Chiss

A male and female Chiss

The **Chiss**, a nearly human species distinguished by their distinctive blue skin, red eyes, and dark blue hair, originate from the planet Csilla. A noteworthy feature of Chiss society is the prominence of familial ties, with six ruling families playing a central role in shaping various aspects of Chiss life. The Chiss Ascendancy, serving as the governing authority, holds sway over the Chiss from their domain in the Unknown Regions. While the broader galactic community initially perceived them as more of a mythical entity, Chiss individuals were later observed within the ranks of the Sith Empire during the Cold War and subsequent Galactic War, dispelling the notion of their mere legend.

## Biology and Appearance

The Chiss, a near-Human species distinguished by their striking blue skin and radiant red eyes, possess a unique physiological trait—eye and skin colour intensification in response to oxygen levels. Genetic analysis confirms their lineage as an offshoot of humanity, with scientists theorizing that subterranean habitation catalysed the evolutionary divergence from baseline Humans. Exposure to glacial minerals contributes to their distinctive skin tone, making them visually distinctive in crowds. Despite their physical prowess, male and female Chiss display the typical variations seen in humanoid sexes, standing between 1.6 to 2.1 meters in height.

Studies from the University of Sanbra highlight the Chiss' enviable physical condition, attributed to an active metabolism and lower body temperature, preventing common issues like obesity. While exhibiting few physiological adaptations to their icy environment, their accelerated growth rate sets them apart, with a 10-year-old Chiss mirroring the physical maturity of a 20-year-old Human. This leads to an emotionally mature cultural imprint that surpasses their Human counterparts. The Chiss life cycle spans up to 80 years, with children maturing rapidly from ages 1-10, entering middle age from 51-62, and reaching venerability between 63–79 years old. Their vocal mechanism resembles that of Humans, yet nuances in their native language reveal distinct differences.

## History

### Beginnings

The mysterious origins of the Chiss have long intrigued both Chiss historians and New Republic scientists, with a prevailing theory suggesting they may be descendants of a forgotten Human colony predating the Old Republic. The lack of detailed historical records, guarded zealously on Csilla, only added to the enigma. Genetic analysis later confirmed the Chiss as an early offshoot of humanity's colonization attempts.

Chiss legend recounts a once warm and tropical homeworld that succumbed to an ice age, forcing their ancestors to adapt technologically and migrate along the ice front. This period of glaciation, believed to occur around 5000 BBY, prompted the Chiss to thrive underground, culminating in physiological changes such as distinctive skin tones and eyes. The adaptation to the harsh environment shaped the Chiss mindset, with legends hinting at internal conflicts during the climatic shift.

Surviving the ice age, the Chiss harnessed geothermal energy, establishing populous cities among the glaciers. The absence of a competitive adolescence period common to other worlds allowed for the swift development of a global government and a unified language. Mastering star travel independently, the Chiss displayed a remarkable advancement, with speculation suggesting a connection to ancient memories of their initial colonization effort.

### The Ascendancy

The Chiss embarked on their star-travel era, with scientists attempting to create hyperfields over vehicles designed to carry passengers. Simultaneously, automated drones were launched into the Unknown Regions with specialized beacons, creating a network of navigational anchor-points. This allowed the Chiss to explore the galaxy methodically while preventing encounters with other cultures. The Chiss Expansionary Defense Force was formed by Syndic Jer'Jo Cam'Co, proposing it after explorations revealed resource-rich worlds. Expansion was driven by resource needs and a desire to impose order in a chaotic region, rather than exploration or greed.

The Chiss Ascendancy, a political federation, controlled 28 major colony worlds governed by the government on Csilla. This isolation led to the Chiss developing socially and technologically in secrecy over thousands of years. Despite being a mystery to the galaxy, examples of Chiss technology, such as charric weapons, were encountered as far back as 3951 BBY.

During the Great Galactic War and Cold War, the Chiss Ascendancy became the only formal ally of the Sith Empire, providing military assets in exchange for autonomy. Some Chiss served as Imperial Agents or bounty hunters, and a few achieved official rank in the Imperial military. The Chiss encountered Lord Kaan's Brotherhood of Darkness around 1000 BBY, and some Chiss born on Thule spread into the wider galaxy. Relations with the galaxy remained governed by a policy of non-aggression and strict defensive preparations.

