Neimoidian

"The Neimoidians. Unique species. Their brains are wired for calculation. Everything is an instinctive risk assessment to them. Some call it cowardly. I think it's a strong survival instinct, percentages and risk."

―Dexter Jettster^[8]

Neimoidians were a humanoid species native to the planet of Neimoidia, while also settling wealthy colonies they named Purse Worlds, such as Cato Neimoidia. They had smooth noseless faces, mottled green-gray skin, and large red-gold eyes. In the waning years of the Galactic Republic, they ran the Trade Federation, a vast consortium of business interests. As such, they ended up joining the Confederacy of Independent Systems and helped start the Clone Wars. Neimoidians were related to the Duros species.

Biology and appearance

"The path to Neimoidian prosperity is through peaceful negotiation, not bloodshed. We know this. Our brains are wired to calculate this."

―Neimoidian Royal Guard Ruug Quarnom^[8]

Rune Haako full body — Rune Haako, a typical Neimoidian

A unique species,^[8] the Neimoidians were a sentient species^[1] of humanoid^[2] with two arms, two legs, a torso, and a single head. They had smooth, mottled green-gray skin and large, red-gold eyes with a pupil that split it horizontally.^[1] Some Neimoidians had a beige skin^[3] and the color could evolve over the years.^[9] For example, Nute Gunray had a gray skin at the beginning of the Clone Wars^[10] before turning green at the end of the conflict.^[9] Adult individuals were known to be tall,^[1] ranging from 1.9^[11] to 2.11 meters.^[12] Neimoidians had brown blood^[3] and long, bony hands with five pointed fingers, one of which was an opposable thumb.^[1] Although many Neimoidians were lean, obese individuals were not unheard of.^[12] The brains of the Neimoidian species were specifically wired for calculation, creating personalities often lambasted as cowardice when, in fact, it was a strong survival instinct based on risk and percentages.^[8]

They looked very similar to the Duros because the two species were genetically linked. In fact, the Neimoidian homeworld of Neimoidia was discovered and colonized by Duros. Over the millennia, the Duros of Neimoidia evolved because of the more humid atmosphere and heavier gravity of their planet.^[13] Neimoidian body language included a great deal of cringing.^[14] The Neimoidians spent the first seven years of their life as "grubs," maggot-like larvae that were forced to compete with each other over a limited food supply.^[15] It was possible that they never emerged from their maggot state because of a lack of food and became drones.^[16]

Society and culture

Education and way of life

"I don't know about the Trade Federation, but Neimoidians care about their people."

―Mill Alibeth^[8]

The beginning of a Neimoidian's life was particularly brutal. For their first seven years,^[15] Neimoidian larvae were confined to huge hives^[5] where there was little food. The Neimoidians were forced to compete for food, and the greediest were usually the ones who survived.^[15] This education explains the species' affinity for trade and organization, but also their tendency to be dishonest, greedy and cowardly.^[17] A racist cliché about the Neimoidians was to portray them as a devious and obese plutocrat, fattened by his greed.^[18]

Neimoidians were naturally gifted at calculation, a skill that defined most of their culture. They evolved to rationalize all choices based on thorough risk assessment, which became a central element of their culture and a counterbalance to their skill in calculating odds. While this was often perceived by outsiders as stereotypical Neimoidian cowardice, to the Neimoidians it was a proud facet of their society, a survival skill that set them apart from other species.^[8] In any case, many Neimoidians were regarded as being paranoid. Those who served aboard starships rarely left the command bridge to avoid another colleague gaining more power.^[16]

Neimoidians were obsessed with status. A high ranking Neimoidian had to show off his wealth. Simple doors could be a sign of prestige, and they were usually finely crafted.^[16] Their status and wealth were also reflected in a combination of clothing and headgear.^[19] Possession of a mechno-chair^[20] or a Sheathipede-class transport shuttle was also a sign of prestige for the wealthiest Neimoidians.^[21] Corruption was particularly common among this species.^[22]

Neimoidians relied heavily on droids for many manual tasks, especially those that could be dangerous.^[15] Likewise, it was virtually impossible to see a high-ranking Neimoidian without being surrounded by battle droids or bodyguards.^[5] But not all Neimoidians were cowards. For example, the Neimoidian Royal Guards were military units composed of Neimoidians.^[9] These guards were intensely loyal to their people and sought to protect them through whatever means necessary.^[8]

Society and ethics

"It sounds like you are not satisfied with the Neimoidian involvement with the Trade Federation."
"Ah. That's a very…binary view of things. […] With the Trade Federation, Neimoidians finally have a voice. History shows the Republic barely acknowledged our existence until the Trade Federation. The way governments operate, though, that always changes."

―Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi and Neimoidian Royal Guard Ruug Quarnom^[8]

Neimoidian society was hierarchical^[23] and built on a vertical model: the richest had luxurious palaces on high ground and the poorest had to make do with the often hostile soil of the Neimoidian planets.^[24] Furthermore, living on Neimoidia was far from being an honor for the Neimoidians, as most preferred to move to one of the Purse Worlds. The Neimoidian people and government were ruled by the Trade Monarch from Neimoidia.^[13]

The Neimoidians were also a species that had no qualms about resorting to slavery, as they did with the Narquois.^[5] The Neimoidians practiced enslavement within their own species. Those who could not break out of their larval status, the Neimoidian drones, were employed in administrative tasks. Supervised by overseers, these drones were kept on a strict diet so as not to emerge from their larval state. To increase their efficiency, they were put in competition and the winners could devour the losers.^[16]

History

The origins of the Neimoidians

The history of the Neimoidians began twenty-five millennia before the Imperial Era when the planet Neimoidia was discovered by Duros explorers. The world was quickly colonized by them and became a Duro ally before joining the Galactic Republic three millennia later. The Duros of Neimoidia quickly distinguished themselves from their fellows Duro by ignoring the exploration of the galaxy in favor of the pursuit of wealth. Neimoidia's settlers quickly developed thriving trade guilds and their influence began to spread throughout the galaxy. Likewise, the people of Neimoidia evolved physically because of the planet's wetter atmosphere and heavier gravity. Ten millennia after the colonization of Neimoidia, the inhabitants of this colony, referred to as Neimoidians, were now considered a separate species from the Duros.^[13]

The galactic expansion of the Neimoidians

"Remember, it's all numbers to them. It's what got them where they are. See, all of the Republic types think it's their ideology. That's shortsighted. It's a strategy, not politics."

―Dexter Jettster on why Neimoidians avoided taking sides in galactic politics^[8]

Very quickly, the Government of Neimoidia decided to expand its influence by colonizing nearby planets. Cato Neimoidia was the first to be colonized by the Neimoidians,^[7] and from there they moved on to other worlds,^[20] such as Deko Neimoidia and Koru Neimoidia.^[7] These various colonies became known as the Purse Worlds. Some of the planets colonized by the Neimoidians were already populated by other species, such as Narq, homeworld of the Narquois. This did not bother the colonists, who enslaved the natives and forced them to work as miners, farmers or technicians.^[5]

Soon after its colonization, Cato Neimoidia became part of the young Galactic Republic. The Neimoidians flourished under this new galactic regime, which brought protection and many benefits to Cato Neimoidia,^[7] making it the most important of the Neimoidian Purse Worlds.^[6] The planet was strategically located near many Hyperspace routes and prosperous Republic worlds. For example, Cato Neimoidia was a stop on the Quellor Run, a particularly dynamic trade route that connected the Core Worlds to the Inner Rim Territories and the Expansion Region, both of which were being explored at the time Cato Neimoidia joined the Republic. The Purse Worlds were in close proximity to Kuat and Rendili, two planets that specialized in starship production. Finally, the planet had access to the Corellian Run, the Hydian Way and the Corellian Trade Spine, giving it connections to The Slice region and the southwestern part of the galaxy. The Neimoidians were able to secure numerous commercial and industrial contracts for the manufacture of ships. The influence and reputation of the species grew daily thanks to Cato Neimoidia, but also thanks to Neimoidia's proximity to the Trellen Trade Route and the existence of the other Purse Worlds.^[7] However, a certain imbalance appeared between Neimoidia and its colonies, since the latter were much more dynamic and prosperous. Neimoidia tried to keep a firm grip on its Purse Worlds by forcing them to export their profits to Neimoidia. Nevertheless, some Neimoidians preferred to leave their homeworld.^[13]

During this period of expansion, the Neimoidians discovered a planet rich in rare crystals in the Albarrio sector of the Outer Rim Territories. Determined to seize it, the Neimoidians engaged in a struggle for influence with the Hutt Clan, which had already established itself on the world. Over the course of several centuries, the planet changed hands several times until the arrival of the Muun. A people who colonized the nearby world of Muunilinst, the Muun were determined to take over this planet and used all the resources of their organization, the Intergalactic Banking Clan, to achieve their goals. Eventually, the Neimoidians, like the Hutts, decided to abandon this world to the Muun, who colonized it and named it Mygeeto.^[25]

The Neimoidians and the Trade Federation

Over the centuries, many Neimoidians held prestigious positions of power and influence. The Neimoidians experienced their golden age when Neimoidia became one of the founding members of the Trade Federation^[7] around 232 BBY.^[26] Formed in the aftermath of the Great Hyperspace Disaster,^[27] this was a union of businessmen, merchants, and the own defense force of the Neimoidians. The initial purpose of the Federation was to regulate trade in the Outer Rim.^[13] The organization had good relations with the Republic because the Neimoidians were known to avoid any trouble or confrontation with the galactic regime.^[24] The Trade Federation was successful because the Neimoidians were able to obtain the data used to map the hyperspace. Instead of sharing this information, they kept it in their possession and used it to tax the use of trade routes. The Neimoidians' ultimate goal was to have a monopoly on all interstellar trade.^[28]

