, so when I say Cub I thinking of the word "Filhote" and I'm well aware I probably mixing up translations here).

They live in small groups up to 500 members (but rarely more than that).

Note: I'm saying "small" because our smallest towns have 5.000 member's, but ancient Togruta lived in actual small groups with 50 members or less.

Togruta can grow anxious if they don't have a community around them. Their species were made to live in groups.

Togruta's Montrals are capable of hearing frequencies up to 200000 hz (similar to tigers and bats) and are able of echolocate close objects.

They also have powerful noses and can recognize people from their smell.

Their eyes have a peripheral vision of 200°, that combined with their hearing and flair make them the most powerful predator in Shili.

A adult Togruta eats about 1,5kg of meat every day. Ofc there's alternatives such a rations bars that can lower that amount, but considering they feeding exclusive with meat that's the right amount to maintain themselves health.

Togruta are strict carnivorous (this cannon, but I just want to reassure the idea)

The average height is 1,9 meters for Female and 2,5 meters for Males, counting with their Montrals.

Togruta can easily live up to 90 years, some even got to 120, but they rarely live much more than that. It's a little longer than most humans, but they don't come near Mirialan's lifespan of 250 years or Yoda species that basically turn into living fossils.

Males tend to have longer Montrals while Females have longer Lekkus.

They share 80% of their DNA with Akul (similar with how humans share 90% of our DNA with chimpanzee) what suggest they had a common ancestor.

Their vocal cords can mimic sounds to attract their prey and avert other predators (such as the Akul). Trogruta Cubs were specially good at this and it's not rare see them trying to imitate sounds they find curious or funny. This also means they were very talkative, if a Togruta Cubs is quiet something is terrible wrong.

Because of this trait Togruta are one off the few species capable of learning how to speak Ithorese and Shyriiwook, although their accent is told to be sloppy and child-like.

The muscles on their legs are the strongest on all their body. They were originally a migratory species, so they needed the extra force and speed.

Their gestation period is around 7 months, a little shorter than humans. But their Cubs grow faster and usually start walking around their five mouth after they were born. They development that trait so neither the mother or the Cub stays vulnerable for long.

Togruta skin color have multiple variations, but the more common are: Orange, purple, yellow and dark blue. This colors also appear on the stripes of their Montrals and Lekkus. The flash color scheme serve two purposes: It warn their predators they are a thread (like some snakes do, the vibrant colors usually scares predators away) and it's also a sign of their health.

Health togruta have stronger colors, the more vibrant their color are the more attract they were consider to be.

Togruta are usually monogamous and tend to spend their whole life with a single partner. This whoever is changing due cultural facts, current is not expected to a individual to stick to a single partner but it's a constant event on their community.

Hybrids between other species are rare, however it's uncertain if this is due their biology or they general lack of interest of breeding with other species.

Hybrids between Togruta and Twi'Lek were been recorded although their appearance are highly inconsistent. Usually they keep smaller version of the Montrals and their Lekkus are more similar with the Twi'Lek version, thus stopping growing at a certain length.

It's said they can have hybrids with human and humanoids species (such as, idk, Mirialans), but there isn't enough Togruta in the galaxy making out with humans to know exactly what that would look like.

They change the teeth twice during their lives, one time when they still cubs and another once they hit 60 ~ 70 years. This happens so they can maintain strong teeth for all their lives.

Their canine teeth are sharp ass hell, even more so when they are Cubs. This can be a problem because Togruta bite each other as a form of affection. Also it's not uncommon for them to leave bite marks in visible places on their partners. When other sentient species saw that they thought the marks were from fighting, but turns out it's from the opposite of fighting.

(Note: I saw some other writes with similar headcanons, specially in barrissoka fanfic, and it's cute! But I'm going to make a point here that they can easily kill small animals with their bite, so I get kinda nervous when people make Ahsoka bite Barriss's neck with "all her strength" because that would probably be enough to pierce her skin. So only small bites are allowed here, Barriss doesn't need die like that.)

