Ishi Tib

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"During a walk around the city, I was startled when a leaf started a conversation with me! However, upon closer inspection I realized it was actually an Ishi Tib...."

―An entry of an artist's journal^[5]

Ishi Tib were a sentient species of amphibious humanoids from the planet Tibrin. They had skin that ranged from green to blue, large eyes that extended from angular stalks on either side of their skull, and a beak-like mouth. A number of Ishi Tib were employed for Jabba the Hutt, while others fought for the Alliance to Restore the Republic.

Biology and appearance[]

Hailing from the planet Tibrin, Ishi Tib were sentient amphibious humanoids.^[5] The species reproduced by laying eggs. Once fertilized, these eggs were cared for in communal hatcheries carved into sandbars near the coral reefs that supported their settlements. Reproduction was seldom carried out for personal reasons, as eggs were fertilized only when the community required it. For six years, the eggs remained under collective care until the young were capable of leaving the water. Due to the communal nature of child rearing, Ishi Tib never knew who their parents were.^[8]

IshiTibGuildMaster-BoBFCh5 — At least one Ishi Tib sported blue skin

The species sported a beaked mouth and eyestalks protruding from its star-shaped face.^[5] Their skin was leathery^[8] and often green in coloration,^[5] although they were also sometimes blue.^[2] Their eyes were commonly yellow and with vertically-slitted pupils, though other colored eyes such as orange and yellow-green have been recorded. An Ishi Tib's face featured two pouch-like cheeks that they used to store food such as algae, microscopic organisms and crustaceans.^[8] Although commonly used to crack the exoskeletons of their live food, some Ishi Tib also used their beaks as a weapon.^[8]

Ishi Tib had a very acute sense of smell, and were able to use it on land and underwater.^[5] Their hands varied, some had short, thick, almost stumpy mitten-like appearances,^[9] while others could have extended, three-digited, flipper-like hands.^[10] They had fin-like feet which allowed for agile swimming.^[8] Despite having a thick skin that minimized water loss, to stay healthy, they had to regularly submerge themselves in a saline solution that was similar to the waters of Tibrin. Without this submersion, dehydration could quickly set in, leading to severe debilitation or death within days.^[8] At least one Ishi Tib possessed a tail.^[11]

Society and culture[]

Ishi Tib were native to the oceanic planet of Tibrin,^[5] having built settlements situated atop the world's waves^[7] and coral reefs.^[5] Ishi Tib society was organized into large communities known as "schools", each numbering up to 10,000 individuals. Every school was governed by an elected representative who served a one-year term. Ecological Law placed the preservation of nature above all other concerns.^[8] Tibrina, Tibrin's capital city, was one such settlement. It was located at least partially above the surface of the ocean.^[7]

Ishi Tib were cautious of new technologies, with all new devices and scientific processes were reviewed and regulated according to ecological law. The species had a culture highly aware of its environmental impact. Because of these restrictions, many offworld corporations had chosen not to conduct business with Tibrin.^[8] Tibrin was administrated by a Mariod and received spiritual guidance from a Kalikeedan, an eminent local religious figure.^[12]

The species was most comfortable underwater.^[6] Ishi Tib spoke a language called Ishi Tibrin, also known as "Tibranese," which consisted of squeals, honks and clicks. This language also served as the basis for Tibranese hieroglyphics.^[8] Among the Ishi Tib, opening ones beak without a sound was the equivalent of a human frown.^[13] The species while generally quite mild mannered and not known to act rashly, yet they had acquired a reputation for snapping violently under extreme stress. When confronted by enemies or hostile circumstances, they entered a state of uncontrolled rage, in which instinct rather than reason had guided their actions.^[8]

History[]

Ishi Tib evolved from large bony fish that lived in the coral reefs of their home planet.^[8] Ishi Tib were seen in the wider galaxy by 382 BBY.^[14] The species was represented in the Galactic Senate.^[15]

Ishi Tib in the galaxy[]