Over the next few years, the Neimoidians gradually lost control of the Trade Federation to Kuati of Kuat Drive Yards. All of this changed during the Eriadu Conference.^[24] This summit was intended to settle several differences between the Federation and the Republic^[29] but the Neimoidians took advantage of the opportunity to have the Federation leaders assassinated^[24] through the Nebula Front, a radical political group. The death of the Federation leaders allowed the Neimoidian faction and its leader, Nute Gunray, to take power. Gunray quickly appointed several of his colleagues to top positions. Nevertheless, the failure of the summit led the Supreme Chancellor Finis Valorum to directly oppose the Federation by forcing it to pay taxes for the use of the Free Trade Zones.^[29] At the same time, the Neimoidians had allied themselves with the Sith Lord Darth Sidious. These events led to the blockade of the planet Naboo. While the blockade and subsequent invasion were unsuccessful, these actions destabilized the Republic and allowed Darth Sidious to be elected Chancellor.^[1] Despite numerous trials, the Federation and Nute Gunray escaped all convictions.^[10] Nonetheless, this crisis caused unease in Neimoidian society, and some Federation members called for a demilitarization of the organization. Instead, the Trade Federation retreated to the Purse Worlds and withdrew from Neimoidia.^[13]

The Clone Wars disaster

Neimoidian Guard — A Neimoidian Royal Guard during the Clone Wars

The Clone Wars were a disaster for the Neimoidians. Indeed, the Trade Federation worked with the Confederacy of Independent Systems during the Separatist Crisis and the war itself, and Nute Gunray joined the Executive Separatist Council.^[10] During the conflict, a number of Neimoidians fought in the Confederacy military.^[9] The Cato Neimoidian government and the Neimoidian people overall, however, took on a stance of neutrality.^[8] The Trade Federation also proclaimed its neutrality and continued to have representation in the Galactic Senate. Seeking to maximize its gains, the Federation commercially supported both sides,^[30] but, in secret, actively worked with the CIS^[31] as part of the organization.^[32] In practice, the Federation also favored the CIS in business despite its "neutral" standing.^[33]

Early in the conflict, a pro-Republic Neimoidian faction led by businessman Oje N'deeb attempted to take over the Trade Federation by gaining Republic support.^[34] Around the same time, a bombing destroyed Cadesura, one of the districts of Zarra, the capital of Cato Neimoidia. Several hundred civilians were killed, and the Republic and Separatists blamed each other for the attack.^[8] Despite the Federation's neutrality, Cato Neimoidia became a battleground between separatists and republicans during the final months of the war.^[35] Similarly, Neimoidia was ravaged by a Republican attack.^[13] Ultimately, the war resulted in the defeat of the Separatists and the Trade Federation with the death of Nute Gunray and the other members of the Separatist Council on Mustafar.^[9] The Neimoidians emerged bruised from the conflict, especially as many Neimoidian larval incubators had been destroyed by the Republic during the assault on Neimoidia.^[13]

The Imperial Era and the fall of the Neimoidians

"During one of my surveys I discovered a colony of refugee Neimoidians. Once they learned who I represented, they pleaded with me to bring the Chiss to battle against Coruscant. They promised their people would rise up in response, and that together we would bring down Emperor Palpatine and restore the Republic."
"I hope you didn't accept their offer. The Neimoidians have a severely overblown opinion of themselves and their capabilities."

―Thrawn and Nevil Cygni^[36]

With the rise of the Galactic Empire, the Neimoidians, like other species that had fought for the Confederacy of Independent Systems, were marginalized by the new regime. They were the target of much mockery by representatives of the Empire. Many Neimoidians decided to flee the Imperial territory and founded colonies where some dreamed of taking their revenge on the Empire. One of these colonies was discovered by the Chiss Mitth'raw'nuruodo and the Neimoidians tried to convince him to involve his regime, the Chiss Ascendancy, in a war with the Empire.^[36]

In 3 BBY, a Neimoidian present on Ghorman perused twill at the House of Rylanz showroom.^[37]

Shortly after the battle of Yavin, Imperial Captain Canonhaus was tasked with writing a report on the attempt to destroy a convoy of Alderaanian refugees. Wanting to know if his reports were actually read by his superiors, Canonhaus filled in his report with false information. Thus, the refugees had become accountants from a Neimoidian Purse World. The officer was thus able to discover that his reports were being ignored.^[38]

A new era

During the New Republic, the Neimoidians were sued by Narquois lawyers who demanded compensation for the enslavement of their species by Neimoidian colonists. Likewise, some Narquians, such as the pirate Pru Sweevant, took revenge on the Neimoidians by attacking ships that belonged to them.^[5] During this time, the Neimoidians abandoned the business of commerce in favor of security. The vaults of the former leaders of the Trade Federation were opened up for the wealthy individuals of the galaxy and Cato Neimoidia became an important bank.^[39] A Neimoidian named Hallion Nark have been working for the gang of pirates Kragan Gorr's Warbird gang.^[40]

Neimoidians in the galaxy

Stereotyping

"To the Republic, we are a monolith. A people of business. A people of greed. A people of deception. Perhaps…not even a people."