Togruta's Montrals and Lekkus can turn shriveley if they are raised under stressing ambients. (That's why Ahsoka's Lekkus are so short for her age). Headcanon send by @kayberrie

History/Politics/Culinary

As I mentioned the Togruta were originally a migratory species, that means they used to made camps so they could hunt in certain areas and then move to another region once the resorts became scarce. This whoever changed with time as they learned to cycle their prey with the seasons.

This is a vague example, but during spring and summer they hunt Thimiars (a rodent species from Shili) and other small prey, but as the autumn comes they start to hunt bigger prey so they can store the meat for the winter. During the winter itself they fish. Base on that their villagers are usually construed near river and always with around the forest.

Unlike most of sentient life Togruta are against the domestication of animals, so to this day they still hunt for eat, however all the food (with exception of a few ritualistic hunts) are share with the whole village. So if they can't get food for a while they will start prioritize the children and the elderly while their adults focus on solving the problem.

A exception to that is the domestication of Shilidogs, a species of Tooka (relatives to Lothcats) the Togruta adopt as a companion. The Shilidogs keep pests way from the villages and are very good companions for children. Like a real dog.

Togruta development a way to dry the meat with a space salt (that I don't have a name for yet) so they don't have to throw away the rest of their meal.

Also they when they hunt they make sure to use every single part of the animal and are very against wasting food. The feet of the prey usually is transformed into soup (which they feed the babies and the elderly bc they believe it helps their bones to grow stronger), and the organs are smoked and eaten as a delicacy (god, I hope I used that word right).

As for the actual meat, they cook only with salt but don't you dare think it's blend or without taste! Think about a Brazilian barbecue, that's how it's like.

Once their society started to interact with other planets the Togruta became very close with Wookies and Ithorians mainly because of their ability of speaking Ithorese and Shyriiwook, but also because both of these species also live in forests and share similar values towards dealing with nature.

However their relationship with the Ithorians started pretty rough because when the Togruta first meet the species they believe to be prey animals. Which they kinda are... But this is all put in the past once the Jedi came and solve the misunderstanding.

Because of the Ithorians the Togruta learned how to make the own space ships without destroying their forests.

Because the Jedi help with their relationship with the Ithorians the Togruta respect their order very much and begin to send some of their Cubs to become Jedi.

With their population growth they decide to make a new colonie rather than open the forest to expend their villagers, that's how Kiros was born.

The government of Kiros and Shili are very different. The Togruta of Kiros adopt a lot of the republic politics and build their on government in reference, naming a Chanceller of their own and a senator to represent them to other planets.

Kiros also have big cities rather than the small villagers of Shili.

Talking about Shili government, they usually spread around the planet in small villagers led by a elder council. This villagers are independent but usually live with some level of collaboration, trading goods with each other.

Because they need to deal with other species now they do elect a senator and a small government situated in one of the few big cities they have, but Shili's Togruta couldn't care less about politics and usually let their colony on Kiros deal with all the trouble. If you go to a random village in Shili and ask the name of the senator chances are that most of the people will get it wrong.

Because of this trait most sentient species believe Togruta to be less intelligent, but that's not the case, they just have a different approach to politics.

Kiros is considered a mere extension of Shili, and although they have a more development government they still answers to the people of Shili.

Their economy with the republic are based on the commerce of healing herbs that they collect from their forests. They are far from being the richest being of the galaxy, but they gather enough money to buy the essentials for their survive.

Realistic they don't need much of outside resources anyway because the way they live it's pretty minimalist.

I already mentioned a few misunderstanding others species made while meeting Togruta for the first time, and there was a actual debate if Togruta could be considered a sentient species to begin with, but luckily for them both the Wookies and the Ithorians already faced similar problems and were able to help the Togruta introduce themselves properly to the rest of the galaxy.

Culture

As you problem can see, their society are very close to nature and try the best to not break the balance of the chain by hunting more than they need or building house in animals habitats.

They are usually led by their elder and wiser members, regardless of gender.

Both man and woman engage with all types of chores: Hunting, cleaning, taking care of the children, religion rituals, you name it!

