Cathar

Cathar are a feline humanoid species native to the planet of the same name. They are normally covered in fur, although variations in the genetic baseline have expressed themselves as at least two distinct subspecies. Cathar are noteworthy hand-to-hand combatants, possessing retractable claws, strong physiques and natural agility.

It was the Cathar reputation for martial prowess that drew the Mandalorians to besiege their homeworld several centuries ago. Despite their valiant resistance against the remorseless invaders, the native Cathar were virtually exterminated. Out of millions, only a few hundred escaped the Mandalorians’ attack and fled to Republic space.

In the time since their near-extinction, the Cathar have rebuilt their numbers to become common faces on Republic worlds. The Jedi Order, Galactic Senate and Republic military all claim numerous proud and loyal Cathar among their ranks. It is rare to encounter a Cathar who doesn’t actively despise the Sith Empire–and especially its Mandalorian allies.

Cathar Classes

You can play any type of character as a Cathar, as species are not restricted to certain Origin Stories or Combat Styles in Star Wars: The Old Republic.

However, you must unlock the Cathar species before you can play it.

ClassFreeSubscribers
Jedi Knight No, but can be unlocked No, but can be unlocked
Jedi Consular No, but can be unlocked No, but can be unlocked
Trooper No, but can be unlocked No, but can be unlocked
Smuggler No, but can be unlocked No, but can be unlocked
Sith Warrior No, but can be unlocked No, but can be unlocked
Sith Inquisitor No, but can be unlocked No, but can be unlocked
Bounty Hunter No, but can be unlocked No, but can be unlocked
Imperial Agent No, but can be unlocked No, but can be unlocked

All players will need to unlock the Cathar before they create a Cathar character. All players can unlock the Cathar for all classes by purchasing the item Legacy Species Unlock: Cathar from the Cartel Market with Cartel Coins or from the GTN with credits. The Cartel Market sells this unlock for 600 Cartel Coins, the price and availability on the GTN will change day to day and per server, but it is likely very expensive. There is no other way to unlock this species, it is considered a “Cartel Market” species because of this and was added after the game’s launch.

TypeClassDescriptionRoleplay
Jedi KnightA symbol of hope in dark times, the Jedi Knight stands for the legacy of the Jedi Order, protecting the Republic and keeping the peace across the galaxy.Cathar have been a part of the Jedi Order for many generations. You will encounter many Cathar Jedi Knights and Masters as you play, either as friends or foes depending on what faction you choose to play on. Juhani, the most well known Cathar, is a Jedi Knight. A hero of history, Sylvar, is as well. Cathar have high moral values, learned from family and society. As such, Force-sensitive Cathar often become Jedi, though they know the Jedi way to be in direct opposition to their natural instincts.
Jedi ConsularJedi Consulars channel the power of the Force for strength in combat and wisdom in diplomacy. Jedi Consulars always seek to grow their knowledge.
Cathar have been a part of the Jedi Order for many generations. You will encounter many Cathar Jedi Knights and Masters as you play, either as friends or foes depending on what faction you choose to play on. Cathar have high moral values, learned from family and society. As such, Force-sensitive Cathar often become Jedi, though they know the Jedi way to be in direct opposition to their natural instincts. Force-sensitive Cathar often become Jedi.
TrooperTroopers are the embodiment of the Republic military’s highest aspirations – the most advanced fighting force in the galaxy.
Cathar are one of the many aliens that make up the troops of the Republic Military. It's not uncommon to see a Cathar soldier. Many Cathar may choose to join the Republic military after the destruction of their homeworld. The Jedi Order, Galactic Senate and Republic military all claim numerous proud and loyal Cathar among their ranks.
SmugglerAbove all else, Smugglers make their own destinies. Smugglers require fast reflexes, fast wits and a fast draw with a blaster.
Smugglers are beholden to no traditions, and it would not be surprising to see a Cathar smuggler. Cathar scoundrels are relatively rare, for even they cannot escape their own instinctive morals. Such scoundrels create their own rules to live by.
Sith WarriorAn unstoppable force of darkness, the Sith Warrior is entrusted with the task of destroying the Empire’s enemies and enforcing Sith domination across the galaxy.While it would be less common to see a Cathar in the Sith Academy, many Cathar choose to join the Jedi if they are force-sensitive, and those who do are as tempted by the dark-side and may become a Dark Jedi like any other species. The Cathar also hold culturally the story of Crado, a Cathar Jedi who fell to the dark-side. It is rare to encounter a Cathar who doesn’t actively despise the Sith Empire.
Sith InquisitorDark secrets are the lifeblood of the Sith Inquisitor. The Inquisitor experiments with forbidden powers in order to excel and seize authority.The Sith Inquisitor starts off as a slave in the story, and aliens being oppressed by the Empire is a common theme in the universe. While it is uncommon to see an alien in the ranks of the Sith, a prominent Sith named Darth Malgus has seized the opportunity to create a new Empire, one that embraces alien cultures and is strengthened by diversity. It is rare to encounter a Cathar who doesn’t actively despise the Sith Empire.
Bounty HunterIt’s never a question if a Bounty Hunter will find you… only when. Both infamous and anonymous at the same time, Bounty Hunters are far more than mercenaries for hire.Bounty Hunters carve their own paths, and it would not be surprising to see a Cathar Bounty Hunter. However it would be uncommon to see a Cathar Mandalorian, as the Mandalorians destroyed the Cathar homeworld.
Imperial AgentImperial Agents must master the arts of infiltration, seduction and assassination to carry out the most dangerous and sensitive Imperial assignments.While it is uncommon to see an alien in the ranks of Imperial Intelligence, the Minister of Intelligence recognizes the need to take advantage of 'an alien mind'. A prominent Sith named Darth Malgus has seized the opportunity to create a new Empire, one that embraces alien cultures and is strengthened by diversity. Cathar clans have vaulted to prominence within these alien initiatives by the Empire. It is rare to encounter a Cathar who doesn’t actively despise the Sith Empire.

