Planet Name: Mon Calamari
Planet Type: Aquatic (water world)
Native Race(s): Mon Calamari, Quarren
Political Affiliation: New Republic
Chief Industry: Shipbuilding
The water world of Calamari is the homeplanet of both the Mon Calamari and Quarren species. The planet itself was one of the first to join the Rebel Alliance, bringing with it its fleet of much-needed capital ships.
Calamari has always been a peaceful world. The Mon Calamari were a curious race that looked at the stars as an endless ocean of unexplored islands. The Quarren, however, chose to stay in the watery depths of Calamari's vast oceans. After years of distrust towards each other, both species agreed to put aside their differences for the advancement of the planet. The formation of this symbiotic relationship led to the planets Golden Age. With the Quarren to mine ore from the planet's interior, and the Mon Calamari to divise practical used for it, Calamari's floating cities were built.
Soon, the construction of starships had begun. The Mon Calamari settled their own solar system, and then decided to reach out to a larger galactic community. The discovery of hyperspace made this possible. However, an Imperial ship discovered the peaceful planet and its docile inhabitants before this could happen. The Empire subjugated the world, taking many Mon Calamari, including Ackbar, slave. Ackbar served under the notorious Grand Moff Tarkin before being freed by Rebel operatives. He returned to his world and rallied his people against the Empire. Their organic-looking passenger liners, sometimes taking skilled craftsmen years to build, were converted into formidable warships. These ships became a crucial part in the Rebellion's fleet, playing a major role in the destruction of the second Death Star. Six years after the Battle of Endor, Calamari was attacked by the Empire's new World Devastators. The world suffered great damages, but the New Republic was able to stop the deadly machines during the Battle of Calamari.
Soon after the Battle of Calamari, Admiral Daala attacked the planet with three Star Destroyers. The only way the New Republic could repel the attack was by steering an unfinished cruiser, the Startide into the Star Destroyer Manticore, destroying both warships.
The huge floating cities of Calamari are always multileveled, extending both above and below the waves. The anchored metropolises house both Mon Calamari and Quarren residents. Quarren usually live in the lower levels, while Mon Calamari tend to live in the upper levels. Huge bay doors on the exterior of the cities allow seaskimmers to come in and out. The cities are named using aspects of the oceans, such as Foamwander City and Coral City.
Many Mon Calamari have risen to the public eye, the most famous being Admiral
Ackbar, hero of the Rebellion, Commander of the Rebel Fleet, and champion of
justice. Terpfen, a Mon Calamari ship tech, had Imperial-planted organic
circuitry implanted into his brain that forced him to sabotage Admiral Ackbar's
B-wing, almost causing his downfall. Cilghal, a Jedi healer and Mon Calamarian,
saved Mon Mothma's life by drawing a deadly poison out of her body using the
force. Many Quarren have also left the planet in search of adventure. Tessek, a
Quarren, (Quarrens are often nicknamed Squidfaces) occupied Jabba's Palace
before the Hutt's demise.
Calamari's seas support a multitude of life, including the huge whaladons. These huge, whalelike mammals were once almost hunted to extinction. A predatory species, the krakana, inhabit the deeper regions of the oceans. Other creatures such as fish, clams, and crustacean species can all be found in the seas of Calamari.
Author: Peter Rindal