Tchuukthai

Tchuukthai, also called Wharls, were sapient ceratopsian quadrupeds from the Unknown Regions. They had bristly fur on their shoulders and back, while natural armor plating covered their head, joints, and vital organs. Even where there was no armor, their skin was thick and leathery, offering natural protection. Those that had dealing with other species generally wore clothing, while others did not.

The Tchuukthai were considered semi-mythical non-sentient creatures for millennia, which the Tchuukthai encouraged, if not propagated with displays of bestial ferocity that discouraged explorers and curious visitors. Their quadrupedal nature and inability to speak Basic with their fang-filled mouths only reinforced the misconception. A number of famous love poems were composed by Tchuukthai, although they translated poorly into Basic.

A currently anonymous Jedi Master befriended the Tchuukthai later known as Thon, who was instructed in the Jedi arts and eventually became a Jedi Master himself around the time of the Great Sith War. Thon's nature was unknown even to most Jedi for millennia, though it's possible others of the species left (or were taken from their unknown homeworld as captive beasts) into the galaxy.

Bureaucrats from the Galactic Republic Bureau of Xenology labeled Thon a "Wharl", though the Jedi Master declined to refute or acknowledge the designation or any other speculation as to his origins.

The Tchuukthai were generally quite thoughtful, and although they would often put on displays of ferocity for outsiders, disdained fighting. Some enjoyed meeting outsiders while others preferred to be left alone.

Common Tchuukthai names

 * Bval
 * Drol
 * Gaarx
 * Huun
 * Nrak
 * Tkur
 * Zvod

Appearances

 * Tales of the Jedi: Knights of the Old Republic
 * Tales of the Jedi (audio)
 * Tales of the Jedi: The Freedon Nadd Uprising
 * Tales of the Jedi: Dark Lords of the Sith
 * Tales of the Jedi: Dark Lords of the Sith (audio)
 * Tales of the Jedi: The Sith War
 * Tales of the Jedi: Redemption
 * The Courtship of Princess Leia