Drabatan

"Sa'Kalla!"

―A war cry used by Drabatans who fought the Galactic Empire^[2]

Drabatans, also known as Drabatas were a sentient amphibious species native to the planet Pipada. Their homeworld was harvested for materials by the Galactic Empire, displacing much of the native population, including the Drabatans. Pao, a commando for the Alliance to Restore the Republic, was a Drabatan. During the Cold War, one Drabatan served as a mechanic on staff at the Resistance base on the planet D'Qar.

The Drabatans primarily spoke a language called Drabatese. However, as this language was unusually loud, the Drabatans also used a second form of speech that was based off of passing air through a vocal pouch.

Biology and appearance[]

Drabatans,^[2] also known as Drabatas,^[1] were sentient amphibious humanoids^[2] with tough^[6] leathery gray,^[7] pink,^[5] green,^[8] or green-gray skin. They had small dark eyes with large mouths and stood slightly shorter than average humans. These amphibians excelled at swimming in freshwater but strongly disliked salt water. Being omnivorous, Drabatans ate insects, fish, and algae.^[2]

To reproduce, Drabatans laid eggs in silty pond soil where they hatched into tadpoles. Over the course of a standard year, the tadpoles grew and obtained bipedal features before becoming child-size Drabatans. They also developed large lungs and diaphrams that helped release powerful vocals that could be used for singing or yelling.^[2]

Society and culture[]

Drabatan politics aligned with that of Alderaan (pictured) and Chandrila.

Drabatans were passionate by nature, being dedicated to the performing arts, especially music. Many individuals claimed that Drabatan songs required no translation to appreciate the ethereal, melancholy tones. Some even considered seeing a performance by the Pipada Symphony Chamber Chorus to be life changing. Song was incorporated into most areas of Drabatan lives, from entertainment to education. Drabatan families had unique songs that detailed their lineage and history, these songs were often performed at family gatherings by the family's best vocalist and having the song rearranged for the occasion. School curriculums taught everything through the form of song, students would use jingles as mnemonic devices to help with memorization.^[2]

Drabatan culture also heavily valued free artistic expression and heavily opposed censorship. It was said that the only thing a Drabatan loved more than a song; was a cause. Drabatans were often found leading chants at protests across the galaxy. Their political views were aligned with Alderaan and Chandrila, which created tension while under Imperial rule.^[2]