Echani

The most famous Echani character in recent Star Wars history is Brianna (aka the Handmaiden.) Along with the other students at Atris' academy, and the Jedi Atris herself, these Echani epitomize the self-discipline and warrior spirit that defines the proud race.

Revered for their mastery of the martial arts, the Echani have perfected the combative use of body and mind, yet contrary to the Mandalorian race's passion for warfare, the Echani see combat as a tool of spiritual enlightenment. Most commonly used in the defense of others or as an exercise in willpower, the Echani are well known for their pacifist nature; though only a fool would underestimate an Echani warrior on such a basis alone.

Echani equipment (blasters, swords, etc.) appear frequently throughout Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (KOTOR); however, only in Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II - The Sith Lords (KOTOR II) would the Echani become specifically relevant to the player.

The player will first encounter the Echani at Atris' aforementioned Jedi Academy on Telos IV in KOTOR II. One of the few Echani who have mastered the Force, Atris was a Jedi Master during the time that the Jedi Exile (the player) still belonged to the Jedi Order. Years before the events of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, the Exile followed Revan and Malak (who would be later known as Darth Revan and Darth Malak) into the Mandalorian Wars. Upon returning, Atris and the rest of the Jedi Council voted unanimously to exile the one whom they believed fell to the darkside.

When the Exile later arrives on Telos IV, his vessel - the Ebon Hawk - is stolen. Further plot details may be found in the above link to KOTOR II's dedicated page, but one thing leads to another and again the Exile finds himself in the presence of Atris; however this time, under far different circumstances.

Soonthereafter, the Exile and his allies depart Telos IV, bringing with them the locations of the remaining Jedi. And that is not all they bring away from Atris, the Echani responsible for stealing the Ebon Hawk, back on Telos IV, has snuck aboard the ship. Committed to her beliefs, the Handmaiden becomes yet another member of the Jedi Exile's entourage.