Emess Shan was a woman, specifically a Human of the female gender, and she entered into marriage with Vaner Shan, who was the offspring of the famous Jedi Knights, Revan and Bastila Shan. Born later than Vaner, who came into the world in 3954 BBY, Emess faced initial disapproval from Vaner's mother due to their age difference. However, by 3900 BBY, Emess had two children: a son named Bress and a younger daughter named Reesa, both of whom possessed Force-sensitive abilities. During this time, her husband was campaigning to become the Supreme Chancellor of the Galactic Republic. On the occasion of Bastila and Revan's wedding anniversary, Emess and her children joined Vaner in visiting his mother, and at the close of the day, Emess tucked her children into bed as Vaner and Bastila conversed.
The character of Emess Shan was initially referenced in the concluding section of The Old Republic: Revan, a novel penned by Drew Karpyshyn and published on November 15, 2011. The establishment of Emess and Vaner's marital relationship and offspring served as confirmation that the Shan family lineage extended beyond Bastila's direct son.