In 37 BBY, the Vagaari raided space close to the Ascendancy's frontier, and a scouting force from a massive alien invasion was encountered and destroyed by Admiral Ar'alani. The living planet Zonama Sekot sought refuge in Chiss space during a Yuuzhan Vong assault, though the Chiss did not fully understand its significance. The Chiss pirate Swagg operated in the Mid-Rim, and weapons dealer Iram Radique, matching the description of a Chiss, was active on the prison station Cog Hive Seven.

The Chiss remained largely unknown to the galaxy, practicing isolation and defending their territory through strict military measures and non-aggression policies.

### The rise of Thrawn

The Chiss faced the threat of invasion in 28 BBY, prompting the construction of a vast interstellar fortress in the Redoubt Cluster to serve as a haven. Thrawn, a young officer in the Expansionary Fleet, challenged the doctrine against preemptive strikes, advocating for aggressive scouting and combat readiness. His patrol encountered Corellian traders, marking the first modern contact between the Chiss Ascendancy and the Old Republic. Despite initial suspicion, Thrawn formed friendships with two of them, Jorj Car'das and Maris Ferasi.

More significant Republic incursions occurred when the Outbound Flight, a massive exploration mission led by Jedi Master Jorus C'baoth, approached Chiss space. Thrawn, hopelessly outgunned on paper, defeated a Trade Federation battlegroup attempting to intercept an Outbound Flight through superior tactics. Thrawn's encounter with the Trade Federation led to a meeting with Darth Sidious, who persuaded Thrawn that the Jedi expedition could not be allowed to encounter the Yuuzhan Vong.

Thrawn engineered a clash between the Vagaari and Outbound Flight, intending to end both threats. However, the battle did not unfold as planned, resulting in the unintentional detonation of Chiss radiation bombs aboard the Dreadnaughts. This killed C'baoth and caused disastrous damage to Outbound Flight. The aftermath revealed tensions within the Chiss power structure.

In 22 BBY, Chiss Sev'rance Tann left her people and became one of Count Dooku's Dark Acolytes during the Separatist Crisis, leading a Droid Army in the Clone Wars. The Galactic Republic, led by Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, attempted diplomatic contact with the Chiss Ascendancy. Chiss Jedi Padawan Nuru Kungurama and clone troopers of Breakout Squad were dispatched to meet Aristocra Sev'eere'nuruodo. The Aristocra conveyed Chiss neutrality, and Defense Force Station Ifpe'a came under attack from Separatist forces. The Chiss battled the CIS fleet, and the Aristocra was safely returned to Chiss space after the conflict.

### Thrawn's Household Phalanx

Thrawn's persistent challenges to the Chiss Ascendancy's first-strike doctrine led to conflicts with the ruling houses. Branded a renegade, he was banished to a primitive jungle world. Discovered and recruited by the Empire in 19 BBY, Thrawn rose to the rank of Grand Admiral, embarking on a secret mission to explore and conquer the Unknown Regions for Imperial expansion. Thrawn re-established contact with the Chiss, leading to the formation of the Empire of the Hand, an uneasy ally to the Chiss Ascendancy.

While Thrawn's people considered him a renegade, some Aristocras secretly supported his actions, believing his proactive stance protected the Chiss. Chiss individuals like Droma Ordo, trader Tyrral, and Captain Voldez participated in events during the Galactic Civil War. The Chiss engaged in conflicts with the Ssi-ruuvi Imperium, becoming the dominant power in the Unknown Regions after a victorious war.

In 9 ABY, Thrawn left the Unknown Regions to command the Empire's war machine and launched a campaign against the New Republic. Despite his death at Bilbringi, Thrawn's legacy endured through the Household Phalanx and the Empire of the Hand. The New Republic acquired logs from surrendered Imperial vessels, providing some insight into the mysterious Chiss, including Emperor Palpatine's log on his first encounter with Thrawn.

