The Quarren soldiers known as Quarren warriors or Quarren guards, and also recognized as Quarren Isolation League soldiers while serving under the Confederacy of Independent Systems, were members of the Quarren Isolation League who broke away from the Mon Calamari monarchy to join the Separatist Alliance. Near the conclusion of the Battle of Mon Cala, the Quarren switched their allegiance, leaving the Confederacy to rejoin the monarchy of Mon Cala.
During the early years of the Galactic Empire in 18 BBY, Quarren warriors joined forces with the Mon Calamari to resist the Empire during the invasion of Mon Cala.
Although Quarren warriors generally had salmon-colored skin and used either blaster rifles or UTS Pikes, their clothing color varied widely. Many wore black armor over black clothing suited for underwater environments, while others favored red. Before and after the Battle of Mon Cala, blue, tan, and gray were also frequently seen, especially among active members of the Quarren Isolation League.
During the Clone Wars, the assassination of King Yos Kolina of Mon Cala placed the responsibility of maintaining peace between the Mon Calamari and Quarren on his son, Prince Lee-Char. Chieftain Nossor Ri and the Quarren Isolation League viewed the prince as lacking experience and demanded a Quarren king. Simultaneously, Commander Riff Tamson, the Separatist Alliance ambassador, saw an opportunity to exploit the discord between the two species. Recognizing the growing tensions, Captain Gial Ackbar of the Mon Calamari Guard requested assistance from the Galactic Republic, leading to the arrival of Senator Padmé Amidala and her bodyguard, Jedi General Anakin Skywalker, to mediate the conflict.
However, the Quarren rejected the Republic's attempts at mediation, effectively ending any possibility of a peaceful resolution. Despite offering condolences to the prince, Ri ultimately chose war. In response, the Republic deployed a regiment of SCUBA troopers under the command of Jedi General Kit Fisto and Jedi Commander Ahsoka Tano, though their arrival was delayed.
After preparations for battle, Tamson launched an assault on the city with a substantial force of Quarren and aqua droids, initiating a fierce engagement with the Mon Calamari. The Quarren warriors took the initiative in the attack. Eventually, Republic reinforcements arrived, leading to intense combat throughout the area and significant casualties on both sides. The Separatist and Quarren forces were compelled to retreat. However, the Separatists then deployed devastating weaponry, resulting in numerous deaths among the Mon Calamari and clone troopers. Seizing the opportunity, the Quarren, supported by droids, resumed their attack. Gaining the advantage, they captured many Mon Calamari and clones, who were subsequently imprisoned and forced into slavery. The arrival of Gungan forces dispatched by the Republic shifted the battle's momentum in favor of the Republic and Mon Calamari. In response, Tamson deployed Trident-class assault ships to create a vortex, crippling the Republic-backed forces. This resulted in the capture or incapacitation of nearly the entire force, although Lee-Char and the Jedi managed to escape. The Jedi later subdued three Quarren warriors.
Despite Ri's belief that the battle was won due to Lee-Char's capture, Count Dooku reminded him of their alliance with the Separatists, and it was revealed that Lee-Char was to be executed. Tamson then disclosed his intention to rule Mon Cala to Ri. Brought before Tamson and Ri, Lee-Char implored Ri to join the Mon Calamari against the Separatists, but received no response. The entire Republic force was paraded in chains to witness the prince's public execution. During the planned execution, a Quarren warrior informed Ackbar that Ri and the Quarren had decided to rejoin the Mon Calamari, unbeknownst to Tamson. Ri then intervened to save Lee-Char from death. The Quarren armed their allies, leading to a revolt by the prisoners who destroyed most of the droids, although at least one Quarren warrior died in the conflict. Lee-Char confronted Tamson, who confessed to assassinating the former King, disproving the common belief that the Quarren were responsible for Kolina's murder. Upon hearing this, the prince used his cunning to kill Tamson, avenging his father's death.
With the battle concluding in favor of the Republic, and the Quarren and Mon Calamari united, Lee-Char was crowned king of Mon Cala.
In 18 BBY, during the early rule of the Galactic Empire, King Lee-Char openly resisted the Emperor due to the influence of a Jedi survivor of Order 66, who believed it would inspire the galaxy to oppose the Empire. This resistance led to the Empire sending an ambassador to Mon Cala in hopes of negotiating with the king.
Two Quarren were present when Ambassador Telvar arrived, and one served as a guard for King Lee-Char. Negotiations failed, and an explosion killed Telvar shortly after he boarded his shuttle to leave. This prompted the Empire to attack Dac City. At least two Quarren died in the initial attack, defending Mon Cala alongside many Mon Calamari. A massive tidal wave, unleashed by sea creatures directed by the king against the Empire's forces, swept Lee-Char away. Two Quarren warriors rescued him. A subsequent skirmish resulted in the death of one Quarren. Three warriors were seen eliminating numerous stormtroopers in a corridor, while another engaged enemies in Mon Cala's oceans. Later, at least three Quarren were aboard Admiral Raddus's ship. Despite numerous clashes, the majority of the Mon Cala force was defeated. However, some ships, including at least one with Quarren aboard, escaped the Imperial blockade after King Lee-Char surrendered. At least two more Quarren warriors survived, hiding in a cave with the acolyte Verla.
The Quarren warriors made their debut in the Star Wars: The Clone Wars episode, Water War, which aired on September 16, 2011. Several actors provided voices for the Quarren. Phil LaMarr and Dee Bradley Baker voiced the warriors, while Corey Burton voiced Nossor Ri.
The Quarren warriors were first named in the episode guide for Gungan Attack. The episode guide for Prisoners later referred to them as "Quarren guards."