Appearance

The Cathar easily hold their own, aided by their natural claws and passionate combat ability. Physically, the Cathar vary greatly in size and features. Some are muscular, with pronounced manes and beards, but others have Humanlike proportions, with fine, short hair covering their bodies. Cathar coloration ranges from light yellow to dark beige, sometimes accented with dark stripes.

– Knights of the Old Republic Campaign Guide

Fur Color

Cathar are available in many natural colors in the character creator, from tan and beige to brown and dark gray. Colors between male and female Cathar are very similar but not exactly the same.

 

Cathar Patterns

There are various Cathar fur patterns available. They are roughly modeled after different wild cat patterns, like tigers or ocelots.

Cathar Complexions

In addition to patterns, there are also complexion options, which can be layered with the fur patterns to create different looks.

Cathar Eyes

Cathar eyes are strange compared to human eyes and their irises are very large.

The final three in this gallery, the bright yellow orange and orange-red ones, are considered the dark-side eyes, and can be purchased as a cosmetic for the character creator as well.

Cathar Hair

Cathar do not share hair with humans.

Male Cathar can have beards.

Cathar also have four additional cosmetic hair styles that are only for Cathar that can be purchased. These are based off of the old-school Cathar designs in-game.

Many of the newer purchasable human cosmetic hairs are also available for Cathar.

Old Lore

In the older comics, you will see male Cathar with tusks – this piece of lore seems to not carry through outside of the comics, and both male and female Cathar in most media simply have sharp teeth.

Cathar have leonine features and flowing manes, with males’ manes generally larger than those of females. Male Cathar have short beards and two tusks jutting from the lower jaw, while females merely have impressive fangs along the upper jaw, Males average 1.8 meters tall, while females average 1.6 meters tall.

– Star Wars Ultimate Alien Anthology

Cathar have leonine features, the distinctiveness of which varies by individual. Males have large manes, short beards, and tusks jutting from the lower jaw. Females have smaller manes but impressive fangs along the upper jaw.

– Knights of the Old Republic Campaign Guide

Dark-Side Corruption

As Cathar fall to the dark side, they have the option to turn on Dark Side Corruption, where they begin to lose pigment in their fur, and their eyes turn orange-red.

Cathar Naming

You can choose any name you want for your Cathar character, you do not have to try and follow any type of conventions, as the Cathar have spread far and wide across the galaxy, with some being given a traditional Cathar name, while others have been given a name traditional to their home planet, and other take on a code name or nick name.

Unlike many other species in Star Wars, the Cathar do not seem to have any canon naming rules or suggestions. The biggest examples we have of Cathar names are Juhani, Sylvar, and Crado. There are not very many named Cathar compared to other species, so it is harder to find a pattern or rule in their naming.

I did however like the fan-made “rule” created for the Star Wars 5e roleplaying game, “Cathar names can sound both melodic and fairly guttural, but they almost always sound strong and fierce. Female names are typically longer than male names. Surnames are usually one syllable.”

Cathar Name Examples

This a list of names of existing Cathar in Star Wars to give you some ideas of how to name your own Cathar.

