Common Species in the Crusade
The Ashlan Crusade is, by nature, a diverse group. Members hail from a wide range of planets from the furthest reaches of the galaxy, each united by faith and purpose. That being said, there are always those that are in greater numbers within a nation, and the Crusade is no different. Below is a list of different species that one may find in larger numbers within the Crusade, both well-known and obscure. Want to try something other than a human? Check this list out and see if anything catches your eye.
Valkyrja: When the Crusade first entered the Netherworld, they found themselves confronted by the Valkyrja. These strange, otherworldly entities were met with suspicion at first, but they were eventually found to be incredible allies. Though they live in another plane, many have still found their way into the Crusade in some form or another, helping the crusaders wherever they can. They often are the ones that help guide the dead crusaders to the next world, ensuring that they find their peace.
Children of Ashla: As the Valkyrja grew closer to the Crusade, they found themselves troubled by the idea of turning dead crusaders into their own kind. In an effort to allow Ashla to keep the souls of her followers, the Valkyrja created a new species to allow Ashlan followers to have another existence after death. In many ways, they are the heralds of Ashla’s embrace, and are often seen as angelic entities to those within the Crusade.
Codru-Ji: Archangel Manufactorum has been working closely with the Ashlan Crusade since its inception, building many of the ships that make up the Grand Fleet. This has led to a large surge in Codru-Ji numbers within Ashlan Space in recent years, as many of them wished to strengthen the already-present bonds they had with the Crusade. They can now be found in many aspects of Ashlan society, from the Grand Navy, to the Jury, to the Knightly Orders and beyond.
Mirialan: One of the most spiritual peoples within Ashlan Space, the Mirialans were natural allies to their now-leaders within the Crusade. These near-humans have a long, deep history with both the Jedi and the Force as a whole, and have welcomed the Crusade with open arms. They can be found in all aspects of Ashlan society, from the clergy, to the military, to the corporate sector and beyond.
Kobok: Since the earliest days of the Crusade, the Kobok were on the front lines, fighting side by side their crusader brethren as early as the third attack on Ziost. These tall, lanky insectoids have 360 degree vision, and possess multiple poisonous spines. These features (combined with their long martial history) make them ideal soldiers and assassins.
Trianii: The Trianii have always been a deeply spiritual people, making them an obvious addition to the Crusade. Though they are known for their fierce independence, the Trianii found themselves to be kindred spirits to the Ashlans, with many of their number joining the Ashlan faith through the years. Trianii often use their agility, heightened senses, and prehensile tails to great effect, making them prime candidates for the Holy Jury and the Ministry of Intelligence.
Bosph: Hailing from the original home of the Ashlan government, the Bosph are another species that have been with the Crusade since the beginning. Having been led by Force-users for thousands of years made the transition to a theocratic government an easy choice. Their long history of mixing spirituality and politics place them in many different levels of both the clergy and government, and their so-called “sickhealers” have become both field medics and mentors of the healing arts.
Ventooinan: Not all groups are natural allies, and in the Crusade’s case, the Ventooinans certainly fell into this category. They eventually found their place within the Ashlan diaspora. They are now found at many levels of production, mining raw materials and working in factories. The WorkForce has taken up residence on their homeworld, using their skills to the utmost extent.
Bothans: Many didn’t expect the Bothans to find a home in the Crusade, yet they have appeared to have taken a liking to the Ashlan government. This can likely be attributed to their work with the Ryn on Ession, as the two species have embarked on a joint venture to create one of the most extensive spy networks in the known galaxy. Their skills in espionage and subterfuge have led many of them to join the ranks of the Ministry of Intelligence, and their efforts have helped the Crusade stay one step ahead of their enemies.
Ryn: A nomadic people, the Ryn have called many planets home through the years. One group found themselves on Ession, finding the ecumenopolis to be a fascinating place. As the planet was rebuilt, they came back in droves, offering assistance wherever they could. Like the Bothans, many of the Ryn found their way into the Ministry of Intelligence, helping the Crusade establish their vast network. They are a very artistic people, as well as capable warriors.
Tiss’shar: Every nation has corporate entities operating within their borders, and the Tiss’shar fulfill this role quite nicely. Known for their business savvy and calculating minds, the Tiss’shar have become a major economic power within Crusade Space. They are incredibly precise individuals, making them some of the best shooters within the Crusade’s powerbase. As such, this has brought many of them into the ranks of the Ashlan military, particularly within various spec ops units.
Snivvian: The Snivvians have had a difficult history, having been hunted and enslaved for many years. Under the Crusade’s leadership, they have finally found safety from the threats of the greater galaxy. They are incredibly talented individuals, able to produce great works of art. These artistic works can be seen in Ashlan architecture and media, and even in the form of propaganda pieces. Many have even found jobs within ForceTech, the R&D division of the WorkForce, putting their creativity to even greater use.
