Star Wars Universe Roleplaying Game

Wookiee

Wookiees are among the most iconic and formidable Species in the galaxy, renowned for their towering stature, fierce loyalty, and the deep cultural traditions that bind their people together. Originating from the lush, shadowed forests of Kashyyyk, Wookiees live high among the branches of ancient wroshyr trees—towering giants so massive that entire cities can be woven through their boughs. This arboreal homeland shapes nearly every aspect of Wookiee life. Their mighty frames evolved to move effortlessly along trunks and branches that would terrify most other Species, and their thick fur helps regulate temperature, shedding water and protecting them against the wild shifts of Kashyyyk’s ecosystem.

Yet Wookiees are far more than brute strength and impressive biology. Their society places immense value on honor, family bonds, and sacred traditions that stretch back thousands of years. One of the most meaningful concepts among their people is the honor family—an extended clan formed not only by blood but through chosen bonds of trust. Even more sacred is the Life Debt, an oath of absolute loyalty sworn when a Wookiee’s life is saved in a profound or destiny-shifting way. To break such a vow is unthinkable; to uphold it is a point of deepest pride. Stories of Life Debts echo throughout galactic history, with some Wookiees becoming legendary companions to smugglers, Jedi, and freedom fighters.

Despite their noble traditions, Wookiees are feared—often unfairly—by those who misunderstand them. Their ability to tear limbs from sockets when enraged has become the subject of countless cautionary tales, but Wookiees rarely lose control without cause. Their rages stem from grief, betrayal, or the violation of sacred bonds, and even then, such ferocity is always followed by periods of guilt and reflection. Those who truly know Wookiees understand them as compassionate, loyal, and deeply empathetic beings who value harmony with nature as much as prowess in battle. It is said that being groomed by a Wookiee is one of the highest compliments they can give, a gesture reserved only for those they trust absolutely.

Historically, Wookiees have played critical roles across many eras—from standing with the Jedi during the Clone Wars to aiding the fledgling Rebellion and New Republic. Their homeworld’s suffering under Imperial tyranny galvanized many Wookiees to fight oppression throughout the galaxy. Whether as warriors, engineers, scouts, or navigators, Wookiees bring strength, skill, and unwavering devotion to any cause they embrace. Their presence commands both fear and respect, but those fortunate enough to call a Wookiee a friend know there are few allies more steadfast.

Home Planet: Kashyyyk
Physical Description: Wookiees are towering humanoids, typically standing between 2 and 2.3 meters tall, with massive frames covered from head to toe in thick fur. Their coats come in a wide spectrum of natural tones—rich browns, midnight black, deep russet, silvery gray, and even rare shades of white—each providing insulation and protection from the diverse environments of their forest home. This fur is water-repellent, allowing them to maneuver through the humid jungles and rain-soaked treetops of Kashyyyk without difficulty. Wookiees also possess sharp senses, powerful lungs, and tremendous stamina, enabling them to endure strenuous climbs, rapid chases through the canopy, and long treks through dangerous terrain.

Their physical strength is legendary: even without formal combat training, a single Wookiee can overpower most humanoids with ease. Their hands end in retractable climbing claws—razor-sharp natural tools used to ascend wroshyr trees. These claws are never to be used in combat; doing so violates sacred tradition and marks the offender as dishonorable. Their skeletal structure is thick and resilient, making them unusually resistant to blunt trauma. Despite their fearsome appearance, Wookiee expressions are subtle, relying on shifts in posture, ear movement, nuanced growls, and gentle grooming behaviors. Their eyes, often blue or brown, reveal intelligence and emotional depth seldom appreciated by those unfamiliar with their culture.

Vocal communication is complex for Wookiees. Their physiology prevents them from speaking Galactic Basic, leading outsiders to mistake their growls for simple animalistic sounds. In truth, Shyriiwook—their primary language—is a rich tapestry of layered growls, trills, roars, and soft purrs capable of conveying emotions and complex concepts. Many humanoids struggle to reproduce the sounds needed to speak Shyriiwook, but those with patience and effort can learn to understand it, gaining access to a culture built on subtlety, respect, and deep emotional ties.

Average Height: 2.2 meters (male), 2.0 meters (female)
Average Weight: 125 kilograms (male), 100 kilograms (female)
Age of Adulthood: 18 years

Personality & Customs: At their core, Wookiees are defined by profound emotional depth, unwavering loyalty, and a strong moral compass rooted in honor. They form powerful bonds with family—both biological and chosen—and their concept of the honor family extends far beyond simple kinship, representing a sacred trust forged by shared experiences, bravery, and mutual respect. Their famed short temper is often misunderstood; Wookiees feel emotions intensely and act passionately in defense of those they care about. However, they are also capable of great gentleness, offering comfort through grooming rituals, quiet companionship, and heartfelt growls that communicate far more than words ever could.

Tradition and ritual play an enormous role in daily Wookiee life. Rites of passage, seasonal festivals, and ancestral ceremonies strengthen the unity of their communities. Coming-of-age rituals often require physical trials such as hunting, climbing, or survival challenges, affirming a young Wookiee’s readiness to join adult society. Elders are deeply respected and considered living repositories of wisdom. The Life Debt, perhaps their most famous cultural tradition, represents the pinnacle of devotion—a sacred promise to protect another being until death or until the debt is repaid through heroic sacrifice. To break such a vow is unthinkable, and to accept a Life Debt is a solemn responsibility.

Wookiees value craftsmanship, often blending technology with traditional materials such as wood and stone. Many create intricately carved weapons, jewelry, and tools that serve as symbols of status or personal history. Their bowcasters, for example, are handcrafted with meticulous care and often passed down through generations. Wookiees have a deep spiritual relationship with the wroshyr trees, believing them to be ancient guardians of their people. Before battle, Wookiees press their foreheads to a tree’s trunk to seek guidance and calm their spirits.

Though they rarely seek conflict, Wookiees will fight with unmatched ferocity when their homes, families, or values are threatened. Offworld, they frequently become scouts, engineers, freedom fighters, or trusted bodyguards. Those who gain the friendship of a Wookiee often find themselves with a lifelong ally whose loyalty outlasts wars, governments, and lifetimes.

Languages: Shyriiwook (spoken); Wookiees typically understand Basic but cannot speak it.

Example Names: Chewbacca, Gorwooken, Groznik, Lowbacca, Ralrra, Rorworr, Salporin