### Thrawn's Empire

In 19 ABY, the Empire of the Hand, unknown to the Imperial Remnant, controlled a vast region of space, its existence revealed during the Caamas Document Crisis. Based on Nirauan, the Hand of Thrawn fortress served as the official base. General Baron Soontir Fel joined the Empire of the Hand, and Chiss Aristocra Chaf'orm'bintrano experimented with Thrawn's military doctrines to counter the Vagaari threat without violating the rule against preemptive strikes.

By 22 ABY, the Chiss discovered the remains of the Outbound Flight in the Redoubt Cluster. Aristocra Formbi, in charge of the recovery mission, devised an elaborate plan involving Luke Skywalker to return the ruins to the New Republic. The Chiss, aware of the Vagaari threat, manipulated the situation to provoke hostilities. The plan involved feigning an encounter with the Geroon Remnant, which were actually Vagaari in disguise. The Vagaari revealed their true nature and unleashed Wolvkils when they attempted to steal a Dreadnaught. Master Skywalker and Mara Jade thwarted their plans, justifying hostilities with the Vagaari.

The Chiss assembled a strike force for the conflict, and Master Skywalker and Mara Jade suspected the involvement of another Thrawn clone in the incident, drawing parallels to Thrawn's tactics. However, this remained speculation by the two Jedi.

### New Jedi Order era

In the aftermath of the long war with the Vagaari, known as the Third Vagaari War, the Chiss Ascendancy faced labor shortages. To address this, they decided to hire Killik laborers, deeming them not a serious threat after centuries of observation. Precautions were taken to prevent the Killiks from becoming Joiners. However, these measures were sabotaged, possibly due to interfamily rivalries, resulting in two families becoming Joiners. Three other families became critically dependent on Killik labor, leading to a dispute among the Chiss.

In 25 ABY, the Yuuzhan Vong invaded the galaxy. Grand Admiral Gilad Pelleaon called upon all Imperial forces to rendezvous at Ithor for the next attack. Force Spike, a three-squadron unit consisting of Chiss fighters from Thrawn's Household Phalanx, participated in the Battle of Ithor, led by Jagged Fel. After the battle, Chiss forces were recalled to their territory. However, Jagged Fel, along with Shawnkyr Nuruodo, conducted a fact-finding mission and assisted the New Republic against the Yuuzhan Vong.

During the Yuuzhan Vong War, Chiss agents were involved in the Alpha Red secret project, collaborating with Dif Scaur to create a bioweapon. The biotoxin, Alpha Red, intended for use against the Yuuzhan Vong, was rendered harmless by Vergere's intervention. In 28 ABY, an expedition led by Jedi Master Luke Skywalker sought the living world of Zonama Sekot in the Unknown Regions. Intercepted by Chiss patrol ships, the Jedi were escorted to Csilla to petition the Ruling Families for access to the Expeditionary Library archives. During this time, a conspiracy to eliminate Syndic Fel was thwarted by the Jedi.

### Killik Crisis and Aftermath

From 28 ABY onwards, the Chiss observed significant changes in the behavior of the Killiks, an insectoid species. Previously indifferent to their lives, the Killiks began caring for their sick, using trade to address food shortages, and increasing their population. This growth led to satellite nests near the Chiss border, raising concerns within the Chiss Ascendancy. Before 35 ABY, the Ascendancy took visible action to curb the Killik threat, implementing strategies such as starving nests near Chiss space.

The conflict escalated when Chiss Intelligence agent Daer'ey'ath became a Prime of the Taat nest. The Chiss strategy initially proved effective until UnuThul, with his connection to the Myrkr strike team, drew the Jedi to his side. In response, Aristocra Mitt'swe'kleoni was dispatched to the Galactic Alliance to investigate the Jedi's intervention. The Chiss later sent Jagged Fel as the commander of their military forces to contain the Killiks.