  • Adan
  • Adega
  • Ahn Rasi Tuum
  • Alavai
  • Anna
  • Anyara
  • Aric Jorgan
  • Arl’Tokor
  • Bashun
  • Bastra
  • Bellana
  • Breshin
  • Crado
  • Criax Thane
  • Dakarus Garnik
  • Dal
  • Dam-Powl
  • Daskarta
  • Dhina
  • Dovrin
  • Fau-Kes
  • Ferroh
  • Fia Nazhena
  • Frost
  • Gan Corla
  • Gowrik Felrou
  • Handa
  • Hanthor
  • Icarr Ko
  • Jaadel
  • Jela Reneke
  • Jevek
  • Juhani
  • Kazianna Alvamma
  • Kharr
  • Kolas
  • Ky’lee
  • Linapim
  • Lyla
  • Merghal
  • Micah
  • Mieq
  • Miharr
  • Murghir
  • Myhr Rho
  • Nagarreken
  • Nee Tonna
  • Nitch
  • Nodon
  • Nonak
  • Nymessa
  • Nyris Ko
  • Ondia Krasul
  • Otheros
  • Quilb
  • Raine
  • Rasi Tuum
  • Riilna
  • Riv Krasul
  • Ryen
  • Sele
  • Shange
  • Sylvar
  • Talgo
  • Tasia
  • Tem Madog
  • The Wolf
  • Urbax
  • Valara
  • Valdon Krasul
  • Vaz Traniff
  • Veran Gerr’oun
  • Vindo
  • Whisper
  • Wilkin
  • Xoryn Rhas
  • Yael
  • Zannlyn
  • Zareen
  • Zho Rasi Tuum
  • Zorin Krasul
  • Zunor

Cathar Name Generator

If you want, you can use a generator to generate a name for your Cathar. Generators follow a set of rules to try and put together a name for you.

The creator of the Fantasy Name Generator used these rules to generate Cathar names: “Cathar names are usually 2 syllables long, although male names can be 1 syllable long, and female names can be 3 syllables long. Their names can sound both melodic and fairly guttural, but they almost always sound strong and fierce. Their last names are either 1 or 2 syllables long and have the same sound and feel as their first names.”

Here is a list of some names created by the Fantasy Name Generator.

  • Ciro Rhuzos
  • Mindihr Minun
  • Cromak Nimu
  • Tunan Thinok
  • Khisu Khusu
  • Icirr Pal
  • Yhohr Tu
  • Uxahr Jok
  • Ymi Ji
  • Ana Lon
  • Nymuz Mamom
  • Rolahry Mamul
  • Thilyra Phirgi
  • Chymihra Jhuzut
  • Ririr Ralan
  • Salvuhra Jar
  • Jamasha Kil
  • Thusus Mun
  • Jumiza Lhil
  • Jathyr Pam
  • Cirbyx Sarga
  • Cici Lalak
  • Kharbi Lorgo
  • Nunym Kuma
  • Syrbo Thimum
  • Ico Nhir
  • Ikhy Ror
  • Mix Ru
  • Uma Luk
  • Hu Ju

 

Notable the Cathar

Notable the Cathar in the Old Republic include…

JuhaniJedi, Knights of the Old Republic
SylvarJedi, Tales of the Jedi comics
CradoJedi, Tales of the Jedi comics
Aric JorganTrooper companion
MurghirBounty Hunter
Rasi TuumJedi, Legacy Comic
QuilbJedi Mster
YaelCivilian

 

Cathar Lore

While they are easily recognizable as the “cat people”, Cathar history is firmly established in the genocide of its people.

History

The Cathar are feline humanoids native to the planet that shares their name. Easily identified by their fur-covered bodies and strong, cat-like facial features, the Cathar have garnered a reputation for their natural agility and formidable hand-to-hand prowess. Their revered combat skills are matched by their passion and loyalty. Though Cathar are often quick to anger, their firm sense of morality and honor prevents them from unprovoked acts of violence.

During the opening battles of the Mandalorian Wars, the Cathar were nearly destroyed when an army of Mandalorians besieged the Cathar homeworld.

The Mandalorians systematically slaughtered the unprepared Cathar populations as their Basilisk war droids swept across the planet. Only a few hundred Cathar escaped the slaughter, fleeing to Republic space until the war had ended.

In recent years, many Cathar have begun to help the Republic’s efforts to repopulate the ruined world of Taris, with the establishment of a small colony on the planet’s surface. The Cathar have come to represent the Republic’s efforts to restore life to this battered world.

