Khil The Khil were a sentient species native to the planet Belnar . They were among the earliest member species of the Galactic Republic , and had spread to countless worlds throughout the galaxy by the time the Galactic Empire came to power . They were enthusiastic supporters of the Republic and the peaceful order it represented . Khil were involved at all levels of the galaxy ' s society , acting as soldiers , scientists , musicians , entrepreneurs , and politicians . Most Khil considered themselves " citizens of the galaxy . " Biology and appearance . Physically , Khil were warm - blooded , hairless humanoids with grayish skin and a wide variation in height . Their mouths were their most distinctive features : instead of jaws , Khil had many fleshy tendrils hanging from their lower face and neck . Khil breathed through these organs , called " hullepi " in Khilese . Khil communicated by breathing through hullepi of different lengths , thus producing various musical tones . This made them natural musicians . Organic debris and moisture absorbed through the hullepi , along with vegetable and fruit juices , made up the Khil diet . Khil communities usually had low population densities , allowing large wetland parks to thrive . In addition to their utilitarian purposes , these green spaces were kept for their aesthetic value . The many non - Khil residents and visitors on Khil colony worlds also appreciated these parks . Society and culture . In general , Khil were dedicated and ambitious people , with little tolerance for laziness or time - wasting . From infancy , they were taught to work hard and strive for leadership positions . They were often slightly arrogant , convinced that nothing was beyond their abilities if they only applied enough effort . Though their tenacity usually served them well , they were sometimes prone to severe mood swings , and even nervous breakdowns , when faced with high stress or a lack of progress . Their intensely driven , sometimes arrogant nature was tempered by a strong loyalty to family and an usually polite and friendly demeanor . The Khil were technologically advanced and easily integrated non - Khil neighbors into their culture . Their cosmopolitan cities attested to their willingness to live in harmony with other peaceful species . While they greatly preferred a political solution when possible , in the days of interstellar warfare they had no desire to see their hard work destroyed , especially by a war - loving enemy , and thus Khil deviousness and vindictiveness became especially apparent when they defend their homeworld and colonies . History . Khil had been part of the Galactic Republic for millennia , adopting the Republic ' s technological , cultural , and architectural standards . Khil scholars were responsible for many of the Republic ' s scientific achievements , and Khil traders and corporations were active Galaxy - wide . The Jedi Master Xamar , who was active circa 3964 BBY , was one of the most prominent Khil in early Galactic history . Many Khil initially supported the Empire , only to find themselves shut out of the highest levels of government under the Humanocentric New Order ' s policies . Khil worlds were assigned Imperial governors , though many Khil continued to look to their own leaders for guidance . Most Khil opposed Imperial oppression in subtle , indirect ways . One notable exception occurred on Merakai , where a group of Khil protested the construction of a TIE fighter hangar . After Imperial forces massacred the protesters , many Khil joined the Alliance to Restore the Republic . During the Galactic Civil War , many Rebels were hidden in Khil safehouses , supplied by Khil traders , or protected by Khil misinformation fed to the Empire . The Empire suspected many Khil of treasonous activities , but most of their actions were subtle enough that the species could not be universally condemned for treason . Greldo Farnor , who began a violent struggle against the Empire after his wife died in the destruction of Alderaan , was one of the unusual Khil who acted directly and openly . Once the Empire fell , the Khil became one of the first species to join the New Republic , continuing to support it well into the struggle against the Yuuzhan Vong .