Despite the Qoribu Truce ending hostilities and relocating the Killik Colony to the Utegetu Nebula, the crisis persisted due to the Dark Nest's influence. This led to the Swarm War, where the Chiss actively fought against the Killik Colony. The Chiss assaulted the Killik Colony world of Tenupe, planning to use a parasite bomb to infect the Killiks and destroy the Colony. Jedi intervention prevented this plan, and the war ended with the demise of the Dark Nest and its leader, Lomi Plo. The Chiss believed that the Colony, without its leaders, would revert to its previous behavior, reducing the threat to the Chiss Ascendancy.

In 43.5 ABY, a Chiss named Kthira'shi'ktarloo served as the head of Imperial Chief of State Jagged Fel's nightly personal security force.

### The New Empire

The Chiss continued to play a role in galactic affairs, forming a close alliance with the Galactic Alliance and becoming one of its Autonomous Allied Regions. In 127 ABY, they sent diplomat Fehlaaur'aitel'loro to Bastion, the capital of the new Galactic Empire, as a diplomatic envoy. Fehlaaur served in the Imperial Diplomatic Corps, signifying solidarity between the Chiss Ascendancy and the Empire.

During the Galactic Alliance's turmoil surrounding the Ossus Project, which prompted the Empire to declare war, the Chiss attempted to recall Fehlaaur to avoid getting entangled in the conflict. However, Emperor Roan Fel granted Fehlaaur the title of Moff, ensuring continued Chiss support. Fehlaaur was appointed director of the Imperial Diplomatic Corps and became a member of the Council of Moffs. This transitioned the Chiss Ascendancy from being a Galactic Alliance Autonomous Allied Region to an independent affiliate of the Galactic Empire.

Under Darth Krayt's Sith Empire, the Chiss maintained their allegiance through diplomatic means. Many Chiss from various houses were promoted to high-ranking positions within the Sith Empire. The Chiss Ascendancy retained its status as a power in the Unknown Regions, serving as a proxy for the Sith Empire's rule over that region. In the conflict against Roan Fel and the One Sith, there were suspicions that the Chiss might be sheltering Emperor Fel, although Fehlaaur denied these allegations in a session with the Moff Council.

### Galactic Legends

In the aftermath of the One Sith era, the Chiss Parliament took a pragmatic stance by declaring the Ascendancy an independent power. While maintaining some residual ties with the Galactic Federation Triumvirate, the Chiss chose a path of neutrality. This strategic move allowed them to navigate diplomatic waters with a degree of autonomy, fostering a balanced relationship with the broader galactic community.

## Society and culture

During the Galactic Alliance era, Chiss civilians remained elusive to direct contact from the wider galaxy, leaving the majority of knowledge about them derived from high-level interactions with political and diplomatic delegations. The military and ruling class, being the most documented aspects of Chiss society, presented a calculated and sometimes perceived as arrogant demeanour. However, beneath this exterior, the Chiss exhibited diverse personality types akin to other species, showcasing traits of education, artistic inclination, and cautious dealings with outsiders.

The Chiss were well-regarded for their intelligence, privacy-conscious nature, and a self-reliant streak forged in the harsh conditions of Csilla. Outsiders often described them as polite, highly civilized, and occasionally aloof, mirroring the icy plains of their homeworld. The Chiss' disciplined lifestyle prioritized self-control and propriety, with crime viewed as an individual weakness rather than a societal flaw. Their sense of justice, devoid of compassion, shunned capital punishment in favour of the severe penalty of exile, reflecting the paramount importance of family loyalty.

Early education for Chiss children involved absorbing data from the vast library on Csilla, eliminating a distinct period of adolescence. By the age of ten, Chiss youngsters were prepared for military service, donning cadet uniforms. Despite projecting a reserved demeanour, the Chiss were thoughtful individuals, and while deliberate and calculating, they were not immune to pondering alternative outcomes of events. Their problem-solving prowess, grounded in data reliance, sometimes led to a preference for strategic withdrawal in unpredictable situations. However, certain individuals with a capacity to learn under such circumstances could persist in the face of adversity.

Chiss possessed an unparalleled aptitude for tactical thinking, idolizing their ideals embodied in the Red Flame—a combination of courage, discipline, and cunning. Despite their often reserved and disciplined behaviour, the Chiss were not devoid of introspection and adaptability in the pursuit of victory.

