Kaleesh

The Kaleesh were a species of red-skinned humanoid reptilians with distinct features.

They had snake-like, beady yellow eyes with slitted pupils, prominent brows, and large tusks protruding from their upper jaws. Their chins bore bony protrusions, and their mouths, when closed, revealed two sharp fangs. Despite having facial features reminiscent of bats—such as elongated ears and flat or snub noses—they were typically seen wearing masks.

The Kaleesh had long, thin arms ending in four-fingered, clawed hands with opposable thumbs. Their legs were digitigrade, meaning they walked on their toes rather than the soles of their feet. Their claws varied in colour from white to black. Internally, they had a brain, heart, lungs, liver, and other vital organs, though their internal structure was extremely flammable.

Their scales could quiver in response to stimuli, sometimes giving the impression they were poised to strike. Their keen senses allowed them to perceive a full spectrum of colors, detect subtle scents—including the origin of individuals—and even recognize the distant stench of death.

The Kaleesh were a fierce and proud warrior culture known for their unyielding nature and lack of mercy. Their society was deeply spiritual, believing in a pantheon of gods to whom they alone answered for their sins. The warlords of Kalee were also revered as symbols of strength and conquest.

On their homeworld, Kaleesh warriors hunted creatures such as mumuu, erkush, and karabbac—not only for sustenance but to prove their bravery. They crafted clothing, masks, and armour from the hides and bones of their prey. These masks, often carved from the deadliest predators' skulls, teeth, and bones, were a signature of Kaleesh warriors, concealing their features. Before battle, warriors smeared their skull masks with karabbac blood as war paint. The Kaleesh took their traditions seriously and viewed wearing their sacred masks purely for effect as an insult.

Kaleesh warriors mastered various martial disciplines and wielded various weapons, including swords, shields, spears, and slugthrowers. Their combat prowess extended to unarmed techniques, and the martial art of Na Jang was adapted for military training.