What are Starweirds?
Starweirds were a species of ghostly humanoids that existed solely in space. They were tall, emaciated figures with long, razor-sharp claws, disheveled white hair, and eyes that glowed eerily. These beings often appeared to spacefarers who were either repairing their starships in open space or traveling through hyperspace.
A starweird would select a victim, and once noticed, it would unleash a terrifying telepathic scream that struck fear into most. The creature would then proceed to attack its chosen target. Starweirds were immensely powerful, possessing the ability to use the Force, and they harbored an intense loathing for Force users. This led some Jedi to speculate that starweirds were manifestations created by the dark side of the Force.
What characteristics and Force abilities do Starweirds possess?
Starweirds were ghostly, humanoid creatures capable of using the Force, found exclusively in the vacuum of space. These beings were exceptionally tall and incredibly thin, nearly skeletal in appearance, draped in tattered, ethereal garments that clung to their two arms. Their long, unruly white hair floated around their heads, defying the influence of gravity. Starweirds had pale, withered skin that varied slightly in hue among individuals, and their faces appeared shriveled.
Descriptions of a starweird’s facial features were inconsistent, with many observers claiming that the creature’s face bore a resemblance to their own. They possessed a large, tooth-filled mouth and glowing eyes that many described as unsettling. Their arms were skeletal, ending in hands with three long, sharp, black claws. Due to their incorporeal nature, starweirds could withstand conventional attacks and phase through solid objects, though force fields remained effective against them. They were also fully susceptible to the effects of the Force.
Rather than walking on their two legs, Starweirds hovered or flew silently at a speed just slightly faster than that of most Human-sized bipedal species. Despite being reasonably intelligent, these creatures did not speak, communicate, or have any known language. They possessed the ability to see up to twenty meters in total darkness, although they could not distinguish colors in such conditions.
Starweirds were capable of using several Force abilities, including Drain Energy, Force Grip, Force Lightning, and Force Sight. They had no ecological role, and when a starweird died, it left no trace of its existence behind.
How do Starweirds behave and interact with others?
Starweirds typically appeared to spacers while they were repairing their damaged starship in deep space or aboard a vessel traveling through hyperspace. Once noticed, these creatures would become enraged, emitting a loud, piercing telepathic scream that affected all beings within a twenty-meter radius.
The telepathic nature of the scream allowed it to be heard even in the vacuum of space. This terrifying shriek often caused listeners to either cower in fear or attempt to flee, though some were able to muster the courage to fight back. After releasing the scream, the starweird would viciously attack its chosen target, slashing with sharp claws. These creatures were particularly hostile toward Force-sensitives, relentlessly focusing on killing them even if others were nearby.
When and where have Starweirds appeared in Star Wars lore?
Starweirds first appeared in the 2000 d20 system roleplaying game titled Star Wars Roleplaying Game. In this game, they were creatures that players might encounter during quests, although limited details were provided about their origins or nature. It’s important to note that, as a roleplaying game, events in the Star Wars Roleplaying Game are not considered canon within the Star Wars universe.
Over twenty years later (in real time, not ABY), Starweirds made their official canon debut in Marvel Comics’ Doctor Aphra series. Although the comic series began in 2020, Starweirds did not appear until issues 32, 33, and 34, which were all released in 2023.
In this comic arc, set between 3 and 4 ABY, Luke Skywalker is kidnapped by Doctor Chelli Lona Aphra, a vigilante archaeologist, and taken to the Sason Temple to search for Kythoo’s Bell, an ancient artifact designed to imprison a Starweird.
To test the legend, Aphra brings Luke to the temple, where they both fall into a pool and encounter the imprisoned Starweird. They discover that Jedi Shaak Ti and Aayla Secura were responsible for sealing away the dangerous creature. As the story unfolds, Luke and Aphra learn why the Starweird was imprisoned and are forced to battle it.
With the Doctor Aphra series officially bringing Starweirds into Star Wars canon, fans might see the creature in future on-screen works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Starweirds are canon and made their first canonical appearance in the Marvel Comics issue of Doctor Aphra.
Starweirds dwelled in the vacuum of space and were believed to be extinct until the final years of the Imperial Era. However, during the Clone Wars, Jedi Masters Aayla Secura and Shaak Ti managed to imprison one within the Sason Temple, a Jedi prison on Sason.
A starweird would select a target and, once noticed, emit a telepathic scream that instilled terror in most beings. It would then proceed to attack its chosen victim.
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Tony Allen is a writer for LightsabersBlog.com, a website focused on everything related to lightsabers. Tony grew up in Austin, Texas, and went on to study Mechanical Engineering at the University of Texas. Passionate about science fiction and fantasy, Tony has always been deeply involved in hobbies like tabletop RPGs, sci-fi novels, miniature painting, and crafting. This love for creative pursuits drives Tony to write about lightsabers in a way that ignites the imagination of fans around the world.
