Star Wars Universe Roleplaying Game

Herglic

Herglics are one of the most iconic aquatic-derived Species in Star Wars Legends, recognized throughout the galaxy for their massive size, whale-like features, and elegant culture rooted in trade, diplomacy, and hospitality. Originating from the oceanic world of Giju, Herglics developed a technologically advanced society built around maritime commerce and interstellar exchange. Their natural affinity for fluid movement, coupled with keen intelligence and emotional sensitivity, made them prominent navigators, merchants, and diplomats long before many Outer Rim Species adopted spacefaring technology. Their elegant starships and business-oriented culture became a defining hallmark of Herglic presence across the galaxy.

Despite their intimidating size, Herglics are widely known for their gentle dispositions and refined social graces. Their society values honesty, generosity, and a sense of personal honor, traits that helped them integrate seamlessly into the Republic’s economic and political networks. Legends sources highlight their influence in banking, starship design, and commercial regulation. Herglics commonly serve as mediators, financiers, and trade magnates, particularly in regions where trust and long-term stability are essential.

The Empire’s rise, however, dealt a severe blow to Herglic society. Due to prejudices against larger Species and non-humanoids, Herglics suffered targeted restrictions, harassment, and brutal crackdowns that limited their movement and professional opportunities. Their presence in Imperial space diminished significantly as many retreated to Herglic-dominated sectors or worlds that maintained independent governance. These events deeply scarred Herglic cultural memory, reinforcing their caution toward authoritarian regimes.

Herglic architecture, art, and starship design often emphasize smooth curves, flowing lines, and water-inspired motifs. These aesthetic choices reflect both the nature of their aquatic origins and a cultural philosophy celebrating fluidity, adaptability, and harmony. Their approach to diplomacy mirrors these principles, favoring negotiation over conflict and subtle influence over direct confrontation. Their longevity and measured temperament allow them to maintain complex political and financial relationships that span decades.

Nevertheless, Herglic size and strength cannot be underestimated. Their powerful physiques and dense musculature make them formidable in close-quarters combat, though they rarely embrace violence willingly. Many Herglics prefer roles that minimize conflict, but those who adopt adventuring lifestyles often channel their strength toward protective roles, using their imposing presence to safeguard weaker companions or intimidate potential threats.

As player characters, Herglics offer a compelling blend of physical power, social elegance, and narrative richness. Their backgrounds in diplomacy, trade, or resistance to Imperial oppression provide fertile ground for character development, while their unique physiology and cultural heritage make them memorable additions to any campaign.

Home Planet: Giju
Physical Description: Herglics are towering humanoids whose physiology reflects clear aquatic ancestry. Standing between two and three meters tall, they possess broad torsos, powerful limbs, and smooth, rubbery skin ranging from black to blue-gray. Their faces feature rounded snouts reminiscent of whales or cetaceans, and they have small, expressive eyes that contribute to their gentle appearance. Their immense lung capacity and buoyant bone structure evolved to support deep diving on their oceanic world.

Their arms and legs are thick and muscular, granting them powerful leverage both underwater and on land. Despite their bulk, Herglics move with surprising grace, displaying fluid, sweeping motions that echo their aquatic origins. Their skin requires regular hydration and environmental regulation, prompting many Herglic travelers to wear moisture-retaining garments or utilize humidified quarters aboard starships.

Herglic clothing tends toward form-fitting materials that accommodate their size and smooth contours. Diplomatic robes, elegant businesswear, and custom-tailored armor appear commonly among offworld Herglics, each reflecting their personal profession and cultural emphasis on grace and presentation.

Average Height: 2.2 meters
Average Weight: 110 kilograms
Age of Adulthood: 20 standard years

Personality & Customs: Herglics are renowned for their emotional warmth, generosity, and refined social etiquette. Their culture places strong value on honesty, and lying is considered deeply dishonorable. Because of their physical presence, Herglics go to great lengths to appear non-threatening in social settings, using gentle movements and calm speech to avoid intimidating smaller Species. This social awareness permeates their customs, from greeting rituals to business negotiations.

Community life on Giju revolves around collective prosperity, trade alliances, and artistic celebration. Herglics value well-maintained relationships and often form lifelong business partnerships or extended family networks that span multiple star systems. Their festivals frequently include music, flowing dance performances, and elaborate displays celebrating water as both a life-giver and a cultural anchor.

As adventurers, Herglics bring physical strength, emotional intelligence, and a sense of honor to their parties. They excel as diplomats, merchants, bodyguards, or commanders, using their presence to stabilize volatile situations and navigate complex political landscapes. Their experiences under Imperial oppression can also fuel compelling narratives centered on justice, resilience, and reclaiming personal or cultural dignity.

Languages: Basic, Herglic

Example Names: Stavros K'Hor, Udo Broxin, Fahjani Tohvar, Elbor Cruhn