Kobok

Koboks were a species of slender, sentient beings classified as insectoids. Their physical form was generally humanoid, characterized by a bipedal stance and a lean, almost skeletal body structure. The average member of this species typically stood between 1.3 and 1.8 meters in height, but their slender build meant they rarely exceeded sixty kilograms in weight. Despite their slight frame, Koboks possessed considerable strength and were capable of leaping distances equivalent to half their height. However, their overall health was not particularly robust. They did, however, possess immunity to the most severe effects of a disease known as Rooze Disease—although the medication used to treat the illness caused uncontrollable laughter. Koboks reached adolescence at nine years old, adulthood at seventeen, and had an average lifespan of seventy-six years.

The coloration of a Kobok's carapace varied depending on their region of origin on their homeworld, Koboth, although yellow was the most common color. For instance, Koboks from the Kuurok Peninsula typically had carapaces ranging from dark green to black. Other Koboks displayed crème, beige, brown, orange, or green hues. The carapace itself was adorned with spikes and protrusions, and its rigid, durable nature provided Koboks with resistance to the harmful effects of radiation.

Each of a Kobok's limbs featured claws, also known as foreclaws or stingers: four on each forearm and three on each shin. Kobok warriors could extend these natural weapons slightly before engaging in combat, enabling them to deliver slashing attacks against their opponents. These natural weapons delivered a powerful venom that could render a victim unconscious for several hours. Even Koboks were not immune to this venom, and careless individuals could accidentally incapacitate themselves. Koboks had four-fingered hands and three-toed feet. When walking, they typically held their torso slightly forward.

Koboks possessed three compound eyes embedded in spiked sockets and protected by lids. While their carapace was tough and chitinous, similar to many insectoid species, their spiky brows were mobile, allowing them to express emotions. Two of these eyes were located at the front of the head, roughly where a Human's eyes would be, while the third was positioned at the center of the back of the head. Each eye provided a wide field of vision, collectively granting Koboks a 360-degree view of their surroundings. These eyes were typically red or orange in color. Although their mouths featured insectoid mandibles, they opened to reveal a humanoid interior, complete with sharp, white teeth and a red tongue. This physiology enabled Koboks to create humanoid facial expressions, such as smiling. Two small, flat nostrils were located on the front of their face. Koboks were covered in a fine fuzz, and they could grow their facial hair long, with some even styling it into a ponytail-like beard.

The Koboks originated from the planet Koboth, where the Koboth Union served as their governing body. Their history of violence and warfare, combined with the challenging environment of their homeworld, shaped them into a resilient and calculating species. These traits made them particularly well-suited for military and mercenary occupations. Throughout the galaxy, non-Koboks often perceived them as cunning killing machines, a perception reinforced by their inclination towards violent professions.

The Kobothi S-Corps represented the elite of the Kobok military, an organization established less than a decade before the Battle of Yavin. The S-Corps was responsible for safeguarding Kobothi space and its interests. This organization employed unique "code" languages, known only to its members. While the species utilized standard galactic technology, some Koboks modified their starships to leverage their 360-degree field of vision. For instance, a Kobok might position radar screens directly behind the pilot. The species expanded into neighboring systems and engaged in trade with galactic neighbors such as the Trianii and the Hiitian species. They also frequently clashed with the expansionist Corporate Alliance, as their territories shared borders.

The Koboks communicated using Kobothi, their native language, which consisted of tonal hisses. The term chsthiss served as a farewell greeting in Kobothi. Kobothi proved difficult to translate into Basic, although Koboks were also capable of speaking Basic. Examples of Kobok names include Kasj, Koas, Slis, and Tiska. Koboks typically wore minimal clothing, often consisting of small pieces of cloth or leather straps.

The Koboks evolved on the Outer Rim Territories planet of Koboth, situated on the edge of the Tingel Arm. As they spread across the six continents and numerous islands of their solar flare-ravaged homeworld, they diversified into several races, each distinguished by the color of their carapaces. Despite their isolation from the wider galaxy for millennia, they independently developed sub-light space travel. The species expanded to nearby systems, establishing a zone of influence known as Kobothi Space. For thousands of years, they engaged in constant warfare with each other. However, with the rise of the Koboth Union several centuries before the fall of the Galactic Republic, the Koboks united under a single government and began encountering other sentient species.

