JEDI HoloNet

Biology and Appearance

As a near-human species, the Echani can be distinguished from more common humans by their pale complexions, white hair, and silvery irises. Phylogenetic traits are extremely well conserved from parent to offspring in this species, resulting in members of a family having an uncanny resemblance to one another. Close relatives are even said to be indistinguishable to outsiders.  This, coupled with matches and similarities in slowly-evolving genetic markers between Echani and Humans have led to a prevailing theory in academic circles that the Echani derived from ancient Humans, and either evolved into a distinct and separate species by selective pressures or from deliberate genetic tampering by a third party.

The Echani have a talent for anticipating their foes’ actions in combat as well as noticing acute details and signs. This has led some to speculate that the Echani possess superhuman traits in these respects, but such ideas have been dismissed as baseless, and instead the Echani are believed to possess these talents through rigorous training and the elevated demands of their society.

History

The Echani were a culture of respected warriors, with Echani such as Raskta Fenni, who lived years before the Jedi Civil War and was famous for being known as the best duelists of her time, and Raskta Lsu, Jedi Master in General Hoth’s Army of Light. Echani held a long-standing rivalry with the Mandalorians, which led to the Echani entering the Mandalorian Wars on the side of the Galactic Republic. The Echani General Yusanis fought alongside the Exiled Jedi Arren Kae in the conflict until the Battle of Malachor V, which led to Yusanis returning from the war alone to become a Senator. Following the assassination of an Echani Senator on the orders of Darth Revan during the Jedi Civil War, Yusanis challenged Revan to a duel, and was defeated by the Sith. After the outbreak of the Jedi Civil War, the Echani engaged in battle against Revan, and were defeated. As with the Mandalorians upon their defeat by Revan, the Echani respected the combat skill of their enemy.

By 1154 BBY, tensions between the ruling council of the Echani Command and the planets of Begali and Thyrsus led to a revolt, beginning the Begali Uprising. Though Begali would rejoin Echani Command less than a century after the uprising, The Thyrsians led a string of crusades against the Echani Command until the independence of Thyrsus was recognized with the Pact of Almera in 899 BBY. During this conflict, the Thyrsian special forces division evolved into the seminomadic mercenary group that became known as the Sun Guard.

Echani fighting techniques remained in use by the Emperor’s Royal Guard and Imperial Intelligence by the time of the Galactic Empire, while double-bladed vibroblades of Echani design were used by the Emperor’s Royal Guard.

Culture & Society

The Echani are minimalistic and concise in expression, possessing a kinetic language where subtle expressions and signs of the body can convey identity, feeling, and sentiment. This helps the Echani to tell apart members of a family who are near-identical to one another. This emphasis on efficiency translates to many other facets of Echani culture, from their fashion, artwork, architecture, and etiquette. Echani are known to be short-spoken and more “to the point”, with Humans often seeing them as either blunt or outright rude and Echani perceiving Humans as needlessly polite.

Their populace is generally spread out across six planets bound together by a confederacy known as “The Six Sisters”. This nation is governed by Echani Command, an all-female council of matriarchs who convene together to manage the affairs of the Echani people and further their goals. Echani society is matriarchal and caste-based in nature. One’s lineage ultimately determines their place in a rigid, almost mechanical chain of command where women are predominantly the figures of authority and command and men are subservient and occupy supportive roles. Historically, instances of men holding any position of authority in Echani society are rare if not unspoken of, with some believing it may even be legally prohibited. 

As a warrior culture, the Echani believe that the truest form of expression can be found in battle, and that one is not truly known until they are fought. This has led to a prevailing practice among the Echani to duel and spar with recent acquaintances to better know them, and rivals are known to deliberately pitch duels with each other in an attempt to better know their foe and be able to counter them. The prevailing wisdom among Echani strategy is that victory is assured when a commander knows both themself and their enemy.

In battle, the Echani favour lighter armour and quick-striking weapons, and are known to possess an affinity for melee weapons such as vibroblades, foils, glaives, and double-bladed swords. Their weapons are delicately crafted, artisanal in quality, and often feature complex alloy weaves that enhance the strength of the blade without burdening it with additional weight. Agility and grace are greatly valued over raw strength, to the point that some Echani are known to enter battle wearing only flowing robes or simple garments. Some  spar in minimalistic attire so as to not be weighed down. 

The Echani are known for their deep-rooted rivalry with the Mandalorians, a heated feud with such history and animosity that the Echani have historically entered conflicts on the opposite side of the Mandalorians out of spite, most recently the Attrition Wars. Repeated clashes between the two groups has resulted in a begrudged mutual respect, though the desire to fight one another has not been dulled by generations of general peace between the two groups, and the Echani would gladly welcome the opportunity for a renewed conflict if it was presented.