– Star Wars: The Old Republic Encyclopedia

Personality

Cathar are moral and passionate creatures with strong ties to tradition and family. They have great passion in all emotions, with love and hate holding equal strength. Despite their reputation, Cathar are even-tempered, but do not hesitate to act when needed.

– Knights of the Old Republic Campaign Guide

The Cathar are a proud, passionate, and loyal species of bipedal feline humanoids, well known for their long-standing friendships and ferocity in battle.

– Knights of the Old Republic Campaign Guide

Cathar are proud, passionate beings with strong morals and equally strong ties to tradition and family. They also form strong friendships and unshakable loyalties. Cathar generally hate as fiercely as they love. Although even-tempered, they are often — quick to act. Their ferocity in battle is both legendary and terrifying.

– Star Wars Ultimate Alien Anthology

Morals

Cathar have high moral values, learned from family and society. As such, Force-sensitive Cathar often become Jedi, though they know the Jedi way to be in direct opposition to their natural instincts. Cathar know all too well the story of Crado’s fall to the dark side under Exar Kun. However they might find strength in fact that Crado’s mate was able to turn away from the dark path and regain the Jedi way.

– Knights of the Old Republic Campaign Guide

Galaxy

How Cathar are viewed in the galaxy depends on the exact time frame of the game. A nonaligned Rimworld, Cathar is devastated in the Mandalorian Wars prior to the Mandalorian invasion of the Republic. Remnants of the species flee offworld to survive. The extent of the massacre on this remote world remains unknown to the Republic until an expedition led by Revan brings the atrocity to the attention of the galaxy at large, winning him the support of many Jedi. The Cathar begin resettling their planet after the Mandalorian Wars, working to rebuild their society. Cathar survivors find sympathy on Republic worlds after Revan’s discovery, but many are too proud to use defeat to their advantage. Prior to the battle, the Cathar are treated as any other species in the galaxy.

– Knights of the Old Republic Campaign Guide

Cathar adventures can be of any heroic class. Force-sensitive Cathar often become Jedi. Cathar scoundrels are relatively rare, for even they cannot escape their own instinctive morals. Such scoundrels create their own rules to live by.

– Knights of the Old Republic Campaign Guide

Prior to the Battle of Cathar, most hail from their Cathar itself. After the battle, Cathar find refuge on most any Republic world.

– Knights of the Old Republic Campaign Guide

Alien Initiatives in the Empire

The rebellion of Malgus the Betrayer struck a decisive blow to the Imperial war effort, weakening the Empire’s offensive and shattering its united front. Alien factions that flocked to Malgus’s banner would forever be judged for their disloyalty. But in a time of turmoil, those species that remained faithful were rewarded.

Against the protests of its more conservative leaders–including heated objections from Grand Moff Regus–the Empire began a concerted effort to integrate its most devoted alien subjects into the military. Only by increasing its numbers with alien stock could the Empire survive the raging conflict against the Republic.

The new alien recruits face down prejudice and competition to prove their worth and secure power within the evolving Empire. Cathar clans have vaulted to prominence, while Kaleesh tribes and countless other species pledge their support to the Imperial fight. Fueled by these brave and committed alien warriors, the Empire rallies its strength and marches into a new era.

– Star Wars: The Old Republic codex entry

Cathar Settlers

One of the key elements in the Republic effort to restore Taris to its former glory is the establishment of a small Cathar colony on the planet’s surface. Coming from a homeworld ravaged by war, the Cathar species has come to symbolize the Republic’s resilience and fortitude in the face of overwhelming odds… much like Taris itself.

Officially, the colony has the full support of the Galactic Senate–yet key infrastructure is still lacking, and the settlers always seem to be low on supplies. Recently, some have questioned whether the colonization efforts began too soon, pushed forward by self-serving politicians looking to exploit the brave Cathar settlers to further their own agendas.

As the Republic began its reconstruction of Taris, the planet’s hostile jungles and ruins became habitable for the first time. Offworld refugees from across the galaxy petitioned for the chance to be among Taris’s first settlers. Republic politicians eagerly publicized the humanitarian resettlement and showered the lucky colonists with gifts of aid. Although there were severe difficulties early on, the refugees eventually took root and thrived.

But the flourishing recolonization was not to last. The shadows of an Imperial fleet soon blotted out the sky, and as the sunlight faded so too did any hope for the Tarisian settlers. Thousands fled into the Republic military’s protective arms, while more pessimistic settlers abandoned Taris entirely. The Cathar and Nikto colonists, however, refused to move. Taris was their new home, and they are prepared to die defending it.

– Star Wars: The Old Republic codex entries

Homeworld

Cathar, a temperate world located in the Expansion Region.

– Star Wars Ultimate Alien Anthology

They dwell in large city-trees, each meticulously carved with friezes depicting the city’s heroes and history. The planet Cathar is a wild place, with many ecological niches and huge insect predators.

– Knights of the Old Republic Campaign Guide

The Cathar are an ancient, socially advanced species of bipedal feline humanoids from a planet of the same name. Cathar itself is a large world of numerous ecological niches, including rough uplands with gigantic insect predators. The Cathar species dwells in large, living city-trees. Each tree is artistically carved with friezes showing the triumphant history of the Cathar and their heroes. Cathar use the wide grasslands known as the Vast Veldtas a place of solitude.

– Star Wars Ultimate Alien Anthology

Heros

Two of the greatest Cathar heroes, the female Sylvar and her mate Crado, were powerful Jedi Knights. Four thousand years before the Galactic Civil War, Crado fell to the dark side under the tutelage of Exar Kun. He was destroyed in an explosion after trying to activate an ancient Sith superweapon for his master. Sylvar, angry over the death of her mate, almost fell to the dark side herself before regaining the Jedi path. Both are remembered on Cathar itself in meticulously carved works of tree-art.

– Star Wars Ultimate Alien Anthology

Language

Cathar speak and read Catharese and Basic, punctuating their spoken words with the occasional law growl.

– Star Wars Ultimate Alien Anthology

Cathar speak Catharese and Basic, using low growls and similar sounds to emphasize their point.

– Knights of the Old Republic Campaign Guide

Claws

A Cathar has natural weapons, in the form of razorsharp claws. Cathar are always considered armed with their natural weapons.

– Knights of the Old Republic Campaign Guide

The Mandalorian War

The Mandalorians had returned to take revenge on the Republic and sate their lust for war and conquest. With the Jedi Council refusing to lend military aid–believing the true threat was still unclear, and the risk of conflict-hardened Jedi falling to the darkness was high–the Republic was unable to prevent the Mandalorians from devastating the planet Cathar. Millions died. This was the last straw for several young Jedi, who disobeyed the Council to join the war effort.

The most notable was Revan, a charismatic and skilled leader who rose to the rank of general. Revan’s friend Alek, later known as Malak, distinguished himself on the front lines. Revan’s tactics and Malak’s unyielding strength turned the tide, helping the Republic forces to victory at Althir and Jaga’s Cluster.

But the Council did not approve. Seeing their rash involvement in the war and their gradual adoption of Mandalorian tactics, the Council watched Revan and Malak’s heroics uneasily, remembering the fall of Exar Kun.

– Star Wars: The Old Republic codex entry

Cathar Annihilation

Though beaten by the resurgent Republic, the Mandalorians did not keep quiet. Under the leadership of Mandalore the Ultimate, the warriors occupied huge expanses of civilized space during the Mandalorian Wars. This set in motion the Jedi Civil War, also known as the Second Sith War. Starting in 3976 BBY, Mandalore the Ultimate initiated the first skirmishes of what history would call the Mandalorian Wars. Althir and Cathar became the first two targets. Yet despite the ferocity of the Mandalorian attacks—more than 90 percent of the Cathar died in the assault on their world—the Republic did nothing to intervene in conflicts occurring outside its borders.

– Star Wars: The Essential Atlas

Force Vision

On the world I left to become a Jedi – Cathar. When I returned, a dozen years ago, my people had simply vanished. All of them. Only the buildings remained. The Republic assumed as mass migration due to disease – but offworld, other Cathar refugees told me fragmented tales of harassment by the Mandalorians, who’d hated us since the Sith War. I was certain the Mandalorians were responsible – as was my Master, who knew the Jedi would never join us unless they came face to face with the Mandalorian atrocities.

We couldn’t show them worlds behind the lines like Serroco and Jebble. But Cathar knew – if only it would tell us!

But time ran out. Soon after Mala returned, the Jedi Masters came. They said there was nothing special about the Mandalorians – nothing warranting Jedi aid in another war. We were to abandoned our efforts and disperse, forever.

But just as all seemed lost, our leaders noticed something underfoot – a mask. And the second the light struck it – the Cathar were back! People I left behind – people I never met, charged the beach, running for their lives!

And soon we saw why! Cassus Fett and a horde of Mandalorians were driving them into the sea!