I'm not finished writing their religion yet, but the have a vast pantheon of gods for various realms of adoration. Their most important gods are the a representation of the Sun, the Moon and the death, but I'm not going into details because I don't have any yet.

I mentioned that they don't like throwing away the rest of their prey, so they carve idols, toys and jewelry from the bones and make their clothes from the skin/leather.

Ancient Togruta also used bones to make weapons, nowadays this pieces are used in religious rituals.

Speaking of religion rituals, the hunt of Akul is exclusive made for religion purposes and it's considered a crime to kill a Akul without a reason.

The Togruta are very aware they had a common ancestor with the Akul so that's why they respect the animal so much.

When a child is given to the Jedi they first make a celebration with all the members of their village so everyone can say goodbye properly. It's a joy to have one of their own in the Jedi ranks, but it's also sad to some extent because of how close the communities are. That Cub would probably had live their entire life with them and know that they have to go the village take some time to assimilate that. (So yeah, Ahsoka got a little party with mommy and daddy before Plo take her to the Jedi temple).

Raising cubs is seem as a community work, so it's not rare to leave your kids with the neighbors while hunting or working. Usually is some elder man or woman who stays with the cubs since they can't work as well as they once did.

Some parents make straps bandages in their Cubs Montrals so they can grow in certain patterns. This is especially popular among the Togruta from Kiros and it is a mere esthetic proceed. It doesn't hurt the cub because their Montrals still soft.

They made a holiday to celebrate their friendship with the Ithorians! They invite their alien friend for a three day party as a way to say sorry for trying do hunt them down when they first meet. The Ithorians are a strict vegetarian species, so the Togruta gather exotic fruits to give as a present. The Jedi send represents from both species to act as mediators in case of conflict, but ever since they stated their partnership, hundreds of years ago, they never had any conflict ever again. They truly became best buddies! (And I like the idea of having this alien festival between species that are so different. Let me have my exotic aliens!)

They used theatre to record their history, so instead of books they told teach using their plays. Usually they are full of exaggerated acrobat acts and sometimes songs. Yes, they have musicals!

Their musical instruments are also made of bones and they particular found of flutes.

Kiros is specially connect with all forms of art and their government had imported Togruta plays to all around the galaxy. Their acrobats and singers are praise and recognize as one of the best of the republic. But that's actually why the Zygerian were so interesting on making them slaves on that incident on the Clone Wars.

The children games are usually a sort of exercise to teach them how to hunt, so if you go to one the their villages you problem going to see children "hunting" each other, lefting bite marks everywhere and being absolutely chaotic, but this is considered normal so the adults don't really care. Other species say that Togruta Cubs are usually a nightmare to be around. Their best friends (aka the Ithorians) are still scared of their children.

At some point in ancient history Togruta started to cook theirs meals, but they still eat raw meat on some occasions and specific rituals.

Besides the festival with the Ithorians Togruta have a few holidays they celebrate with their village. They really like a party and even the people of Shili have a special love for the art exhibitions they do during theses events.

That's it for now.

Tilek

Pronounced: Tih-Leh-K Singular: Tihlé (Pronounced: Tih-Lay)

A tribe that dwells in the Mayuda Forest. The land's Ȥonberra trees are some of the largest that Shili has to offer, able to grow to over 250 feet in height and their trunks at least 50 feet in diameter. The Tilek form their settlements around these testaments of nature, forming vertical communal halls out of their expansive trunks and storing their goods away from pests and predators in their thick branches. This tribe's way of living has left them better prepared in the case of akul attacks, able to hide away in the canopies of their grandiose homes.

Known Members: Veda Varosa*, Elarec Yovet, Maramis Moja, Codi Ty

Eastern

Daunej

Pronounced: Daw-Neh-J Singular Daunit (Pronounced: Daw-Neet)

A nomadic tribe found in the Eastern deserts of Shili. Known to travel in packs of four hundred or less, they subsist off the fauna, insects, and flora common to the region as they travel the trails detailed in their ancestral star maps. While most Togruta are known to blend with the turu grasses of the planet, the Daunej cloak themselves from prey using sand dunes and rock formations while hunting.

