Shi'ido

Biology and appearance

The biological details of the enigmatic Shi'ido were not widely known. In their true forms, they resembled humanoids characterized by their light-colored skin, expansive mouths, and deeply set eyes. Their entire physical structure was remarkably flexible, and their skeletons consisted of exceptionally thin, yet remarkably strong, bones. Their tendons had the unique ability to detach and be repositioned within their bodies at will.

Thanks to their adaptable physiology, Shi'ido possessed the capacity to mimic almost any object or living creature, including Humans and Rodians. They could also significantly increase their overall size, utilizing hidden reserves of flesh within their bodies to facilitate these transformations. Furthermore, Shi'ido could alter the texture of their skin to resemble materials like rocks, trees, scales, or fur. Mammon Hoole, the Senior Anthropologist and a member of this species, claimed to have once assumed the forms of both a Hutt and a Whaladon. However, it was known that if a Shi'ido attempted to drastically increase their size, they risked becoming trapped in that form for a period ranging from several weeks to a few months. Unlike Clawdites, Shi'ido weren't restricted to mimicking humanoid species and didn't experience pain or discomfort during transformations. Additionally, Shi'ido didn't automatically revert to their original form when exhausted or incapacitated, as was the case with Clawdites.

Shi'ido possessed remarkable longevity, with lifespans reaching up to 500 years. They were considered adults at the age of 61. Their shapeshifting abilities improved as they aged, becoming both more refined and easier to execute. Younger Shi'ido were limited to changing their skin color and imitating species with similar shapes, while those over 150 years old could transform into virtually any small to large alien species or creature.

To perfect their imitations, Shi'ido also possessed a form of telepathy. They employed this ability to project false sensory impressions onto other species, masking any inconsistencies in their transformations. This was particularly useful when studying species that relied on scent for identification, as a Shi'ido could project the sensation of possessing the same scent. However, their telepathy required intense concentration, and distractions could disrupt their control. Similar to their shapeshifting abilities, their telepathic powers grew stronger with age.

Society and culture

The Shi'ido's evolutionary origins lie on the planet Lao-mon, which they referred to as Sh'shuun, situated within the Unknown Regions. While they had their own native language and could easily learn other languages like Basic, some xenobiologists were still debating whether Shi'idese had a written form as late as 0 BBY. They called their natural shapeshifting abilities "skinshifting."

The Shi'ido were generally known as a reserved yet inquisitive species. They tended to avoid confrontations with other species, especially on their homeworld. Despite their secretive nature, some Shi'ido, particularly older individuals, found it difficult to resist the allure of exploring the galaxy and studying other cultures. Although their secretive nature and abilities led many to perceive them as thieves, assassins, and [spies](/article/spy-legends], such Shi'ido were actually quite uncommon.

The Shi'ido operated under a democratic system of government, which had chosen to remain isolated from the influence of galactic powers.

Their culture emphasized that all relatives were considered part of the immediate family. This explains why Mammon Hoole felt obligated to care for the young Humans, Tash and Zak Arranda, following the death of their parents. In reality, Hoole's connection to the children stemmed from his brother's marriage to their aunt, Beryl.

History

The Shi'ido's ancestral home was the planet Lao-mon, located in the Unknown Regions. Mammon Hoole once mentioned that whenever scout ships approached the planet, the Shi'ido population would transform into rocks or trees to conceal themselves, or into monstrous creatures to deter potential colonists. Their democratic government had made the decision to remain detached from galactic affairs, a stance that persisted until at least the era of the New Republic.

Belia Darzu, a Shi'ido who ventured into the galaxy, rose to become a Dark Lord of the Sith during the Sictis Wars. She held this position from 1250 to 1230 BBY. Despite her considerable power in the Force and her creation of monstrous beings known as Technobeasts, she met her end at the hands of fellow Sith Lords, who poisoned her with the assistance of the Mecrosa Order.

Around 1000 BBY, the Jedi textbook The Jedi Path: A Manual for Students of the Force included a section about the Shi'ido, advising students that influencing them with the Force was exceedingly difficult and that they should not be underestimated as adversaries.

In 67 BBY, a Force-sensitive Shi'ido exploited his abilities to cheat at various casinos throughout the galaxy. He did this to secure funds for the heavily indebted Kerred Santhe the Second. His Force sensitivity attracted the attention of the Bith aspiring Sith Lord Darth Venamis, who considered this Shi'ido as a potential apprentice. Following Venamis's defeat and incapacitation by Darth Plagueis, the Muun Sith Lord tracked down this Shi'ido to a casino in Lianna City. Plagueis cornered the Shi'ido and threatened him into disappearing to a location where neither the Galactic Gaming Commission nor Plagueis could find him.

In 27 BBY, a group of Shi'ido mercenaries employed by the former Jedi Knight Reess Kairn confronted the bounty hunter Aurra Sing, but she killed them all.

During the Clone Wars, two Shi'ido, Mammon Hoole and Borborygmus Gog, sided with the Galactic Republic. They both worked to counteract the biological weapons developed by the Confederacy of Independent Systems. After the rise of the Galactic Empire, both Shi'ido continued in their roles, although their differing beliefs would lead them down vastly different paths. Another Shi'ido, Vandolae, also served the New Order, but he was killed by smugglers while impersonating one of their own.