The Echani represented a sentient species dwelling within the galaxy. Their designation was also used for a specific style of martial art. In the era known as the High Republic Era, amidst the Nihil's attack on Valo, an Echani individual present at the Valo Republic Fair encountered Supreme Chancellor Lina Soh's domesticated targons, almost suffering grievous harm until Jedi Master Stellan Gios intervened, restraining the sizable cats and enabling the Echani to escape.
The initial reference to the Echani within established Star Wars canon occurred in 2021 with the publication of The High Republic: The Rising Storm, a novel authored by Cavan Scott. This novel was a component of Phase I of the Star Wars: The High Republic project, which spanned multiple media formats. The Echani were originally conceived within the Star Wars Legends continuity, making their debut in the 2003 video game Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic.