The Tunroth were a sentient species of bipeds originating from the Jiroch system, which is located in the Mid Rim. Renowned for their great height and physical strength, Tunroth possessed unique characteristics such as elongated heads, a nostril positioned vertically at the top of their skulls, and hands and feet each bearing three digits. Further distinguishing features included widely spaced eyes and prominent horns along their chins. Throughout the galaxy, they were celebrated for their exceptional hunting and tracking prowess. Their inherent ability to follow prey led to the rise of the prestigious Tunroth Hunters, who were highly sought after as bounty hunters and hunters of large game. The continued use of traditional hunting tools like the klirun bow and the kilter staff, even with the availability of standard galactic blasters, underscored the deep religious significance of hunting traditions in Tunroth culture. Each Tunroth community was governed by its most accomplished hunter. Known for their aggression and diligence, Tunroth often unintentionally intimidated members of other species.
For millennia, the Tunroth were members of the Galactic Republic. Following initial contact with outsiders, the species expanded its presence to other habitable planets within their system. In 7 BBY, during the era of the Galactic Empire, Lortan extremists nearly drove them to extinction in an event known as the Reslian Purge. The Empire's intervention saved the Tunroth from complete annihilation, fostering a deep respect for the galactic government. As expatriate Tunroth returned to aid in the restoration of their civilization, the species gradually recovered. The system joined the Empire, although some Tunroth opposed the Emperor's anti-alien policies by joining the Rebel Alliance. Post-Galactic Empire, as the New Republic emerged, the Tunroth remained cautious of the new administration but eventually became members.
Tunroth were hairless, sentient mammals that walked on two legs and typically stood around 1.7 meters tall. Their muscular builds, supported by large frames, contributed to their reputation for exceptional strength. Each hand and foot had only three digits: a large, central, fin-like digit flanked by two opposable thumbs.
The elongated skull, which jutted forward over their sloping necks, was their most noticeable feature. This arrangement, along with a prominent vertical nostril situated above their low, wide-set eyes, gave them a distinctive appearance. Tunroth possessed pronounced teeth and a series of bony, horn-like projections along their lower jaws. Many Tunroth incorporated similar spikes into their attire, such as on shoulder pads and shin guards.
The Tunroth matured at a fairly typical rate, being considered younglings until about age eleven, and reaching full adulthood by eighteen. Those who lived to sixty were considered elderly, and those who surpassed eighty were revered. Tunroth skin tones typically ranged from dark brown to yellow, although some remote continents were home to orange-skinned Tunroth. Tunroth blood was blue in color.
They possessed a natural tracking ability known as quarry sense. This ability, honed over millennia of hunting, gave them an innate sense of the direction their prey had taken. Familiarity with the animal or individual being tracked enhanced this skill, making it a crucial element of their hunting and tracking abilities.
Hunting was the most prevalent occupation among the Tunroth, serving as the foundation of their way of life. Common creatures found on all Tunroth worlds, such as dlarnic grazers and various nerf breeds, provided essential sustenance. From an early age, Tunroth children were taught to hunt, making hunters and trackers the most respected members of society. Hunting evolved from a mere occupation to a symbol of their worldview, becoming a deeply spiritual pursuit. Ancient stories told of courageous Tunroth who, armed only with the sacred bow known as the klirun, had defeated the most formidable wild beasts.
The klirun, a traditional Tunroth hunting bow, weighed approximately 3.5 kilograms. Its recurve design ensured that it retained its bow shape even when unstrung. The bow's exceptionally heavy draw took advantage of the Tunroth hunters' superior strength. In the hands of a skilled hunter, it was incredibly accurate and capable of piercing stormtrooper armor. Caros arrows, sometimes tipped with the stunning agent talar, were used with the bows. Talar allowed hunters to deliver non-lethal blows, ensuring live captures. Over time, the klirun became a sacred weapon. The kilter, a heavy staff, was another traditional weapon.
