Abyssin/Legends

Abyssin have been most often described as "primitive and violent," and were often hired as petty thugs. They inhabited the arid desert planet Byss, where they lived as nomadic herders. At about two metres tall, the hulking, humanoid Abyssin had long limbs and a single large eye that dominated their greenish-tan foreheads. They could heal quickly and regenerate any body part, which some believe contributed to an especially violent racial culture. Their fast regeneration is believed to have been an adaptation to prevent fluid loss from bleeding. Because of their regenerative abilities, Abyssin could live up to 300 standard years. Elderly Abyssin lost these regenerative abilities, and either voluntarly exiled themselves to die in the desert, or were ritually killed by their tribe.

When two Abyssin tribes met, they would interact peacefully through trading only if both groups had plentiful water and food supplies. Otherwise, they began a "Blooding", a brawl which ended only when one tribe's warriors were all killed, captured, or incapacitated. Warriors who survived a Blooding were usually allowed to join the winning tribe once they finished regeneration. This tradition led to some violent incidents when spacers tried to trade with Abyssin tribes with scarce water resources, especially since the Abyssins assumed the alien traders could regenerate as quickly as they did.

Abyssin were uncommon in the greater galaxy. Those who are found off Byss are often slaves or mercenaries. Abyssin were sometimes referred to as "monocs", but the Abyssin often found this term insulting.

Appearances

 * Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope

Source
Troy Denning, Galaxy Guide 4: Alien Races, West End Games