Known Members: Dynaroth Naum, Nkechi Dona*, Sheel Mafeen,

Western

Qilan

Pronounced: Chee-Lahn Singular: Qil (Pronounced: Ch-Ihl)

Commonly referred to as “The Burrowers” by the other tribes of the region, the Qilan build their homes within the cave systems of the Tuyan Mountains. Spending their days tending to farms above ground, they later retreat into the earth, believing that slumbering within strengthens their connection to their planet. Qilan villages are not as easily accessed as others and are normally entered either by boat through a subterranean river or via a concealed, high-up chamber that predators cannot reach.

Known Members: Raana Tey

Sheebara

Pronounced: Shee-Bahr-Ruh Singular: Sheebaran (Pronounced:Shee-Bahr-Ruhn)

A secluded island tribe located off the West Coast of the mainland. Known for their unique coral jewelry and pescetarian diet, they are of the few tribes that do not shepherd bovine creatures. Prior to Shili's integration into the Republic, this tribe welcomed visitors; however, once Humans started migrating to the planet, several incidents involving slave traders forced them close their doors to non-Togruta. Shili's military has this tribe under a specialized protection detail.

Known Members: Palla Mazlin, Asaak Dan,

Central

Boramet

Pronounced: Bawr-Ruh-Meht Singular: Borametan (Pronounced: Bawr-Ruh-Meh-Tan)

A tribe that found its home around the prominent Maw Lake. The Maw was once one of Shili's largest volcanoes, but later became a caldera after an eruption emptied out its magma chamber. The following surface collapse and centuries of rainfall turned a once hazardous environment into a lush, vibrant forest surrounding what is now one of the planet's largest landlocked water masses. The Boramet build their villages on the peaks of what remains of the volcano's cone, using the looming trees as camouflage from large predators.

Known Members: Zaa Vashee, Danashi Vashee*, Torhaa Phaa,

Yomé

Pronounced: Yoh-Mey Singular: Yoman (Pronounced: Yoh-Mahn)

A prestigious tribe that bears the honor of being the people of the first Regasa of Shili. Having made their home in the Janbé Valley over two thousand cycles ago, the surrounding mountains provide adequate protection from warring tribes but leaves their settlements in danger of akul attacks and natural disasters. This facet of their lifestyle have led the Yomé to have stern dispositions and a long history as proficient and adaptable warriors. This notoriety has led some political parties to believe that the right to rule still lives within this tribe.

Known Members: Trido Tamaree, Kalatosh Zavros, Ashara Zavros

-

Note: This post is unfinished and will be updated as more tribes are developed. This post will always be available in its most updated form by the pinned post on my blog.

Some of the characters in this post are originals of my own creation. All OCs will have an asterisk (*) next to their name so as to distinguish them from Canon and Legends characters. If anyone wants to submit their own OCs for this list, feel free to send me an ask or reply/comment on this post, and I will add them along with a link to your blog, ao3, etc.

“Woah there, Pardner,” Ahsoka intentionally drawled her words, a poor imitation of a southern Courscanti accent. Her blue and white montrals shone in the sunlight, the orange hue mimicking the colours of her face, making the white markings glow.

She wore a maroon crop top, with a matching skirt, and high boots, that sat neatly in the stirrups of her Kybuck doe. It had the pale fur and tufted chin of a shilian kybuck, matching the girl who sat upon it.

“I’m so glad that we are rebuilding on Shili,” she paused, “well, I wish that Shili didn’t need rebuilding.”

“Damn Clankers,” Rex scowled, his bucket attached to the waist of his armour. His blond hair was reflected by the Kybuck he rode, an albino creature, with shining red eyes.

The lush green forests of Shili sped past Captain and Commander, as they headed to the remote village of Ka-Tin. General Skywalker and the majority of the 501st remained in the Capital, but there had been a call from Ka’Tin, and Ahsoka and Rex were the only ones in the Legion who spoke Togruti- and Rex’s was passable at best.