We sprang to my people’s defense, but our weapons were useless! Both the attackers, and the victims were phantoms – or we were!

It was a Jedi Vision of event from years before – a vision we were all now sharing. We yelled as the Mandalorians withdrew, leaving the Cathar in the water. But no one heard! We were never here – but perhaps they would listen to someone who was there. One of their own, who dared to speak!

Unknown Mandalorian: “Cassus! Wait They’re defeated! We don’t have to do this.”

Cassus Fett: “The Cathar left a stain of doshonor on the Mando’ade. Today, I was it clean in the waters of their own presumption. But if you truly feel they need a defender to stand with them – then do so, Warrior. I salute you. Ke’serim!”

Cathar – the people and the planet – screamed around us. And then – it was over. We were alone on the beach. But we had seen what the Cathar had seen – and we had felt what they had felt. Unspeakable cruelty. Pain. The death of a species, boiled away in the sea. Fett only intended to leave empty buildings to attest to the existence of the Cathar. But he forgot there was another testament…

Jedi: “They were beaten! You didn’t have to do it! One of you knew, but you didn’t listen! I don’t know your name – but I take up your cause. I will not remove your mask until there is justice – until the Mandalorians have been defeated once and for all. So swears… Revan!”

– Excerpt from the Knights of the Old Republic comics

Juhani’s Grove

I am Juhani, and this is my grove. This is the place of my dark power. This is the place you have invaded. When I embraced the dark side, this was where I sought my solace. It is MINE! When I slew my Master, Quatra, I knew I could never go back. And now I revel in my dark power. I struck her down in the middle of training, consumed by my anger, embracing the power of hate! But… it was not enough… I have fallen and dark power courses through my veins. I can never go back to the Council, so here I shall stay.

(The young Cathar apprentice Juhani is the source of the dark taint permeating the meditation grove. She has fallen to the dark side… although, perhaps not as completely as she believes. To remove the taint and complete the final trial, you must convince her to release dark feelings… or destroy her and remove the taint forever.)

Not anger, peace… Yet even with your naive attitude you managed to beat me. I am pathetic. I sit here and think myself to be great by embracing the dark side, but I am nothing! There is no way I could be turned back! I always thought they held me back, were jealous of my power. But it is only because I was not good enough to meet their standards… I never have been. I seem to still have much to learn… Both about being a Jedi, and about myself. But I wish the cost of my ignorance had not been so high. I wish that my Master had not suffered because of me. I only wish things could have been different… If she were alive now, there would be so much I would say to her… So much I would apologize for. Oh, how can the Council ever take me back with what I have done? Striking my Master down in anger is unforgivable! If I show them I am free of passion… That I am serene… That I am willing to forsake the dark side. Maybe, just maybe, they would accept me back. Do you think they would? Could it be possible after what I have done? I will return to the Council, then. I shall submit myself to their judgement, and hope that they will forgive me.

I must give you my thanks. Because of you, I am once again welcome within the Jedi Order. I Have spoken to the Council, and they have helped me see the truth. The truth about myself, and the truth of my actions. Quatra’s injuries were not so severe as I first believed. I was foolish to believe I could harm a Master such as she with my… my clumsy efforts. The fierce confrontation between us was nothing more than a part of my training. Quatra wanted me to understand the threat of the dark side, to see how easy it was to fall from the path of light. Quatra’s methods may seem strange, but I trust her wisdom. The lesson has been difficult, but I am better because of it. Humility is never easy to teach, but now I truly understand my own limitations. After our last battle, Quatra had nothing left to teach me. I needed time alone to explore the turmoil of my own spirit. Only then was I ready to follow a guide – you – back to the light. When I left, Quatra knew her work with me was done. There are other disciples who need training throughout the galaxy, and she could not stay to see if I passed this most difficult trial. With your help, I have passed this difficult trial. The Council now feels I am ready to continue with my training, though they have asked me to wait here for the time being. I do not know what the Council has in store for me, but I will trust in the Force and the way of the Jedi to help me through whatever is to come.