The Tunroth hunting tradition gradually evolved into the highly structured organization known as the Tunroth Hunters. Only the most adept Tunroth were eligible to become Hunters, a process involving a three-month initiation ritual and acceptance by three approved Hunters. The candidate's skill, judgment, and motivation were all considered in this decision. Undesirable traits, such as a tendency to argue or greed, could disqualify a candidate regardless of their skills. There were twenty-seven Hunter levels, with advancement determined by strict criteria. The twelfth level was called shturlan, and the nineteenth was called chirlan. Stiilran was the twenty-seventh and highest level, a rank almost never attained. No Tunroth reached it during the reigns of the Galactic Republic, Galactic Empire, or New Republic. Virtually all Tunroth aspired to achieve a high Hunter level, with the most accomplished Hunters honored in the ancient Hall of Predation. This was considered a sacred structure by the Tunroth, their only acknowledged monument.
The Assemblage of Three, the governing body, consisted of the three Hunters with the highest level on the species' home planets. This council addressed issues of concern to all Tunroth, such as managing external threats, alleviating overcrowding, or establishing new colonies.
Leadership and hunting ability were also linked in smaller Tunroth social units. Each commune, which consisted of 50 to 300 people, was led by the best tracker. While it was preferred, these leaders were not required to be Hunters. Communes without a Hunter would often ask other communes with multiple Hunters to assume leadership. This ensured the prosperity of all Tunroth communities.
Tunrothese, the native Tunroth language, consisted of grunts, snarls, and other vocalizations. Pictograms were used in the written form of this language to represent various objects. Most Tunroth also learned to speak Galactic Basic Standard.
The Tunroth were naturally aggressive and decisive, traits that intimidated many other species. Known for their strength and stamina, they were typically diligent and persistent. Their adaptability and flexibility allowed them to maintain an optimistic outlook. This attitude changed after the near-genocide of their species, known as the Reslian Purge.
Prior to galactic contact, Tunroth society had evolved into a peaceful civilization of hunter-gatherers. They relied on animal power and handcrafted goods, lacking advanced technology. After Duros scouts exploring the Jiroch system made first contact around 9000 BBY, the Tunroth quickly joined the Galactic Republic. Soon after, they used galactic technology to colonize their system, with the Assemblage of Three advocating for the simultaneous colonization of Kalok and Jiroch-Saloch. Some star-charts identified these planets as Jiroch-Kalok and Jiroch-Saloch, and spacers referred to them, along with Jiroch-Reslia, as the Triumvirate. Later, the Tunroth colonized Saloch², another world in the system. The system became part of the Yushan sector and the Corellian Trade Spine hyperlane, integrating it into the galaxy. From 1004 to 1000 BBY, during the New Sith Wars, the Tunroth's home system was within a region controlled by the Sith. During the Clone Wars, the Tunroth sided with the Galactic Republic against the Confederacy of Independent Systems.
Despite adopting space travel, the Tunroth favored their traditional weapons over blasters, refraining from purchasing or manufacturing advanced weaponry. This policy persisted even as horrific conflicts shook the Republic, and proved effective for many centuries.
During the reign of the Galactic Empire, this decision had devastating consequences for the Tunroth. For centuries, religious extremists from Lorta had threatened to invade neighboring sectors. The Lortans finally acted on their threats in 7 BBY, conquering twelve systems before being stopped. Their conquests, known as the Reslian Purge, included the Jiroch system, as well as Rrulinn, Quaensan Prime, and the Dalisor Merchant Fleet. The Tunroth, armed only with primitive weapons, were defeated by the invaders. The Lortans decimated the Tunroth population in just three months, reducing it to a mere four million.
The Imperial Navy's intervention was the only thing that saved the Tunroth from extinction. Led by the Dreadnaught-class heavy cruiser Abrogator and the 37th Fighter Wing under the command of Soontir Fel, they ruthlessly crushed the Lortans. While the Empire's primary motivation was to protect its own interests, the Tunroth were grateful for the assistance. They reluctantly accepted Imperial rule, and many became unlikely supporters of Galactic Emperor Palpatine's New Order. Others, however, resisted the Empire's continued presence, either by joining the Rebellion or engaging in criminal activities.
