Qom Jha and Qom Qae

The Qom Qae and Qom Jha were sentient avian species that originated on the planet of Nirauan. Fully grown, these creatures measured between 60 and 100 centimeters from the top of their heads to the tips of their taloned feet. Their bodies were covered with sleek, brown-gray skin. Possessing skin-covered wings, they bore a superficial similarity to bats. Within their mouths, they had two rows of small, pointed teeth. Despite their diminutive size, sizable groups of Qom Qae or Qom Jha possessed the collective strength to lift and relocate vessels as large as starfighters. This capability was encapsulated in the Qom Jha saying, "Many vines woven together are stronger than the same number of vines separately."

There existed only subtle biological and cultural distinctions between the Qom Qae and Qom Jha. The Qom Qae, smaller in stature and possessing brown skin, built their nests on cliffs and maintained an upright posture. Conversely, the Qom Jha, larger and darker in complexion, inhabited the cave systems of Nirauan and preferred to hang upside-down from stalactites. As a result of these differing habitats, the cave-dwelling Qom Jha developed exceptional vision in low-light conditions, while the Qom Qae possessed superior eyesight in bright environments.

Both the Qom Qae and the Qom Jha were regarded as pests by the Chiss and the former Imperial troops stationed at the Hand of Thrawn fortress for the Empire of the Hand. However, they were quite intelligent. Indeed, all Qom Qae and Qom Jha exhibited a slight sensitivity to the Force, communicating through a combination of chirps and telepathy. Individuals sensitive to the Force could comprehend their language.

Qom Jha and Qom Qae alongside Luke Skywalker and Mara Jade beneath the Hand of Thrawn. Qom Qae and Qom Jha organized themselves into small communities known as "nestings," each under the guidance of a Bargainer. While the adults displayed territorial behavior, the children enjoyed freedom of movement across territorial boundaries. This freedom allowed them to function as unofficial ambassadors between nestings and as collectors of information, even bridging the gap between Qom Qae and Qom Jha groups, which were generally hostile toward one another. Children were not given names at birth, instead being called "Child of (parent's name)". Adults earned their names based on their characteristics or accomplishments, such as "Hunter Of Winds" (leader of a Qom Qae nesting), "Eater Of Fire Creepers" (leader of a Qom Jha nesting), "Splitter Of Stones," "Keeper Of Promises," "Builder With Vines," "Flyer Through Spikes" and "Child Of Winds" (the son of Hunter of Winds.)

The Qom Qae and Qom Jha possessed a notable sense of adventure. Qom Jha relished consuming fire creepers, carnivorous insects that migrated through their caves in large numbers. Both groups from Nirauan had some familiarity with the Empire, the New Republic, and the Jedi, gained either by eavesdropping on the Hand of Thrawn's personnel or by secretly boarding starships. Qom Qae from Hunter of Wind's nesting, together with Qom Jha from Eater of Fire Creepers's nesting, aided Mara Jade and Luke Skywalker in their investigation of the Hand of Thrawn.