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cinerins · 1 month ago

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In Another Time - Star Wars AU

A brief overview of my worldbuilding and relevant character notes for a setting combining parts of the Legends and Disney canon, with emphasis on the former.

I'm considering to write a few time-travel scenarios in this AU, the primary one being:

The twins end up in the middle of the Clone Wars, accidentally plucking an unlikely ally out of time along with them, but from 30 years in the opposite direction. When Jaster Mereel set foot on Korda Six that day, he'd been certain the job would be easy. What in the world is a Force Nexus, anyway?

Yeah, so, not only are Luke and Leia absolutely lost, but the one guy thrown at them has even less of a clue (though it did subsequently save his life)

Check out some of my general thoughts below 👇 (warning: it gets long)

Index

• General Info • The Force • Jedi Order — Structural Changes — Relevant Members — Affiliated Characters • Clones — 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 mini-series (which I adore) and pieces of Legacy I've picked up over the years.

Main premise: Less than three years after Endor, Luke and Leia get sucked into the past while investigating Korda Six and accidentally save the life of none other than Mand'alor 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 in front of 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.

For example, I like to believe Ashla and Vaash Ti are Shaak Ti's children and that it's fairly common for Jedi to add their force-sensitive offspring to the crèche. They're probably made aware of their heritage, but I can imagine it would be like learning about a distant cousin - just a little "fun fact" in their life. For the parents, they might feel some pride in seeing them do well, but other than that, they wouldn't view them any differently from the other children.

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 they have for different people 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, Jedi needed to step in and ensure they don't suffer any more than they already have to. The Jedi don't really want any of this to happen and are trying to keep a bunch of people from killing each other with their hands tied.

(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 Guardian is assigned their own clone regiment or brigade

With few exceptions, Jedi Consulars and Sentinels are exempted, but expected to aid in the war effort

Due to the war, young Padawans often temporarily train under other Guardians - mostly if a mission threatens to interfere with their studies or well-being

Initiate Trials are (currently) taken at 13 or equivalent

Initiates don't receive true lightsabers until after becoming a Padawan - It can take anywhere from months to years for them to be ready

The pilgrimage to find their crystal(s) is undertaken with the guidance of their Master

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

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

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, so others have to respect him

He recognizes the Republic is falling and often voices these concerns, though in a mostly unhelpful manner

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

Plo Koon

(chronologically) practically ancient, but only became a Jedi in the past few centuries

Had already mastered the Force, but wished to follow the Order, so an exception was made

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

Given his history, he has some concerns regarding the decisions of the Council, yet tries to remain fairly orthodox

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

His padawanship wasn't quite as rocky because of that, though it made Qui-Gon's death hit harder

Really does take on Ahsoka as his new Padawan

On Tattooine, he kept in touch with the Lars farm and Beru often sent supplies. Luke would learn much from him, but remain unaware of his powers

Ahsoka

Don't really have much I'd change for her, 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 reckless) Padawan-brother

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

Anakin

His character is a mix of both Clone Wars series

Was knighted much earlier than intended at barely 19, on the behest of Palpatine, after facing off against Ventress a year before the Clone Wars

Let the idea of being The Chosen One get to his head in some of the worst ways possible

Enter the War and he can't simply quit the Order and leave the galaxy hanging, Padme says as much

And he totally eats bugs as field rations

Feemor

Former Knight, 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 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 Jedi 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

Following the fall of the empire, he went on a 3 year "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 calls himself a "Wayseeker" (by coincidence)

Leia

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

Luke still tries training her in the Force and with sabers

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

Since the series ended up being a little wishy-washy about their ages, I thought I'd clarify for this AU.

As the Kaminoans began production sometime ca. 12 years before their discovery, it would place the eldest clones around 24 (developmentally) during Geonosis. 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 study. They're making soldiers, so they don't need exact physical copies of Fett, they just have to work—any other discrepancies are more a case of pride than profit.

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 military operations alongside Navy officers.

Some time 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.

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

While the odd individual might choose to quietly drop out of the game and take their chances throughout the galaxy, the greater majority of clone deserters are secretly gathering at Clan Skirata's Kyrimorut on Mandalore. It's not only a safe haven away from the Republic, but also an opportunity to become Mandalorian proper and make a life for themselves.

A major goal of the group—with the significant help of former Cuy'val Dar Kal Skirata and Mij Gilamar—is to undo their accelerated aging and save as many brothers as they can. On top of that, they've taken to aid their fellow Mandalorians in their efforts against both the New Mandalorians and Death Watch, so that their culture and people may thrive once again.

Considering Jango recruited them, I believe most of the Cuy'val Dar were either friends and sympathizers of the True Mandalorians (Haat Mando'ade) or even follow their beliefs, but stay quiet about it.

Some of these "rogue" clones have taken the actions of the Republic and even Jedi a little more personally than others, choosing to fight against and sabotage them from the shadows.

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 since she was little over 20 years old around 38 BBY, 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 as Mand'alor 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' view 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—led by Bo's apprentice Koska Reeves—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.

The Red Blades were founded by a number of the clone deserters taken in by former Cuy'val Dar Kal Skirata, with other Mandalorians soon joining their cause. They aim to fight back against Death Watch and the corruption invited by the Evaar'ade, for the good of all honorable Mandalorians. Refusing to let their skills go to waste, they've chosen to help wherever they can - landing somewhere between organized vigilantes and relief workers.

Their chosen emblem depicts crossed swords, with a triangle above and a drop below. True to their name, most of their armor is painted red. Intially meant by the clones as a nod to Skirata, over time, the choice became symbolic of honoring Mandalore as a whole. Other colors used in combination mainly include: black, white, and green.

Tal'kale is somewhat of a play on words by the adopted clone commanders of Skirata.

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

Gray - Mourning a loved one

Silver (light) - Purpose

Gold (sand tones) - Vengeance

Red - Honoring a parent, mentor, or leader

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?

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

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 and the Force

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 in the dark smog of Coruscant's depths, he retrieved a nodule from the Force dragon he once killed there, so he may "disappear"

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

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, monologues, or verbal taunting - says exactly what he needs to in a calculated and calm demeanor

He's like a creepier, slightly more unhinged version of Vader

Has been killing Jedi since he was brought into this war

Dathomir

The Dathomiri are a hybrid-species born from the intensely force-sensitive natives of the planet and a fleet of Zabraki pirates, 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 rancors, which help in keeping the Nightsisters at bay.

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 great healers, too; though when it comes to the Nightsisters, I'm not sure I'd trust it too much, considering they're also known to raise the dead.

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 have fully white, glowing eyes and can see in complete darkness, although it tends to make them sensitive to light. The 'Brothers 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 males 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 seen on Nightbrothers 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 humanoid settlers on Tattooine 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.

Ghorfa 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. They generally have a disdain for the advanced technologies of settlers, drawing back on old beliefs that such technologies caused the downfall of their civilization and killed their world. 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. 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 - when communicating with other sentients, they mainly rely on the latter, as their vocalization is incompatible with most other humanoid species, save for Wookiees.

I don't care what canon says, if the Force resides in all living beings, then these guys can be sensitive to it 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! I'm also not as well-versed in Mando'a, so I appreciate any pointers thrown my way 😅

#star wars #clone wars #au #luke skywalker #leia organa #jaster mereel #concepts #worldbuilding #jedi #coruscant guard #mandalore #mandalorians #dathomir #tusken #ghorfa #in another time au #ctrl+s

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