A Phalanx, also referred to as a Household Phalanx or Colonial Phalanx, was the primary division within the military of the Chiss species, separate from the Chiss Expansionary Defense Fleet. There were 28 Phalanxes, one to defend each of the colony worlds, while those assigned to the headquarters of the Ruling Families were referred to as Household Phalanxes, as opposed to Colonial Phalanxes.
A Phalanx, also referred to as a Household Phalanx or Colonial Phalanx, was the primary division within the military of the Chiss species, separate from the Chiss Expansionary Defense Fleet, which was deemed a foreign-affairs asset rather than a military one. There were 28 Phalanxes, one to defend each of the central colony worlds, and command of each Phalanx typically fell to an officer appointed by the Syndic of one of the Ruling Families. Phalanxes assigned to the headquarters of the Ruling Families were referred to as Household Phalanxes, as opposed to Colonial Phalanxes. The planet Naporar, homeworld of the Nuruodo family, held the ranking authority in all matters related to the Household and Colonial Phalanxes. In times of crisis, the Defense Fleet would call upon the forces of nearby Phalanxes.
During his tenure as Syndic, Mitth'raw'nuruodo, core name "Thrawn," of the Eighth Ruling Family commanded his own personal Household Phalanx. With his fleet of Imperial Star Destroyers, the Imperial forces worked alongside the native forces of his loyal Household Phalanx. The territory conquered in these campaigns became the basis of a new power, the Empire of the Hand, a successor to the Galactic Empire who formed an uneasy relationship with the Chiss Ascendancy. Though his people considered Thrawn a renegade, many Aristocras secretly supported his actions, believing his proactive stance ultimately kept the Chiss people safe. While the Ruling Families feigned obliviousness to this alliance, the average citizen was well aware of it.
During the Yuuzhan Vong War, Commander Ina'ganet'nuruodo, core name "Ganet," was in charge of a phalanx loyal to a syndic that was opposed to the policies of Assistant Syndic Soontir Fel.
- "The University of Sanbra Guide to Intelligent Life: The Chiss" — Star Wars Gamer 5
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