The Cilare were a species of humanoids characterized by their dedication to martial prowess. Around the time of the Yuuzhan Vong War in 25 ABY, the Yuuzhan Vong launched an invasion of their homeworld, leading to the complete annihilation of their species, with the exception of Arbeloa, during a distinctly one-sided conflict.
Warfare was the cornerstone of Cilare society, and they esteemed strength above all else. From the moment of birth, their children were immersed in martial values, undergoing rigorous combat training as soon as they possessed the physical capacity, often facing opponents of significantly greater size. Their scientists prioritized the development of war matériel over medical advancements. Despite their primitiveness in certain areas, such as their reliance on metal armor and fur garments derived from a canine species, they wielded advanced weaponry, including blaster rifles, tanks, and holoprojectors.
Furthermore, they communicated in Basic, suggesting some degree of interaction with other sentient species.
The Cilare held the belief that their mastery over all native predators on their homeworld rendered them invincible and impervious to any potential threat.
Having existed in complete isolation from the galaxy throughout their history, the Cilare's secluded existence came to an abrupt end with the onset of the Yuuzhan Vong War in 25 ABY. Following the Battle of Dantooine, a substantial Yuuzhan Vong invasion force descended upon their world, initiating immediate warfare against the warrior species. The Cilare eagerly confronted this menace, assembling their armies and advancing towards the invading threat. However, despite their strength and extensive combat experience, they were swiftly overwhelmed by the onslaught of the Vong's Fire Breathers.
The warrior species faced rapid extermination as the Yuuzhan Vong subjugated their homeworld. Only one warrior, Arbeloa, survived to recount the events, transmitting a signal before being taken captive aboard a Yuuzhan Vong slaveship named Tsam P'ah. During his captivity, the signal was eventually detected by the two-member crew of the exploratory vessel Pythea—the Chiss Panha and her Wookiee companion Sarkkin. Panha and Sarkkin listened attentively as the warrior detailed the nature and culture of his species, before proceeding to warn them about the destructive nature of the Yuuzhan Vong.
The warrior revealed the devastation inflicted upon his species during the attack, urging recipients of the message to escape the approaching Yuuzhan Vong invasion force while possible, emphasizing the futility of attempting to fight the species. Given that Panha's species, the Chiss, had previously encountered the Yuuzhan Vong, she understood the magnitude of the threat they posed to the galaxy. Detecting the presence of a Yuuzhan Vong fleet nearby in hyperspace, they activated the Phythea and fled to the nearest world, Artorias, in an attempt to alert the Artorians.
Despite their warning, Yuuzhan Vong vessels pursued them relentlessly, quickly closing the gap. The Chiss explorer tried to communicate with Artorias, but the message was intercepted by a advance infiltrator, who made sure it was never delivered. After repelling a Yuuzhan Vong boarding attempt, the two friends resolved to avoid capture and steered their starship directly into the prow of the Yuuzhan Vong cruiser, resulting in their mutual destruction.
Subsequently, Arbeloa allied himself with the Artorian princess Kaye Galfridian and other slaves to stage a revolt against the commander Sha'kel.