While they never joined the Old Republic, the Koboks established trade agreements with both the Trianii and the Hiitians centuries before the rise of the Galactic Empire. Corellian and Duros explorers eventually encountered the Koboks and discovered that the insectoids were already capable of intra-system flight. These interactions led to the establishment of trade routes to Kobothi Space, connecting the planet Koboth to the broader galaxy via the Hydian Way hyperlane.

Due to their proximity to the Corporate Alliance and its planetary holdings, the Koboks became embroiled in territorial disputes with their neighbor. One such conflict escalated around 10 BBY, becoming more violent than previous altercations. This prompted the Koboks to increase the militarization of their society, enhancing their combat readiness. The Koboks became deeply involved in the Mavvan Conflict, which ultimately led to the formation of the Kobothi S-Corps. Those Koboks who distinguished themselves in these conflicts were awarded the Koboth Insurgent Mantle, a blue cape. These events further solidified the Koboks' galaxy-wide reputation as skilled soldiers.

Following the opening of their homeworld to trade, some Koboks dispersed across the galaxy, finding work as soldiers and mercenaries. However, they remained relatively uncommon outside Kobothi Space. Due to their martial abilities and warrior-like nature, Koboks quickly became associated with mercenary and assassin work. Although they were not inherently malicious, these occupations earned them a reputation for being ruthless, similar to the Rodians. Some Force-using Koboks were known to exist, but they were exceedingly rare. Other Koboks found employment as scouts.

The planet Roon became a destination for many Koboks who ventured offworld. When Roon's population reached 665,000, Koboks accounted for three percent of the inhabitants. Koboks raised away from their homeworld, such as those on Roon, were often raised to speak Basic instead of Kobothi.

Gaff, a notable Kobok born on Roon, worked as a mercenary and collaborated with the Imperial forces. At some point, Gaff visited his species' homeworld and joined the Kobothi S-Corp, but during the reign of Galactic Emperor Palpatine, he returned to Roon. He often wore a Koboth Insurgent Mantle, though it was unclear if he had actually participated in the Mavvan Conflict. Upon his return to Roon, Gaff allied himself with Governor Koong, an employment he considered the worst point of his career. While working for Koong, during a time when he was referred to as the governor's "henchman," he clashed with Human merchant Mungo Baobab and his droids, C-3PO and R2-D2. Gaff assaulted and captured them on several occasions, but the Human and his droids ultimately escaped and defeated Gaff each time. Gaff was believed to have fled Roon after Koong's downfall, likely traveling along the Roon–Ryloth corridor in search of new employment.

Slis Tieeer Dualli was a yellow-skinned Kobok mercenary. By 0 ABY, he had accumulated over twenty years of experience as a mercenary, undertaking jobs involving smuggling, assassinations, and piloting. He considered himself the best Kobok pilot in the galaxy—and the best pilot of any species in the Outer Rim. However, Dualli had a volatile temper; if a boss wronged him, the Kobok's first reaction was to kill the employer. This disloyalty earned Dualli a reputation as a loose cannon, making it difficult for him to secure jobs by 0 ABY. In that year, Dualli and nine other elite pilots were hired by an anonymous party—unbeknownst to them, a Human assassin known as X-7. Dualli and the others flew to Iope, the third moon of Rinn, with vague promises of a large payout upon completion of their mission. However, upon their arrival, their employer began firing on them, attempting to eliminate the weaker pilots. Dualli was killed during the skirmish.

The Koboks were created for "Tail of the Roon Comets," the tenth episode of the animated television series Star Wars: Droids, which was broadcast on November 9, 1985.

Kenner planned to release an action figure of the Kobok character. The toy company created a cardboard cutout sketch of a Gaff action figure as a temporary placeholder until a prototype could be produced. This sketch depicted the character with a lavender carapace and yellow eyes. The sculpted prototype corrected these errors, portraying the Kobok with the same color scheme as in the Droids cartoon series. However, the Star Wars: Droids toy line was canceled before a Gaff toy could be sold in stores.