Most Ishi Tib did not leave their homeworld. Those who did were highly sought after by other governments and corporations. Their aptitude for overseeing complex projects had made them especially sought after as tacticians, executives, project managers, planners, and accountants.^[8] However, some Ishi Tib worked in criminal professions, such as piracy^[16] or in the employ of crime lords.^[17] One such Ishi Tib was a member of the Ohnaka Gang.^[16] Another, Benjar Pranic, served in the pirate crew of Captain Silvo during the New Republic Era.^[18] A second Ishi Tib also served with Silvo. Both that pirate^[19] and Pranic supported First Mate Brutus's mutiny against Silvo.^[18] Shasa Tiel worked for Jabba the Hutt.^[17] Another was seen on Jabba's Sail Barge the Khetanna during the Rescue of Han Solo^[9] The Ishi Tib Pendewqell worked for Sidon Ithano.^[20] One Ishi Tib criminal was located on Lothal and was shot by the Imperial Lieutenant Jenkes^[21] in 5 ABY.^[22] On the ringed space station Glavis Ringworld there was an Ishi Tib who was the master of a guild.^[23] In 0ABY^[24] An Ishi Tib was present at a bar on Nar Shadda, he was surprised when Jedi Knight Luke Skywalker drew his lightsaber.^[25]

Waks Burr was a patron^[26] of the Outlander Club in the Uscru Entertainment District of the planet Coruscant^[27] in 22 BBY.^[28] Waks Trode was present in the Galaxies Opera House in the Uscru District of the planet Coruscant during a performance of the opera Squid Lake.^[29] Mich Matt was an Ishi Tib technician that was kidnapped by the Empire to work on a secret project but was rescued by the young rebel Ezra Bridger.^[30]

Many Ishi Tib worked in more legitimate environments. Of these, Gume Saam was a senator representing the Techno Union in the Republic Senate^[31] while Gani Riduli represented the Banking Clan in the Imperial Senate.^[32] Govi served as the Mariod of Tibrin in the early period of the Galactic Civil War.^[7] An Ishi Tib, Ral Garas, served as an advisor to King Amand of the planet Molos.^[8] During the Galactic Civil War, some Ishi Tib fought for the Alliance to Restore the Republic,^[33] including Volk Aymeric, who captained an EF76 Nebulon-B escort frigate.^[13] Many Ishi Tib who joined the Rebel Alliance were greatly admired for their tactical prowess.^[8] Four Ishi Tib,^[9] including Vek Drow^[34] were present at the briefing before the Battle for Endor^[9] aboard the flagship of the Alliance Fleet, Home One.^[35] Beke Mon'z was an Ishi Tib operative of the New Republic Security Bureau.^[36] At least one Ishi Tib, Blish volunteered to be a member in the Republic Defense Coalition during the High Republic Era.^[37] An Ishi Tib, Harta, lived in Black Spire Outpost on^[38] the Outer Rim^[39] and owned the Black Spire Station.^[40]

Behind the scenes[]

IshiTibHandsPropJedi — Ishi Tib hands made for Return of the Jedi

The Ishi Tib first appeared in 1983's Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi, directed by Richard Marquand.^[9] The design of the species was based on a maquette sculpted by Chris Walas, who stated that this maquette was his favorite of the ones he made for the film. The maquette featured a flesh-like tone compared to how Ishi Tib would eventually look.^[41]

During Production on the film the Ishi Tib had the production name of "Starfish".^[42] Nilo Rodis-Jamero, a costume designer and costume artist on Return of the Jedi, sketched one of the Ishi Tib Rebel Alliance members seen in the Home One briefing room.^[43] The Ishi Tib mask which was used in Return of the Jedi, sculpted by Tony McVey, was copied and used for other Ishi Tibs in the film^[42]^[44] Ishi Tib originally had mitten-like hands in Return of the Jedi,^[9] but when the species returned for Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace, new hand molds were made that replaced them with the flipper-like hands,^[4] with all subsequent live-action Ishi Tib following suit.^[3] The Ishi Tib made for The Phantom Menace all had a second face on the back of their respective mask to use as a second species.^[44] Canonically, the Ishi Tib were first identified in the episode guide for the Star Wars: The Clone Wars episode "A Test of Strength."^[45]