A rainbow of flora and fauna stayed, undamaged by the Separatist attack. They hadn’t dared to go so deep into the woods.

That was why Ka’Tin was such a concern. Whatever had happened there was out of pattern.

There was no damage to the forests aside from surrounding the Capital, and that attack had been fended off by General Koon and Commander Wolffe, before they were called off to aid General Fisto and Commander Monnk.

Rex was glad though. The last siege was brutal, and the nature of Shili was good for the Commander and General’s force connections. Also, Ahsoka seemed to enjoy being on her home planet, even if it would never be a true home, like the Temple.

Kamino was Rex’s home planet, but it wasn’t the same. His siblings, the other clones, the Commander, and the General, that was more his home. Ahsoka said that one- read, her- could feel the community when with the GAR. In the Force.

Rex didn’t have fond memories of Kamino. Ahsoka did, of Shili. She was too young for a Natborn to remember- kriff, by the time she left the planet, a clone would not even have been out of the tube (developmentally). But, Force sensitive cadets have better memories of youth than others- according to Ahsoka, at least- so she remembered Shili. Faint memories, but guiding ones nonetheless.

The kybucks suddenly reared up, desperately trying to race away.

“Shhh,” Ahsoka held her hands out to the both of them, the pair stilling, “it’s okay.”

She slipped out of her saddle, turning to Red and helping him down.

“Something is scaring the kybucks,” she looked around, predator’s instincts engaged, “probably a Raxshir. Native predator- called Sabertooths. Friendly enough.”

Rex blanched, “no worse than the seppies, hey?”

Leaving their mounts behind, Captain and Commander wound through dense brush, eyes peeled for glints of yellow.

The bushes suddenly disappeared, trees fading away into just a crater, the size of a small village.

Ahsoka gasped, backing into a tree, “that- that’s Ka’Tin. Oh Force.”

Rex frozed, “they destroyed it?”

“Obliterated.” Ahsoka sighed, sitting down on the forest’s edge, “A weapons test, that they must have hoped the Republic would not have found.”

The land seemed utterly charred, lifeless. No sign of any village could be seen, naught but a crater.

“We need to report this to the General.”

“Copy that,” Ahsoka scrubbed her face, “Skyguy will know what to do.”

Rex pulled out his comm, when the pair heard a faint cry.

Ahsoka stood up, head spinning around to detect the sound, “kybucks!” She exclaimed, racing through the forest.

Rex followed at her heels, staring at the ground to not trip over the roots Ahsoka deftly avoided, the Force guiding her steps.

“Mama?? Papa??” A small purple Togruta child stood by their Kybucks, green eyes shining red from tears. Their short montrals were merely stubs, green and white stripes.

Rex wasn’t sure what the cadet was saying. These words weren’t in his training.

“You’re safe. I am a Jedi. It is safe now." Ahsoka spoke softly, identifying herself to try out the child at ease.

“Jedi?” The small voice was hopeful.

“Yes. I am Jedi Padawan Ahsoka Tano, at your service,” she bowed formally.

A small purple hand reached for Ahsoka’s, who took it, holding the child close.

Ahsoka used GAR battle sign, “General. Comm. Survivors. Search.”

Rex pulled out his comm, connecting to the General, as Ahsoka sung a lullaby, “Twinkle twinkle little star. How I wonder what you are. Up above our home so high. Like a…”

She continued to sing as the General picked up, Rex laying down a sitrep before he could even ask, “Ka’Tin is completely destroyed. Commander Tano has found a youngling, and is currently soothing them. Requesting a squadron for search.”

“Kriff. I’ll be there right away.”

The comm was cut.

“She’s called Shali,” Ahsoka smiled at Rex, all fangs and sadness, “her Papa sent her to run as soon as they saw droids. She’s happy to come with us, to find her Aunt in the capital, so long as we promise to find her family. She’s very hungry.”

“That, I can fix,” Rex smiled, holding a ration bar out to the kid, “I’m Rex. Food?”

Shali giggled at him, taking the bar, and blinking at him- a traditional way of saying thanks, on Shili.

She tore into it with a vengeance.