The Pantorans were a near-human species with blue skin, originating from the moon called Pantora. As the Galactic Republic neared its end, they were a part of it during those final years of that government.
Pantorans, a sentient species, bore a strong similar resemblance to humans. Their physical characteristics included two legs, a torso, two arms ending in hands with five fingers, and a single head. Their skin was blue, deepening to indigo when they blushed, and they possessed yellow eyes, though at least one was noted to have blue eyes. They grew hair on their heads, and males also had facial hair. Hair colors ranged from white and purple to blue and black.
Certain Pantorans also showcased simple golden facial tattoos, known as Pantoran tattoos, which served as indicators of status or represented their clan and family. These tattoos, given during childhood, were inspired by ancient Pantoran writings. Pantorans demonstrated a higher tolerance for cold temperatures compared to humans. Kevmo Zink theorized that Rodians and Pantorans perceived light on a different spectrum, but the specifics were unclear. Their height varied from 1.65 to 1.77 meters. The Chiss, another blue-skinned species, though more obscure, were occasionally mistaken for Pantorans. However, Chiss had red eyes, unlike Pantorans. Mitth'raw'nuruodo, an officer from the Imperial Navy, once wore dark glasses to conceal his red eyes and impersonate a Pantoran. They also bear a striking resemblance to blue-skinned Mirialans, with the primary distinction being their unique tattoo designs.
Facial tattoos, typically yellow or bright gold, were a common adornment among Pantorans, signifying their familial connections. Kiza displayed these markings on her arms. Those without familial ties, such as Lassa Rhayme, had no such markings. The Pantoran system of government was a democracy, with the Pantoran Assembly serving as its governing body.
Pantoran architecture was characterized by its verticality. While other cultures left rooftops unused, Pantorans maximized space by constructing additional structures and cultivating gardens on top of buildings. Their cities were elegant and somber, nestled within the bleak marshy tundra beneath perpetually overcast skies. Some Pantorans practiced the worship of an unnamed moon goddess.
The Pantorans originated on Pantora, which is the moon orbiting the icy planet known as Orto Plutonia.
In the decades preceding the rise of the autocratic First Galactic Empire, the Pantorans were participants in the Galactic Republic. Consequently, they possessed full representation within the Republic Senate situated on Coruscant. During this period, they explored Orto Plutonia, concluding that it was uninhabited.
During the Clone Wars, a widespread galactic conflict that saw the Galactic Republic clash with the Confederacy of Independent Systems, a Republic security force was stationed on Orto Plutonia. When communication with this force was lost, Pantoran officials accompanied the Jedi Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker to investigate the disappearance of the Republic soldiers.
At one point, the Trade Federation enforced a blockade around Pantora, aiming to coerce the moon's inhabitants into joining the Confederacy. Despite pressure from many Pantorans for their new chairman, Papanoida, to concede to the Trade Federation, he instead placed his trust in Senator Riyo Chuchi. Ultimately, Chuchi successfully pressured the Trade Federation to lift the blockade by threatening to expose their abducted the chairman's daughters.
During the war fought between the First Order and the Resistance, a Pantoran woman named Riyola Keevan held the position of captain of the MPO-1400 Purgill-class star cruiser Halcyon during the luxury liner's 275th anniversary journey to Batuu.