Hiitian: The Hiitians are an avian species with a keen eye for space travel, having become effective pirates many years ago. Since then, their focus has slowly shifted, eventually turning them to exploration further from home. The Ashlan Crusade has provided them with the means of facilitating that exploration, causing many of them to join the ranks of both the Grand Army and Grand Navy. They have joined the military ranks in droves, hoping to see new worlds and experience more than they could have on their own.
Kamarian: Despite being a more recent addition to the Crusade, the Kamarians have become some of the most devoted of the species within Ashlan Space. This is largely due to their liberation from the dark clutches of the Brotherhood of the Maw, who sought to keep the Kamarians under their thumb for as long as possible. They are still recovering from years of slavery and experimentation, but their society has finally begun to be rebuilt. They are a largely primitive people when compared to much of the galaxy, but they have found a place within the Crusade all the same.
Lurrian: Genetic research and manipulation is not unique to the Lurrians, but it is something that they certainly excel in. These short, furry aliens have lived a largely solitary life on their homeworld, turning inward in an effort to learn the secrets of genetics. Their experiments have since become a field of study for many, bringing scientists from across the galaxy to their doorstep. When the Crusade came knocking, the Lurrians saw a great opportunity to expand their work. They now contribute to much of the scientific discovery within Ashlan Space, becoming instrumental in the rebuilding of the Tingel Arm.
Felucian: The Felucians are largely a peaceful, agrarian species, content with a simple life as farmers and ranchers. As they joined the Crusade, many Felucians became valued for these talents, and an offer was eventually made. They would help other worlds rebuild their own agricultural infrastructure in tandem with the Crusade’s terraforming efforts, a proposal that they happily accepted. The Felucians are now a staple in the Crusade’s mission to repair the region, and are often seen conducting works of outreach.
Swokes Swokes: The Swokes Swokes aren’t a species that one would consider an obvious friend to the Crusade, and that assumption would be correct. Their aggression and pursuit of prestige don’t always allow their interests to align with those of their new Ashlan leadership. Instead of trying to change this, the Crusade offered them a simple way to get what they want; by joining the Ashlan military. Their ferocity and ability to regenerate make them excellent soldiers, and the Swokes Swokes were more than happy to oblige. They are one of the more fringe species in the Crusade, though they have remained satisfied with the opportunity to prove themselves in battle.
Quermian: Talks to bring the Quermians into the fold were ongoing for quite some time. They are a peaceful people, wishing to focus on philosophy and diplomacy more than violence. This has made them an excellent fit for many government positions, as well as members of the clergy. Many are very attuned to the Force as well, and they often find themselves within the ranks of the Knightly Orders of Ashla. Their knack for reading body language makes them ideal ambassadors and missionaries, and many have been dispatched across the galaxy to help spread the influence of the Ashlan Crusade.
Whiphid: Whiphids have become well-known for their skills as bounty hunters and bodyguards, making them ideal fighters for the Crusade. Their tribal system has led them to remain a scattered people, but as the Ashlan leadership began pushing their agenda on Toola, the Whiphid tribes slowly began to work together, finding a new strength operating under unified leadership. They are now often seen in the Ashlan military and the Holy Jury. Some of them have even found their way to the various Knightly Orders, bringing a new kind of strength into their ranks.
Xexto: With the Quermians came the Xexto, as the Crusade had brokered a treaty between the two species in an effort to avoid war. Since then, they have been actively working in tandem with both the Quermians and the Crusade to expand the details of the treaty, allowing both species to operate as one within Ashlan Space. Despite their shared DNA, the Xexto are quite different from their Quermian counterparts. As very active thrillseekers, the Xexto have largely found themselves looking for opportunities offworld, with many of them becoming fighter pilots for the Grand Navy.
Zygerrian: To change the culture of a species in a deeply fundamental way can be problematic at best, and violent at worst. In the case of the Zygerrians, the latter seemed to apply. The Zygerrian slave trade has been a problem in the Tingel Arm for many, many years, and it was something that the Crusade sought to remedy. As the Ashlan forces liberated the planet, so to did they liberate the slaves held by the Zygerrian masters. This was met with a mixed result, though over time, the Zygerrians have begun to adjust to their new way of life. Many of them wished to apply their skills to new fields, largely taking well to law enforcement. Several have even found their way into the ranks of the Jury, using their talents to hunt down the Sith that once held sway over their home.
Voss: The Voss had suffered quite intensely under the rule of the Sith, seeing their long-since enemies the Gormak uplifted to a place of power. This turned the Voss into a subservient class, though their will to survive proved too strong for their Gormak oppressors. The resistance forces were soon joined by Jedi from across the galaxy, and with the hosts of the Light came the Crusade. Together, the Gormak were pushed off-world, and the Voss mystics were restored to their rightful place as leaders of the planet. The Voss, ever-grateful to the Crusade and their allies, have become some of the Crusade's strongest supporters, with many joining the ranks of the military, government, and clergy.
Cedric Grayson
for writing a large part of the lore, the NIO and EE for the inspiration to make this guide, and
Ingrid L'lerim
for the headers and dividers used within.