– Excerpts from Knights of the Old Republic game

Animal

How I came to be a Jedi? I am sure you would not find it very interesting… Are you sure you would like to hear? Well… It goes back a number of years… Back on my homeworld we did not see Jedi very often, especially where I lived. It was not the homeworld of the Cathar that I lived on. My parents had long fled from that place, and perhaps that is a story for another time. Rather it was a human hive-world I was raised on. It was bad enough that Jedi rarely came to that place. The hind end of space. A pit of a world, to be sure. Where Jedi rarely tread…

Taris was my home for many years. As much as I hated it, it was still home. A rat-hole; a warren; a paradise. I suppose you could call it all these things. For me it was hell… You have no idea what it is like to have to live there for years… To walk down the streets. To have people look at you in disgust; like an animal. Most did not know anything about me, but it was there all the same. Because I was an ‘alien’. Because I was different from them; frightening. I doubt any of them had even seen my people before. So they persecuted me… They looked down on me and my family. Charged us more for food. Would not let us walk their streets. They spat on us. You are human… you could not possibly know. There were no other Cathar on Taris. No one to talk to. No one to confide in. It was a horrible place to have to live. At least in the lower cities where the non-humans tended to get relegated. Living for years in a place with no sun, living off the trash dropped from the upper levels, and the meager pay doing back-breaking labor.There were none. Bad enough to be a race that is feared and hated by humans, but to be one that is strange and different even among non-humans? But living was hard enough without the stigma of being from a lost race.

There was always the danger of rakghouls coming up from the sewers, or more mundane predators living and working in the area. My family and I struggled each and every day to make something of our lives, but we could only go so far. Taxes from the corrupt government, more fees from the gangs controlling the streets, and whatever was left paying for what food and medical supplies we could afford. And of course there was the constant bigotry and hate from the more affluent and human citizens. Lording their wealth over us living below. Every once in a while a rich human would come down through the lower levels with his droid entourage just to see how the ‘wildlife’ lived… and laughed at the mockeries that were our successes. But I have come to meet many decent humans in my travels since those days. Indeed, some of the greatest people I have ever met are human.

– Juhani Excerpts from Knights of the Old Republic game

Fleeing

Having fled the birthworld of my species, my parents flew as far and wide as they could. And so I was raised alone, knowing of my birthplace only the few stories my parents could tell, and seeing no other member of my species at all… In the early days of the Mandalorian war, there had been fighting closer to the Outer Rim worlds. Cathar was there, yes. My people had a great reputation as warriors… and that appealed to the Mandalore version of ‘honor’. They sought to test themselves against us, I think… test themselves by bombing our world, slaughtering my people while they slept or while they ran. They swooped down from space across the world, firing at anything that moved. They used ships in space to destroy all orbital facilities and bombard the surface. We did resist, and in spite of their violent attack we did stave them off for quite a while. But in the end we were doomed… We were prepared! Just not for an invasion of that size… And we had counted on the aid of our allies. Of the Republic… We were not members of the Republic. Cathar was beyond the edge of the Republic, in the Outer Rim. And besides, they could not have known. Our interstellar communications were the first things the Mandalores hit. All other short-range communicators were jammed… we were on our own. We knew what was coming. We had fought the Mandalorians in the first war against Exar Kun and the Sith. We knew there would be no mercy for us. The most we could do was pack the few of our people who survived onto what few ships remained and send them off into space as fast as they could. Most did not make it. My parents carried me as a baby with them and were lucky enough to escape. They fled as far as they were able, and eventually settled on Taris. They could stand running no further, I think… But Taris was a horrible choice. Dominated by humans, intolerant of other species, it made everyday life unnecessarily hard. My father… my father turned to stimulants. He spent much of his time in local bars and dives. But we are warriors. It runs through our blood. And when he was on stims he… he… he became foolish… he let his warrior nature get the best of him. So he would get intoxicated, and he would fight, and finally one day he would die. Killed by a man who provoked him into a fight and killed him like an animal. After my father died, my mother was left to support me alone. A single non-human woman, living in one of the worst, most violent slums on Taris. It was not easy for her.

– Juhani Excerpts from Knights of the Old Republic game

Slavery

When my father was killed it seemed that something in her began to die as well. She worked. She worked as hard as she was able, but over time she began to waste away. I later learned that she was unable to get enough money to feed both of us, and had to start borrowing from the Exchange, a band of cutthroats and smugglers. But even that was not enough… She hid what she was doing from me. She gave most of her food to me, so that I would be strong. But she herself was suffering deeply from it. In the end she could go on no longer, and collapsed at the cantina where she worked one day. She never recovered. There was nothing really that I could do for her… She left me no money, and no doctor would see her without being paid first. I sat by her bed for days as she lay there dying. I never want that to happen to someone I care about ever again… But there was still the money she had borrowed… She had never paid it back, and made no provisions for her death. You must understand: the Exchange is brutal. They care nothing for the life of a sentient being. They are the major suppliers of slaves on Taris. They thought it was appropriate that, with my mother owing them money, the debt should be passed on to me. And with no way to pay, they took me by force. You have no idea what it is like to be bound like a beast and treated as such. It was the worst time of my life. They treated me like livestock. They were waiting for a buyer to give them some credits for me when the Jedi came to fight the Mandalorians. The Jedi could not abide by what they saw there, and drove the Exchange from the face of the world, freeing those of us imprisoned there. But the Jedi soon left to fight their war. And I was left with a dream… I swore that I would become a Jedi. As soon as I had enough money to do it, I bought passage on a freighter headed for Dantooine. And we both know what has happened since then. I am grateful to you for having given me the opportunity to fulfill my dream, rather than become what I hated. Someday I may make it up to you, but for now, let us keep on the task at hand.

