During the High Republic Era, there existed a Vuman male who made his living as a trader: Vane Sarpo. Sarpo's history included a stint as a mercenary, during which he fought with the Soikan Velko Jahen amidst the civil war that engulfed Soika. After his mercenary days, he began operating from the Rapscallion's Heart, a starship, together with the Peasle named Clune. During this period, Sarpo was essentially forced to work for the Nihil pirates. To ensure his compliance, he was given technologically advanced tattoos which Clune could use to inflict pain if Sarpo disobeyed. In 231 BBY, Sarpo and Clune docked at the Starlight Beacon space station, carrying smuggled weaponry concealed beneath Jedi memorabilia. There, he encountered Jahen, who had become the station's administrator. However, Jahen and Jedi Master Sskeer uncovered the smuggling operation, leading Jahen to suspect Sarpo of Nihil involvement.
Vane Sarpo's creation was for the The High Republic multimedia project of 2021. His debut occurred within the short story Starlight: Past Mistakes by Cavan Scott, featured in issues 205 and 206 of the publication, Star Wars Insider. The character's visual design originated from earlier concept art by Iain McCaig, created for Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace. Originally planned to be named Vane Sarpen, he was intended to be a recurring figure in the Star Wars: The High Republic comic series. However, his role was cut to allow for greater emphasis on the characters Keeve Trennis and Sskeer and the development of their respective narratives.