Khil

In terms of physical characteristics, Khil were warm-blooded, hairless humanoids exhibiting grayish skin and a wide range of heights. Their mouths were their most distinguishing trait: instead of having jaws, Khil possessed numerous fleshy tendrils that dangled from their lower faces and necks. These organs, known as hullepi in Khilese, were used by Khil for breathing. They communicated by breathing through hullepi of varying lengths, creating diverse musical tones. This inherent ability made them skilled musicians.

The Khil diet consisted of organic matter and moisture absorbed through the hullepi, along with vegetable and fruit juices. Khil communities typically maintained low population densities, which allowed extensive wetland parks to flourish. These green areas were preserved not only for their practical functions but also for their aesthetic appeal. The many non-Khil residents and visitors on Khil colony worlds also valued these parks.

Generally, Khil were committed and driven individuals who had little patience for laziness or wasting time. They were taught from a young age to work diligently and pursue leadership roles. They often displayed a slight arrogance, confident that they could achieve anything if they put in enough effort. While their persistence usually benefited them, they were sometimes susceptible to extreme mood swings, and even mental breakdowns, when confronted with significant stress or a lack of progress. Their intensely motivated, sometimes arrogant nature was balanced by a strong devotion to family and a typically courteous and friendly attitude.

The Khil possessed advanced technology and readily integrated non-Khil individuals into their culture. Their cosmopolitan cities demonstrated their willingness to coexist peacefully with other species. Although they greatly favored diplomatic solutions whenever possible, they had no desire to see their hard work destroyed during times of interstellar conflict, especially by a war-loving adversary. Therefore, Khil cunning and vengefulness became particularly evident when defending their homeworld and colonies.

For thousands of years, the Khil had been a part of the Galactic Republic, adopting its technological, cultural, and architectural standards. Khil scholars were responsible for numerous scientific advancements within the Republic, and Khil traders and corporations were active throughout the Galaxy. Jedi Master Xamar, who lived around 3964 BBY, was one of the most notable Khil in the early history of the Galaxy.

Initially, many Khil supported the Empire, but they soon found themselves excluded from the highest levels of government due to the Humanocentric policies of the New Order. Imperial governors were assigned to Khil worlds, although many Khil continued to seek guidance from their own leaders. The majority of Khil opposed Imperial oppression in subtle, indirect ways. One significant exception occurred on Merakai, where a group of Khil protested the construction of a TIE fighter hangar. After Imperial forces massacred the protesters, numerous Khil joined the Alliance to Restore the Republic.

Throughout the Galactic Civil War, many Rebels found refuge in Khil safehouses, received supplies from Khil traders, or were protected by Khil misinformation disseminated to the Empire. The Empire suspected many Khil of treasonous activities, but most of their actions were subtle enough that the species could not be universally condemned for treason. Greldo Farnor, who initiated a violent resistance against the Empire after his wife perished in the destruction of Alderaan, was one of the rare Khil who acted directly and openly. After the Empire's downfall, the Khil became one of the first species to join the New Republic, continuing to support it well into the conflict against the Yuuzhan Vong.