Following the invasion, most Tunroth returned to their homeworlds to rebuild their shattered societies. The Tunroth took a long time to come to terms with the tragedy, but it ultimately strengthened their unity across their colonies. They also changed their perspective on modern weaponry, with many communes starting to stockpile blasters and other powerful weapons for defense. The Tunroth developed a deep hatred for the Lortans.
After the Battle of Endor and the Empire's subsequent defeat, the Tunroth were hesitant to join the New Republic, fearing that they would be seen as Imperial sympathizers. These fears, however, proved unfounded, and the Tunroth were later welcomed into the New Republic. Around 25 ABY, the Jiroch system's population was between one and ten billion. By 137 ABY, the system was under the control of Sith Lord Darth Krayt as part of his Galactic Empire.
During the Old Republic era, many Tunroth ventured into the galaxy, utilizing their renowned hunting abilities. Wealthy individuals frequently hired them to lead safaris or capture rare creatures for study. Other hunters excelled as bounty hunters, beast wardens, and big-game hunters. While many Tunroth adventurers were skilled hunters, some lower-ranking or aspiring hunters exploited their species' reputation to appear more capable than they were. Those Tunroth who ventured into space tended to embrace advanced technology. They also made use of Republic banking worlds like Telerath.
After the Purge, Tunroth were less common in the galaxy, as most returned to their home system to assist with reconstruction. Kiran Tatch and Tonas Vueral were two notable Tunroth Hunters who remained offworld. Vueral, who reached the chirlan level, was a well-known tracker. He frequently worked in the Anthos sector, which had a sizable Tunroth immigrant population, particularly on Berchest. Kiran Tatch, a survivor of the Reslian Purge, attained the shturlan level as a Hunter. It was rumored, though never confirmed, that Jabba the Hutt considered hiring him to capture Han Solo. Tatch's reputation was such that he was able to leave crime lord Glorga the Hutt's employment without being killed after spitting on him. He later joined the elite Granse Confederacy, an organization known for its hostility toward the Rebel Alliance.
Shotarr Kass, also known as "the Strap," was a less honorable descendant of the Hunters. Orphaned by the Reslian Purge, Kass chose to train as a Hunter to preserve his culture. After leaving Jiroch-Reslia, he became the personal bodyguard for Black Sun Vigo, Sprax.
Rathe Palror, another shturlan level Hunter, was a member of the mercenaries known as Churhee's Riflemen. Palror, a sharpshooter, was one of the few survivors of the attack on Y'Trella, where inadequate Imperial support resulted in the Riflemen's decimation. As a result, he abandoned his pro-Imperial stance and later assisted Rebel Riij Winward in his escape to Tatooine. Other Tunroth also opposed the Empire, working for organizations such as the privateer ship Far Orbit.
Xarcce Huwla, a female Tunroth, took more direct action against the Empire. She joined the Rebel Alliance as a fighter pilot. She excelled in an X-wing fighter, and Alliance High Command transferred her to the elite Rogue Squadron. She immediately requested a transfer, however, as she was uninterested in the squadron's reputation for suicide missions. Commander Wedge Antilles delayed processing her request for several missions, during which she bonded with the squadron members and ultimately withdrew her request, fighting in numerous important battles and becoming a renowned member of the squadron.
Some Tunroth were Force-sensitive, with some training as Jedi Knights. Others chose to become Force Adepts who adapted their traditional klirun bows into Force weapons. Despite strong denials from the Tunroth, rumors persisted about a Jedi artifact, such as a museum, tomb, or temple, hidden within the Jiroch system.
The Tunroth were first mentioned as the species of a minor character in Alliance Intelligence Reports, a book published in 1995 by West End Games.