Clawdite

Clawdites are a race of near-human beings noted for their ability to alter their shape. They are native to the planet Zolan. Descended from the base Zolander stock, Clawdites were polymorphic within the boundaries of their own body mass, but could pass for virtually any other race with the proper concentration on the form. This ability was accidentally triggered when scientists tried to activate dormant skin genes in the Zolanders, in an effort to protect the race from increasing solar radiation. The genetic structure of the Zolander subjects was dramatically altered, and centuries of evolution produced the Clawdite race.

Depending on the skill of the individual Clawdite, they might simply change their facial appearance or alter their entire body shape. The ability to alter one's shape allowed the Clawdites to blend into enemy camps, where they could gather intelligence to commit crimes. Shape-changing took a good deal of patience and practice for the Clawdites, although medical enhancement of their physiology could enhance their abilities. A given appearance couldn't be maintained for very long, and a dead Clawdite always reverted back to its original appearance.

Because of their shape-changing ability, Clawdites were ostracized by their Zolander cousins, and there were several periods of civil war marking Zolan's history. The Clawdites petitioned Count Dooku and the Separatists for aid in defeating the Zolanders, but were ignored when the Clone Wars broke out. Because of the Clawdites' ability to alter their appearance, the planet Zolan was blockaded by the Empire in an effort to prohibit them from traveling abroad. After the Battle of Endor, the Clawdites mercilessly attacked the Zolanders, eventually taking control of the planet before the Yuuzhan Vong invaded the galaxy. At this point, the New Republic began recruiting the Clawdites, hoping to use their shape-changing skills to infiltrate the Yuuzhan Vong.

Clawdites have the ability to 'impersonate' and 'shapechange'.