Star Wars Universe Roleplaying Game

Draethos

The Draethos are an ancient and intensely private Star Wars species whose long lives, powerful telepathic abilities, and disciplined warrior traditions have shaped their reputation across both canon and Legends. Native to the remote world of Thosa, they developed one of the galaxy's oldest recorded cultures—one rooted in asceticism, secrecy, and strict internal codes of conduct. Their mastery of telepathic communication, which evolved naturally among their kind, allows Draethos to exchange thoughts and emotions without verbal language. This ability has become the foundation of their society, influencing everything from education and spiritual practices to diplomacy and combat tactics. Their aloof demeanor and reclusive settlements have led many outsiders to mistake them for hostile or arrogant, but the Draethos maintain distance to preserve cultural purity and prevent misuse of their psychic gifts.

Thosa's rugged terrain—dominated by jagged cliffs, labyrinthine caverns, and dangerous predatory fauna—demanded exceptional discipline from its inhabitants. Draethos communities developed elaborate martial traditions designed to maintain both physical prowess and mental clarity. These traditions involve meditation, psychic conditioning, controlled breathing, and precise weapon practice, all meant to harmonize instinct and intellect. Before interacting with offworlders, Draethos undergo extensive training to shield their minds from overcrowded psychic noise, a challenge that can overwhelm younger or unprepared members of their species.

Historically, Draethos rarely participated in galactic affairs, venturing outward only during periods of great change or existential threat. The few who did become known outside Thosa earned reputations as formidable warriors, cryptic scholars, or wise hermits whose telepathic insight made them unparalleled advisors. Their long lifespans—often lasting several centuries—allow them to accumulate vast knowledge, creating a cultural expectation that wisdom must be earned through time, discipline, and introspection. This leads to a societal hierarchy based on achievement and experience rather than heritage.

Their telepathic talents make Draethos extraordinarily perceptive, often sensing emotional intent long before it becomes visible. This can create social challenges with Species who prefer deception or emotional masking, as the Draethos inherently value honesty and mental clarity. Their society avoids emotional extremes, believing that balance of mind strengthens both psychic ability and community cohesion. To a Draethos, internal turmoil is as dangerous as an external threat, and therefore much of their education teaches mental discipline, emotional control, and the dangers of unchecked power.

While cautious of outsiders, Draethos are far from xenophobic. When trust is earned, they show deep loyalty, protective instincts, and a willingness to share their immense knowledge. Offworld Draethos often join Jedi enclaves, research institutions, or small independent orders dedicated to peacekeeping or esoteric study. Their telepathy provides strategic advantages in team missions, allowing them to relay silent warnings, coordinate movements, and sense danger with uncanny efficiency.

As player characters, Draethos excel in roles that reward discipline, awareness, and psychic aptitude. Their unique physiology and centuries-spanning perspective provide rich role-playing depth—offering stories centered on ancient traditions, spiritual journeys, long-held secrets, and the tension between cultural isolation and the larger galaxy’s chaos.

Home Planet: Thosa
Physical Description: Draethos are tall, sinewy humanoids distinguished by their elongated skulls, sunken eyes, and pronounced tendrils that extend from their cheeks and jawline. Their thick, leathery skin—typically shades of blue, gray, or pale violet—protects them from Thosa's harsh winds and jagged terrain. Their eyes, adapted for low-light environments, possess a deep, reflective quality that enhances their already impressive sensory awareness. These features combine to give them a mysterious and intimidating appearance, even when their demeanor is serene.

Their bodies are deceptively powerful. Beneath their lean frames lies dense musculature designed for climbing cliffs, leaping between rocky outcroppings, and navigating subterranean passages. Their limbs are long and flexible, granting them exceptional reach and precision in combat or movement. The tendrils along their jaws serve both aesthetic and subtle communicative functions, stiffening or relaxing in response to psychic or emotional stimuli visible only to other Draethos.

Draethos attire favors layered robes, martial wraps, and reinforced garments crafted from local hides or imported materials. These outfits balance mobility and protection, allowing them to maintain combat readiness while honoring traditional aesthetics. Armored variants are typically minimalist, designed to complement rather than hinder their agility and telepathic awareness.

Average Height: 1.8 meters
Average Weight: 70 kilograms
Age of Adulthood: 18 standard years

Personality & Customs: Draethos culture values discipline, introspection, and emotional restraint above all else. Their telepathic nature makes privacy essential, leading them to develop strict internal boundaries and a refined etiquette governing mental interaction. They view uncontrolled emotion as a threat to personal integrity and community stability, and thus much of their upbringing focuses on mastering the mind before mastering physical skills. Among themselves, Draethos communicate with precise mental clarity, creating a cultural expectation of honesty that can clash with more indirect Species.

Their customs include meditation rituals, silent communal gatherings, and telepathic storytelling traditions passed down through generations. Martial rites play a significant role, with young Draethos undertaking trials that test their coordination, psychic discipline, and ability to maintain balance under pressure. Elders act as mentors, using centuries of experience to shape younger minds into wise and capable leaders.

As adventurers, Draethos bring a blend of tactical insight, emotional awareness, and quiet intensity. Their ability to read danger and cooperate silently makes them valuable assets on missions requiring stealth or precision. They rarely seek conflict but respond with controlled ferocity when the situation demands, embodying the principle that strength is most effective when guided by clarity of purpose.

Languages: Basic, Draethos

Example Names: Odan-Urr, Omal-Zan, Uval-Nor, Shal-Orl, Tyan-Ruu