Kubaz/Legends

The Kubaz or Kubazian were an insectivorous species native to the planet Kubindi in the Outer Rim Territories. Although relatively new to the Galactic community at the time of the institution of the New Order, the species was already ubiquitous throughout the Republic during the Clone Wars.

Biology and appearance


Their physiology included long snouts for sucking insects out of hives, green-black skin, pointed heads growing with black bristles, and two-toed feet. Additionally, their sensitive eyes had to be covered when on other worlds with yellow or red suns. Kubaz had hand gestures that indicated their intentions. For example, a palm down indicated agreement. During the Galactic Civil War they shared these and other signals with military commanders on both sides. Touching the nose, head, or shoulders could indicate intent, direction, and number.

Many Kubaz abroad were spies sent to other worlds by their respective hives to learn about other worlds' politics, cultures, and cuisine (to the Kubaz, this would be native insects). Their taste for insects sometimes caused problems. Not recognizing insectoid beings as anything other than a food source, Kubaz would sometimes illegally purchase the bodies and body parts of sentient insectoid species. Spying, however, was not the only path Kubaz took, but rather they were an highly educated species that appreciated art, music, and literature. They were social beings that focused on mannerism and refinement and embraced traditions and history of their kind, so placing them under one occupation would not be representative of the species.

The homeworld of Kubindi was plagued by radiation bombardment in the form of solar flares by its blue giant sun, and many wealthy hives moved offworld to Ku'Bakai 6, 8, and 11.

On Kubindi, the Kubaz hives dwelled in underground nests. Each hive was ruled by a queen, after whom the hive is named. All Kubaz within a hive were descendants of the queen.

History


One Kubaz, by the name of Garindan, a member of Hive Zabin, led stormtroopers to C-3PO and R2-D2 while Obi-Wan Kenobi and Luke Skywalker tried to smuggle them off Tatooine. His close relative, Udin, was a bounty hunter, who later captured Luke Skywalker for the Empire, but accidentally turned him over to the Rebel Alliance.

Sadly, Kubindi was amongst the many worlds taken over by the Yuuzhan Vong, although many Kubaz were able to evacuate thanks to the heroic efforts of the Jedi Kyp Durron and his Dozen. They returned to Kubindi after the end of the Yuuzhan Vong War.

Behind the scenes
The Kubaz look very similar to the Mustafarians, leading some to believe that they were one and the same, but that is not the case. However, Revenge of the Sith: The Visual Dictionary depicts a Mustafarian wearing a Kubazian skirt, which may very well point to a relationship between the species (ala the Duros and Neimoidians).

Dark Forces: Soldier for the Empire names this species Kubazian.