Defel/Legends

"There was no danger. Humans need movement to see. Not-moving shadows are of no concern."

- unnamed Defel

The Defel (colloquially known as Wraiths) were barely visible beings who appeared to most other species as shadows, re-enforcing the misconception that they were chameleon-like beings or "living shadows". Typically, they were employed as mercenaries or guards. They were from Af'El, a large, high-gravity, seldom-visited world orbiting the ultraviolet supergiant Ka'Dedus. Af'El had no ozone layer and ultraviolet light passed freely to the surface, while other light wavelengths were blocked by the heavy gases in the planet's atmosphere. Thus, all lifeforms on Af'El could only see in ultraviolet light ranges, and were able to see in other light wavelengths, so long as the other light was not very bright. This is why Defels normally wore a visor when they left Af'El, and would be exposed to daylight on whatever planet they are going to. Compared to other species, they could see exceptionally well in the dark.

Defel were short, stocky beings, averaging 1.3 meters in both height and width at the shoulders. Though they were nearly invisible in normal light, Defel were actually colorful beings. Viewed under ultraviolet light, their fur appeared in colors ranging from yellow to blue. Their snouts appeared green, with orange, gill-like slits at the base of their jawlines. Elderly Defel actually lost their ability to absorb light, fading to a dull dark brown under visible light.



Due to the harsh conditions of Af'El, Defel had a society based on communal resource sharing. Co-operation was vital for survival. As a result, the typical Defel was a tough, independent being, with a strong sense of honor. Defel stood by their word, and refused to associate with anyone who broke a promise. The Defel lived in underground cities to escape Af'El's violent storms. Their subterranean society had developed highly advanced mining and metallurgical technology, though they had not developed space travel or agriculture on their own.

Their homeworld was seldom visited due to the difficulty of escaping its gravity well. They did see some trade in meleenium, a rare substance used in durasteel production, which was only found naturally on Af'El. During the Imperial era, Vulca Minerals sent one ship a year to the Defel to trade fresh food for meleenium. Under the Empire, Defels were oppressed; the oppression continued at least until 11 ABY, despite the presence of Za on the Interim Ruling Council.

Notable Defel

 * Arleil Schous
 * Londrah
 * Kl'aal
 * Morr
 * Za
 * Zomil

Appearances

 * Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords
 * Incident at Horn Station
 * Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope
 * Tales from the Mos Eisley Cantina
 * "A Hunter's Fate: Greedo's Tale"
 * Dark Force Rising
 * The Last Command
 * The DarkStryder Campaign
 * Crimson Empire
 * Crimson Empire II: Council of Blood
 * Specter of the Past
 * Dark Nest I: The Joiner King
 * Tales from the Empire
 * "Blaze of Glory"