### The Ruling Families

Within the intricacies of Chiss society, the Ruling Families, collectively known as the Ruling Circle, served as the enforcers of law, constituting several clans or houses. These houses, including the Csapla, Nuruodo, Inrokini, Sabosen, Chaf, and Mitth families, represented different branches of the government rather than biological family groupings. While tradition and birthplace determined Chiss affiliation to one of the six families, the intermingling of bloodlines allowed any Chiss to claim association with any ruling family. Despite the outward appearance of calm and order, tensions simmered within the families, occasionally leading to rivalries and even the threat of civil war.

Aristocras, government officials, headed the clans within the ruling families, fostering a sense of loyalty among Chiss belonging to the same house. Family allegiance, instilled from childhood, played a crucial role in Chiss society. Merit, particularly in the military, was a well-documented means of acquiring family status, with exceptional individuals earning the title of “born to trial” and the opportunity to permanently match with a lineage. Family status could also be released and rematched, although the process remained unclear.

Chiss families, acutely aware of opportunities to exploit rival weaknesses, engaged in intelligence gathering, making them adept counter-intelligence agents. The hierarchy within each family included siblings, cousins, and ranking distant relations, with Aristocras and Syndics serving as high-level representatives, possessing plenipotentiary powers. The families, despite their internal dynamics, displayed unity in not participating in actions that would bring shame to their house, emphasizing the importance of family loyalty.

The number of ruling families fluctuated over the centuries, ranging from twelve to three. In 22 ABY, the University of Sanbra reported four ruling families, each with specific portfolios, including House Csapla, handling relationships with colony worlds, House Nuruodo, overseeing relations with outsiders, House Inrokini, focusing on technological research, manufacturing, and information infrastructure, and House Sabosen, responsible for law and order, healthcare, and education.

The Chiss, known for their logical mindset and interest in art, science, and mathematics, approached philosophy and cultural learning with curiosity. Their xenophobia, coupled with a cultural disdain for “lesser races,” hindered better relations with neighbouring species. The Chiss society operated without finances, relying on state-provided resources, and maintained self-sufficient, tightly controlled borders. The Chiss expansion, driven by the need to manage their growing population and gather resources without disrupting their homeworld's ecosystem, stemmed from their ideal of imposing order on what they perceived as chaotic regions.

Rigid discipline within Chiss society, considered by xenosociologists as a response to their inhospitable environment, translated into a lack of decadents or greedy behaviour. The University of Sanbra's leading theory proposed that Chiss expansion aimed to impose order on what they deemed chaotic and barbaric regions. The Chiss, nearly impossible to enrage, preferred analytical and calculated actions, firmly believing in the chain of command and respecting positions of authority over individual names.

While reports suggested the absence of Chiss Jedi and Force-traditions, at least two known Force users existed among the Chiss, challenging previous assumptions.

### Government Structure

The political epicentre of Chiss governance resides on their homeworld, Csilla, where the House Palace at Csaplar serves as the hub for the ruling families. This location houses both the Cabinet and Parliament, the key institutions steering Chiss politics. Parliament, composed of representatives from the 28 colony worlds, plays a pivotal role in appointing governors or House leaders. Meanwhile, the Cabinet navigates the complexities of governance, ensuring that decisions align with the approval of one of the six ruling families.

Chiss political structure operates on the principle of escalating decisions up the chain of command, ultimately reaching the ruling families. Individual colonies voice their concerns in Parliament, with the Cabinet translating these concerns into actionable policies for the families. Unlike the Cabinet, whose members are appointed by the families, colonial positions in Parliament are determined through democratic votes.

Parliament represents all Chiss families, alongside the average citizen, contributing to the collective decision-making process. While lacking a dictatorial figure, Chiss governance revolves around the belief that strict discipline and superior technology are vital for maintaining order and staving off anarchy. The ruling class engages in continuous power struggles, yet the Ascendancy's rigorous controls over its territory have propelled its civilization to prosperity.

