The Barabels were a species of saurian origin, hailing from the planet Barab I, a world scarred by radiation. Possessing scales impervious to blaster fire and extraordinary strength, they garnered a formidable image, making them highly sought-after enforcers within the galaxy's criminal element. Despite their admiration for the martial skills of the Jedi Order, they lacked the Jedi's ethical code and derived amusement from the suffering of others.
As a saurian species that walked on two legs, Barabels were physically imposing with incredible strength. Their dark green scales, which covered their bodies and tails, offered resistance to blaster weaponry. Their reptilian faces, coupled with mouths filled with sharp teeth, instilled a primal fear in many mammalian beings. A characteristic "sissss" sound accompanied their laughter.
Originating from the irradiated planet of Barab I, Barabels held the Jedi Order in high regard, recounting tales of their combat prowess throughout their homeworld. However, the species did not share the Jedi's moral compass, finding humor in the pain of others, especially "squishy" species like humans, who provided them with endless amusement. Adjusting to Barabels could be challenging, as they viewed apologies as insulting, but their loyalty, once earned, was unwavering.
The Barabels' fearsome reputation made them highly prized as hired muscle within the criminal underworld. Barabel enforcers were often found as right-hand figures to numerous crime lords. Commonly armed with the Gamorrean Arg'garok, they served as bodyguards or dispensed their employer's warped sense of justice. The cultural aversion to apologies sometimes triggered violence when they were tasked with collecting debts. Due to their strong sense of loyalty, some Barabels would establish enduring partnerships with less significant criminals, such as smugglers, slicers, shipjackers, pirates, or arms dealers.
Within the current Star Wars canon, the Barabels received their initial mention in Allies and Adversaries, a 2019 roleplaying supplement from Fantasy Flight Games. The species first appeared in the Star Wars Legends timeline, specifically in Galaxy Guide 4: Alien Races, a 1989 Star Wars: The Roleplaying Game supplement authored by Troy Denning and published by West End Games.