Based on the recent announcement of The Old Republic's first non-human race, MMORPG.com's Michael Bitton kicks off a series that examines what some of the other possibilities might be.

Zabrak

From the planet of Iridonia, the Zabrak, or Iridonians, were a near –human race that featured vestigial horns atop their heads arranged in a wide variety of patterns, and were easily distinguishable by their unique facial tattoos. Even more interesting than their outward appearance was their personality. Zabrak are an extremely determined, confident, even borderline arrogant race who did not often accept the idea that something could not be accomplished. The Zabrak were also renowned for their fierce combat prowess and exceptional constitution, as they were able to withstand a great deal of pain. Their combat prowess came as a result of their war-like culture, which required all Zabrak to learn a specific form of martial arts native to their species at a young age.

Why we like them: While many view the character of Darth Maul as one-dimensional, despite his badass combat moves, Darth Maul’s relentless pursuit of revenge against the Jedi is a great example of the unique personality of the Zabrak race. Maul wasn’t about the Machiavellian machinations of Palpatine and many other Sith Lords, he was singularly focused on taking out the Jedi, and he was anything but subtle about it. Intense and determined, the Zabrak are easily one of the most interesting races in all of Star Wars.

Likelihood of making it in: Shoe-in. Face it, they are iconic, loved by many (due in part to the popularity of Darth Maul, of course), are featured as many notable characters in the Expanded Universe and Star Wars games (Bao Dur, Darth Maul, Eeth Koth), and most important of all, they are much easier to implement than many other races given their significant similarities to basic Humans. Add some horns, some differing eye and skin color variations, facial tattoos, and a few unique hairstyles and you’ve essentially got a Zabrak in apperance. Expect to be able to live out your Darth Maul fantasies in Star Wars: The Old Republic.

Read Possible Playable Races, Part Three.