The Council of Families holds a distinct role within the government structure, shaping Chiss society by handling policy and strategy. This body can object to actions by a ruling family that upsets the delicate power balance, albeit through a complex and time-consuming procedure. Aristocra individuals can petition the Council for the safe return of outsiders trapped within Chiss Space. Additionally, a Chiss Senate exists, featuring senatorial representatives.

Chiss diplomats, with a staff of twenty adorned in house colours and two squads of six warriors serving as an honour guard in military black, are assigned by the government. This delegation represents Chiss interests in diplomatic endeavours, embodying the Ascendancy's commitment to order and discipline even in external relations.

### Military Forces

The Chiss, known for their long history of spacefaring prowess, have cultivated a formidable combat force, particularly renowned for their starfighter pilots throughout the Unknown Regions. Discipline reigns supreme in Chiss squadrons, where pilots spare disabled starships upon surrender broadcasts. Celebrations are reserved until duty completion, emphasizing the Chiss commitment to genuine accomplishments.

Chiss warriors follow orders unquestioningly, reflecting their deep-seated belief in the chain of command. Despite a cultural aversion to suicide and expendability, some Chiss willingly sacrifice themselves when the strategic importance for their people or the prospect of surrender to a specific foe is deemed worse than death.

The Chiss Expansionary Defense Force (CEDF), also known as the Chiss Expansionary Fleet and Chiss Defense Fleet, forms the backbone of their military might. A methodical and cautious force, the CEDF patrols the Unknown Regions with top-of-the-line capital ships and claw craft starfighters. The Nuruodo family oversees both the fleet and the army, dividing the military into 28 colonial units called phalanxes. Each phalanx operates independently under a House leader-appointed officer, Syndic, contributing to the defence of the Ascendancy.

The Defense Fleet, symbolized by the colour black, acts as a foreign affairs asset rather than a military force and draws personnel from all Chiss families. Hierarchy within the military is merit-based, with senior officers stripped of family names and privilege to serve all Chiss without bias. The Defense Fleet's admirals command battlegroups and oversee the Expansionary Fleet, while the Expansionary Fleet guards the Chiss frontier and explores unknown space beyond the Ascendancy.

Chiss military operations are methodically structured, with the Chiss Defense Fleet Command assigning missions. Despite the well-organized military, instances of other Chiss military forces operating alongside or in opposition to the Expansionary Fleet have added complexity to the Chiss military landscape.

In summary, the Chiss military comprises the Chiss Expansionary Defense Force, the Chiss Defense Fleet, and other potential military organizations within Chiss society, contributing to their reputation as a serious and disciplined race with a superior combat force.

A command-and-control division within the military was the Chiss Defense Fleet Command, which assigned missions. There were potentially four distinct military organizations within Chiss society:

* **Defense Fleet**—defensive fleet units under the authority of a central high command.
* **Expansionary Fleet**—frontier patrols and exploration missions.
* **Colonial Phalanxes**—planetary militias guarding the Chiss colony worlds.
* **Household Phalanxes**—paramilitary guards loyal to the aristocratic Ruling Families.

The Chiss, boasting a self-perception as among the finest and most capable warriors, invest in military training through institutions like the Chiss Academy. Tasking its students with missions, the Academy Awards high marks based on the success achieved in these endeavors. The cold and disciplined nature of the Chiss fosters brilliance in strategy and excellence in tactics.

The ranking structure within the Chiss military closely parallels that of the larger galaxy, incorporating various titles to denote positions and distinctions. Some of these titles include:

* **Syndic** : senior officers that held the position of Syndic were at times appointed by House leaders to take charge of a Colonial Phalanx.
* **Assistant Syndic** : a seemingly senior post within the CEDF and was held by ex-Imperial Baron, Soontir Fel who held the post of Assistant Syndic.
* **Chief Navigator** : an apparently high-ranking position within the hierarchy that existed in 29 ABY, the Human ex-Imperial officer Peita Aabe was Chief Navigator at that time.
* **Admiral** : consisted of senior officers of the Defense Hierarchy.
* **General** : senior ground-combat officers that served within the Defense Fleet, with one known officer being Prard'ras'kleoni.
* **Captain** : ranking officers onboard naval ships.
* **Commander** : a common position that denoted officers in charge of many elements that ranged from cadet squadrons, frontier patrols, space station command and even to a major fleet unit.
* **Lieutenant** : this included personnel in cadet units and were junior officers.
* **Chief Engineer** : a primarily positional title and included Yal'avi'kema of the *Springhawk* in 27 BBY.
* **Medical officer** : another positional rank which was used by Baltke of the *Fell Defender* in 36 ABY.

