Sephi

**Sephi** are a humanoid sentient species from the planet Thustra, who boasts long life and an affinity with droids and machinery. They have long tapered ears that can twitch, swivel and flatten under the emotional state of the subject.

## Biology and appearance

The Sephi are a species of sentient humanoids. Outwardly, they are very similar in appearance to Human stock, the key difference being their long, pointed ears. Like most humanoids, the Sephi come in two sexes, male and female; with the latter being distinguished by more prominent breasts and a different hairline. Many Sephi are tall and healthy-looking, with a narrow waistline and long-fingered hands. However, smaller and overweight individuals are not unheard of.

While many Sephi have pale, purplish skin, some have more Human-like skin tones. Their eyes come in the colours black or brown. Their long, straight hair ranges in colour from black through blond to gray and white. Depending on personal status, it is common for upper-class Sephi to fashion their hair into thick spirals adorned with gemstones and other decorations, making it a source of personal pride. Males also have a distinct V-shaped growth of hair toward the centre of their forehead, besides a receding hairline. The female hairline, however, forms an upside down U and is located closer to the eyebrows.

The Sephi are a long-lived species, with elder individuals living for over 200 years, possibly up to 400. They can interbreed with several other species, including the Arkanians and the Humans.

## Society and culture

The Sephi created a space-level civilization led by a monarch. Because of the species’ longevity, Sephi sovereigns stayed in place for a long time. They developed a culture of elegance and sophistication in art, which is reflected in the delicate design of their walkers, flyers, and tanks.

## History

The Sephi developed on Thustra, a terrestrial planet in the eponymous star system of the Sumitra sector, in the Expansion Region of the galaxy. They had contacts with the wider galactic community, or at least with the Arkanians, since at least the fifth millennium before the Battle of Yavin.

In their history, the Sephi joined the Galactic Republic, a democratic government that spanned a vast expanse of the galaxy. For centuries, they stood as staunch defenders of the Republic, and the Sephi monarch exerted a powerful influence over the neighboring systems. They were also on good terms with the Jedi Order, a group of enlightened warriors who acted as the guardians of peace and justice in the Republic. Around 222 BBY, the Sephi king Alaric befriended Yoda, Grand Master of the Order.

However, in the third month of 22 BBY, the Clone Wars erupted between the Republic and the Confederacy of Independent Systems, a separatist union led by Count Dooku of Serenno. Sixteen months after the First Battle of Geonosis, King Alaric rallied Dooku in response to the rampant corruption of the Republic’s Galactic Senate. Yoda, who was an old friend of Alaric, was forced to lead a clone army against the Sephi forces. While the Jedi sought to end the conflict peacefully, Alaric unwaveringly refused to change his allegiance. Meanwhile, the loyalist but corrupt Senator Navi, who represented the Sephi in the Galactic Senate, tried to manipulate the Republic into restoring order on Thustra through military force. He tricked the Republic into attacking the Sephi forces, making them think they had killed Yoda.

After the war, the Sephi remained neutral through the next millennium.