Sephi

Sephi
Biological classification
Designation	Sentient
Classification	Humanoid
Physical characteristics
Skin color	Pale purple-blue or pinkish
Hair color	Black, blond, gray, white
Eye color	Black, brown
Average lifespan	Over 200 years
Sociocultural characteristics
Homeworld	Thustra

Sephi were a species of humanoids indigenous to Thustra. Although they had been members of the Galactic Republic and friends of the Jedi Order for centuries, King Alaric of the Sephi sided with the Confederacy of Independent Systems during the Clone Wars.

Biology and appearance

A young female Sephi

The Sephi were a species of sentient humanoids. Outwardly, they were very similar in appearance to Human stock, the key difference being their long, pointed ears. Like most humanoids, the Sephi came in two sexes, male and female; with the latter being distinguished by more prominent breasts and a different hairline. Many Sephi were tall and healthy-looking, with a narrow waistline and long-fingered hands. However, smaller and overweight individuals were not unheard of.

While many Sephi had pale, purplish skin, some had more Human-like skintones. Their eyes came in the colors black or brown. Their long, straight hair ranged in color from black through blond to gray and white. Depending on personal status, it was common for upper-class Sephi to fashion their hair into thick spirals adorned with gemstones and other decorations, making it a source of personal pride. Males also had a distinct widow's peak, in addition to a receding hairline. The female hairline, however, formed an upside down U and was located closer to the eyebrows.

The Sephi were a long-lived species, with elder individuals living for more than 200 years, possibly up to 400. They could interbreed with several other species, including the Arkanians and the Humans.

Society and culture

From left: King Alaric, Senator Navi, Moje, Senatorial aide Lirka, Sephi Sentry, Sephi Military Soldier.

The Sephi formed a space-level civilization led by a monarch. Due to the species' longevity, Sephi sovereigns tended to stay in place for a long time. They had developed a culture of elegance and sophistication in art, which was even reflected in the delicate design of their walkers, flyers and tanks.

History

The Sephi evolved on Thustra, a terrestrial planet located in the eponymous star system of the Sumitra sector, in the Expansion Region of the galaxy. They had contacts with the wider galactic community, or at least with the Arkanians, since at least the fifth millennium before the Battle of Yavin.

At some point in their history, the Sephi joined the Galactic Republic, a democratic government that spanned a vast expanse of the galaxy. For centuries, they stood as staunch defenders of the Republic, and the Sephi monarch exerted a powerful influence over the neighboring systems. They were also in good terms with the Jedi Order, a group of enlightened warriors who acted as the guardians of peace and justice in the Republic. Around 222 BBY, the Sephi king Alaric befriended Yoda, Grand Master of the Order.

However, in the third month of 22 BBY, the Clone Wars erupted between the Republic and the Confederacy of Independent Systems, a separatist union led by Count Dooku of Serenno. Sixteen months after the First Battle of Geonosis, King Alaric chose to rally Dooku in response to the rampant corruption of the Republic's Galactic Senate. Yoda, who was an old friend of Alaric, was forced to lead a clone army against the Sephi forces. While the Jedi sought to end the conflict peacefully, Alaric unwaveringly refused to change his allegiance. In the mean time, the loyalist but corrupt Senator Navi, who represented the Sephi in the Galactic Senate, tried to manipulate the Republic into restoring order on Thustra through military force. To that end, he tricked the Republic into attacking the Sephi forces, making them think they had killed Yoda. During the conflict, clones suprised attacked Sephi forces based on Navi's lies, Yoda was then betrayed by King Alaric, firing a blaster to be deflected by Yoda into Alaric's heart. Senator Navi was then arrested for conspiracy, Moje, got away successfully.

Behind the scenes

"Do you have a species for Valentha Farfalla in the Holocron?"
"Not concretely. For the longest time we've used dozens of pointy-eared characters without a species name for them. The pointed-eared species in the Jedi: Yoda comic were named Sephi. My theory is that all pointy-eared species are either Sephi or closely related to Sephi."

―J. Ral'Tir and Leland Chee on the StarWars.com Message Boards, June 08, 2007

Leland Chee, on the StarWars.com Message Boards, stated that his theory is that "all pointy-eared species are either Sephi or closely related to Sephi." Notice that he answered this when asked about Farfalla's species, who had equine features including hooves. Due to their pointed ears, it is possible that Jedi Masters Fay and Aleco Stusea might be Sephi.

Appearances

• Knights of the Old Republic 48 (Mentioned only)
• Jedi: Yoda (First appearance)
• † Vader's Quest (Retcon)
• † Star Wars: Chewbacca (Dark Horse) (Retcon)

Sources

• The Complete Star Wars Encyclopedia
• Alaric, King in the Databank (content now obsolete; backup link)
• Barely Tolerable: Alien Henchmen of the Empire, Part 1 on StarWars.com (article) (content now obsolete; backup link)
• The Not-So Magnificent Seven on StarWars.com (article) (content now obsolete; backup link)
• The Official Star Wars Fact File Part 34 (PAN5, Captain Panaka)

Notes and references

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