―Cato Neimoidia minister of defense Alluv Eyam on Neimoidian prejudice^[8]

NeimoidianOfficer-LostFound — Neimoidians served as merchant fleet officers.

Because of the way they were educated, Neimoidians made effective merchants. The other side of the coin was that many other species despised them for their selfishness.^[5] Indeed, stereotyping against Neimoidians was rampant throughout the galaxy, particularly among worlds contained within the Galactic Republic. Beliefs that the people were solely motivated by greed and cowardice were so pervasive that many Neimoidians felt they were treated as second-class citizens. Propaganda played a negative role in promoting Neimoidian culture, often downplaying their contributions to art and music.^[8]

Other examples played into prejudices against the people, such as the poster Taxation Without Federation, a HoloNet News piece that was accused by many as perpetuating the "fat Neimoidian" stereotype.^[41] The insurgent leader Nevil Cygni had a low opinion on the Neimoidian species, regarding them as a people with an overinflated opinion of themselves and what they could accomplish.^[36]

Other Neimoidians

The Neimoidian Idrax Snat worked as a captain^[42] within the second division^[43] of the Valo Security Force during the High Republic Era. Ultimately standing as head of the overall security force, Snat was a humorless figure who was, in the mind of Jedi Master Elzar Mann, totally unworthy of his leadership position.^[42] Snat would later betray the Republic and join the ranks of the Nihil, only to meet his end during his service to the raider organization.^[44] The Neimoidian Luk Hutsok worked as an arms dealer during the Imperial Era and made a wealthy living for himself.^[45]

Two Neimoidians journeyed to the Sorca Retreat^[3] around 1 ABY^[46] for the auction of Rur, an effort by Doctor Chelli Lona Aphra to sell off the artificial intelligence Eternal Rur. In the end, Rur was released upon those gathered when he took control of a Cyban Front droid, which Rur used to slaughter those who attempted to buy him. Both Neimoidians, one of whom attempted to raise a blaster pistol against Rur, were butchered by the rogue unit.^[3]

In 34 ABY during the New Republic Era,^[47] one Neimoidian was present on^[48] the planet^[42] Hosnian Prime, which at that time was serving as the capital of the New Republic, on the same balcony as Chancellor Lanever Villecham and many other individuals, who watched in surprise as several mysterious red beams rushed through space towards Hosnian Prime and the other worlds of the Hosnian system; these blasts were the payload of Starkiller Base, a secret weapon developed by the emerging First Order and fired as the first shot of its conquest of the galaxy. The Neimoidian, like many of those around them, looked up in horror as Starkiller's blast approached on a path to destroy the New Republic capital,^[48] effectively taking the government out with it in what became known as the Hosnian Cataclysm.^[49] The Neimoidian^[48] was one of the countless casualties of the Hosnian Cataclysm as Hosnian Prime, like the other worlds in the Hosnian System, was destroyed.^[47]

Behind the scenes

Neimoidians first appeared in the 1999 film Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace, the first installment of the Star Wars prequel trilogy.^[1]

Concept art of the Neimoidians suggested to be organic versions of their B1-series battle droids, with a head design similar of the later Geonosians.^[50]^[51] There was a hesitation whether the Neimoidians of the film would be animated CGI characters or actors with masks; eventually, for budget reasons, Jar Jar Binks was decided to be the only animated main character and the Neimoidians would be portrayed by actors with animatronic masks.^[52] Thus the initial complex and fantastic design was simplified, and would be later used for the Geonosians.^[51]^[50]

The masks posed the challenge of lip-syncing with the voice actors, who would also have to speak clearly, as the Neimoidian dialogues to provide the political background of the story to the audience. A subtitled alien-language was an option but would require a lot of reading. Having heard a voice-audition for the eventual Thai dubbing, sound engineer Ben Burtt liked the quality of the accent and suggested a casting call for Thai actors, but they failed to find professional talents. Eventually Nute and Rune were voiced by professional actors who mimicked Thai accent.^[52]

A Neimoidian pirate named Billow was featured in the non-canon LEGO Star Wars comic "Trouble on Takodana."^[53]