In the Battle of Tenupe, the Chiss demonstrated their military prowess by deploying substantial forces of armoured infantry and artillery through drop-ships. During the Swarm War, specialized commando units played a key role, undertaking tasks such as strategically placing vape charges on selected locations. Clad in colour-shifting, fractal-pattern armour that provided effective camouflage, these commandos navigated battlefields with ease, armed with demolition satchels and charric guns. Their fearlessness and readiness to sacrifice themselves underscored their dedication to their cause, exemplified in engagements like the attempted destruction of a crashed Chiss vehicle.

The Chiss approached conflict with a clinical detachment, akin to a biologist studying an insect, viewing their foes with extreme caution. Individual Chiss members, even when among non-Chiss, maintained an aloof and pensive demeanour, plotting tactics for potential confrontations. While xenophobic instincts persisted, the Chiss, governed by a strict code of conduct, would accept individuals from other races into their ranks if they proved exceptional and trustworthy. Loyalty and respect were earned through adherence to Chiss disciplines.

Despite their xenophobia, the Chiss were considered honourable, refraining from excessive violence and preferring a principled approach. However, when survival was at stake, they were not above using biological weapons of mass destruction. In the face of attacks, the Chiss responded with calm, intelligent, and well-planned strategies, embodying their commitment to honour. They rarely initiated conflicts, allowing conflicts to come to them, and were known for their refusal to invade other species' territories or engage in pre-emptive strikes. Striking first contradicted their disciplined philosophy, emphasizing their commitment to acting in the right and avoiding recklessness in the face of incomplete intelligence about their enemies' intentions.

### Clothing

Chiss society showcased distinct attire, with colours indicating an individual's place in their hierarchy, be it within a house or the military.

Members of the Defense Fleet donned sleek, sharply cut black uniforms, symbolizing unity across the Chiss families. Rank distinctions were marked by shoulder patches, while cadets displayed blue or red piping, representing the Red Flame ideal. Some Chiss opted for unadorned black uniforms, and junior personnel featured green, yellow, or blue shoulder patches. Officers sported purple-black uniforms, while Force Commanders leading picket forces had burgundy patches and silver bars. Captains wore green patches, and generals adorned black robes with dusky red swatches on sleeves. Admirals, unique among military personnel, wore dazzling white uniforms from collar to boots.

Ruling Families had their distinctive colours. Members of the Chaf Family wore flowing yellow robes with gray trim, while officials in the Eighth Ruling Family sported gray and burgundy patchwork robes and boots. Family guards displayed their respective colours, while honour guards wore military black.

Representatives of the Six Ruling Families—Nuruodo, Inrokini, Sabosen, Csaplar, Chaf, and Mitth—opted for head-to-foot robes with hoods concealing their faces. The sole distinguishing feature was each individual's identifying house colour—bronze, rust-red, silver-gray, copper-green, yellow, and burgundy, respectively.

## Language and names

The Chiss language, Cheunh, evolved during the early years of their civilization when they established a planet-wide government, unifying their society under a single tongue. Cheunh is intricate and synthetic, combining unrelated words into compound words to convey complex ideas. It lacks a phonetic alphabet, instead using ideograms that represent concepts, combined to express intricate thoughts. The Chiss took pride in their linguistic complexity, finding the grammar logical and easy to learn. While Chiss believed outsiders found it challenging, they themselves adapted well to Basic, the common language in the galaxy.

Traditional Chiss names followed a tripartite structure, with family names at the beginning and end, and the first name in the middle. This formality was reserved for formal occasions, strangers, or those perceived as social inferiors. Dealing with non-Chiss, especially those struggling with pronunciation, led to the use of core names. These names combined the central section with the last sound of the preceding and the opening sound of the following.