– Juhani Excerpts from Knights of the Old Republic game

Auction

Twi’lek: *grunt* What the hell is your kind doing here? Bad enough I have to deal with all these other idiots, but now there’s a stinkin’ Cathar on this world too?

Juhani: I have as much right to be here as you do, SIR!

Twi’lek: Hide behind your pet Cathar… And a woman at that! We should have exterminated all you Cathar when we had the chance. Your people are pathetic, it’s no wonder we crushed your world so easily.

Juhani: Wha… what do you know about my world?

Twi’lek: A specimen like you would be a nice addition to my collection. So what would it take, Jedi, for you to sell your pet here to me? Now don’t be so selfish. We both know Cathar aren’t real people anyway. The females make amusing pets, but males should be put down like the animals they are. I remember one time on Taris…

Twi’lek: Put one of you down like the animals you are. So easy… then I saw one of the females on the auction block, but those darn Jedi… What? Me? Oh ho! Now I recognize where I’ve seen that face before. You were the little Cathar I was going to purchase. But those Jedi came and stole my pet away from me! When I was fighting with the Mandalorians against the Cathar, I developed an appreciation for these creatures. They make excellent servants if properly trained. You Jedi act all prim and proper, but inside you must feel the same way I do about the lesser, non-human species. The Sith at least let their feelings show on the outside.

Juhani: My Cathar blood seethes at the thought of that man still running free. I cannot stand still while I think about it, but… but I will not give in to the dark side either. He will pay for his crimes, though. He will most likely be following us… me. If we could find him first, then he may not be able to set in motion whatever he has in store for us.

Twi’lek: Ack! *cough* Heh, you seem to have defeated me, Cathar worm, but I’ll have the last laugh in the end! *cough* You may have killed me here, today, but I had the pleasure of killing off your species! Not everyone who fought alongside the Mandalorians did it for their stupid concept of ‘honor’. Some of us did it just for the pleasure: the pleasure of seeing your world burn. I killed your people on Cathar in the sky, on the ground, in their homes. I hunted them down like the animals they were, just to see them burn. But the treacherous beasts fought back and left me with injuries that meant I could never fight again… or so they thought! I ended up in the Lower City of Taris, and what did I find? A few of those stinking beasts living there! The male was easy enough to best, but the females proved elusive. I didn’t know what happened to them after I killed the male, until I saw this cursed woman on the auction block. But then the Jedi came and ruined everything before I could have my revenge… *cough*

– Juhani Excerpts from Knights of the Old Republic game

Aric Jorgan

A born leader, Aric Jorgan is one of the Republic’s most capable field officers. He enlisted in the military at an early age and quickly distinguished himself as a talented marksman. His impeccable service record earned him a spot in the Republic’s top sniper squad, where he successfully carried out over a dozen missions against high-ranking Imperial targets. Since his transfer to Fort Garnik, Jorgan has earned a reputation as a hard and demanding taskmaster. However, few realize his surly demeanor belies a genuine concern for the well-being of his troops. While those under his command may not particularly like the brooding Cathar, they almost always respect him.

– Star Wars: The Old Republic companion lore entry

Thank you to these players who submitted images of their Cathar, @Friendly_Kat, @ThomasG29439853, @AshiaSature, @Eisbleidd, @FukaiMeigetsu, @Gyria_Tu, @LanaBaeniko, @ManickWarrior, @NaraRavenhunter, @NutellagirlDK, @NutellagirlDK, @SWForce4EU, @TMJfin, @TeslaTheZabrak, @bpphantom, @gagapski, @loopylaraUK, @phyreblade, @rebelrealcanon, @rkollto, @scruffynerfher, @sith_core, @thelastenvoyyy, Paradox#3991, Littlone200q#1115, Antonine#7566, @Friendly_Kat and to Zahk and Audrea aka Team NAS for supporting this huge project!