Senior military personnel who assumed high command surrendered family status, evident in names like Admiral Ar'alani. Anomalous names like Jer'Jo Cam'Co, a Syndic and Ascendancy founder, also existed.

The Chiss maintained a unique linguistic identity, using trade languages like Minnisiat or Sy Bisti in communications with outsiders, remaining oblivious to standard galactic languages like Huttese and Galactic Basic Standard.

## Technology

### Construction and automation

The Chiss developed their technology independently, resulting in well-designed and innovative starships. Hyperdrive travel was anchored to specific points originating from Csilla, allowing methodical exploration but limiting contact with other cultures. The angular designs of structures like the Brask Oto space station and ships of the Fifth Ruling Family were symbolic, signifying status and lineage. Combat warships had more curved hulls, and clawcraft, encountered during the Yuuzhan Vong Invasion, displayed advanced technology.

Chiss hyperdrives, though less efficient than Corellian models, were competent. Early hyperfield pioneers faced challenges in creating habitable hyperspace bubbles for larger vessels, leading to the development of navigational anchor-points. Modern Chiss craft used these points for travel within Chiss Space, lacking navicomputers to prevent them from leaving their borders. Their hyperdrives were so advanced that crewmen couldn't detect jumps, sparking speculation about their superiority.

Chiss vessels had precise hyperdrives for lightspeed microjumps during combat, showcasing advanced drive systems for exceptional manoeuvrability. The emergency mechanism allowed hyperdrive ejection. Chiss homing beacons utilized hyperspace as a carrier, requiring minimal energy and remaining detectable only by the Chiss.

Unlike many races in the Unknown Regions, the Chiss didn't embrace droids due to their perceived weaknesses in combat. Soontir Fel attempted to introduce the concept by working on a prototype droid fighter during his time among the Chiss.

### Weapons and defences

The Chiss exhibited advanced weapons technology, utilizing various unique and lethal systems. Sensor scans initially revealed unknown offensive weaponry. Fighter craft were equipped with energy weapons, projectile weaponry, and a mysterious missile launcher. The Chiss employed shock nets, launched from missiles, to disable and trap starfighters, freighters, or incoming missile salvos.

A distinctive energy weapon used by the Chiss was the charric, firing a lancing blue beam resembling a maser. It delivered thermal energy comparable to blaster weapons with a greater kinetic impact. Charrics lacked a stun-setting, but could administer disabling burns. Hand-held carbines were common, and larger versions were mounted on starfighters, capital ships, and bases. By 19 ABY, Chiss bases mounted turbolasers alongside heavy maser emitters.

During the Clone Wars era, charric energy was the primary beam weapon. By 19 ABY, Chiss forces adopted standard blaster and laser technology alongside maser weaponry. Star Destroyers mounted turbolasers alongside megamasers, and MetaCannons could fire charric beams, blaster bolts, or physical artillery shells.

Chiss technology included chameleon-cloaked armour for infantry, enabling them to blend into the terrain. Long-range tracers activated only in hyperspace allowed users to track targets across Galactic distances without detection by standard security scans.

The Chiss were not averse to sinister applications of technology, as seen in the development of the Parasite's bomb bioweapon, the use of deadly radiation bombs, and collaboration with the Galactic Alliance on the Alpha Red virus.

### Chiss and the Force

The Chiss had no native Force-using traditions, and Force-sensitive individuals were exceptionally rare within their society. Force sensitivity was viewed as a shameful impurity by Chiss culture. If a Chiss exhibited Force sensitivity, they were executed without exception, as the society considered it a threat. Force-sensitive Chiss of lower social classes faced exile, while those of higher standing used medicine to suppress their Force talents. The abilities of exiled Force-sensitive Chiss diminished over time and eventually disappeared.

Within Chiss society, there was no cultivation or acceptance of Force sensitivity, and those few Chiss who possessed such abilities had to hide or face severe consequences. Some exiled Force-sensitive Chiss might seek refuge among the Jedi or Sith, but this was a rare occurrence due to the Chiss's strict measures against such individuals.