Human Subspecies of Source World Ghosts
The Human Diaspora consists of hundreds of varieties of humans, known as subspecies. Most are homo sapiens capable of interbreeding, although some groupings of the subspecies are chromosomically distinct enough that they can produce only infertile offspring, and in some cases none at all without genetic intervention. All Nodal subspecies can produce fertile offsprings. Further afield, among the worlds of the Eos and among some clans beyond the Node, successful breeding is limited.
The subspecies arose at two different times in human history. The first wave of human alteration occurred during the Ganaomog, some 13,000 astronomical years before the time Source World Ghosts takes place. The second wave occurred with the Liberal Imperative, just after the cessation of the Pladjini Wars, as humans raced to rebuild their interstellar civilization.
The subspecies featured below figure prominantly in SWG. Information on subspecies not mentioned here can be found in the SWG Glossary.
Nodals
Nodal subspecies vary greatly, but all can interbreed and produce fertile offspring. Aside from this important link, they are quite distinct both morphologically and culturally, with many Nodal varieties arising from vastly different eras.
Saloreans
Saloreans are believed to have arisen in the Oush Starfields. While they dominate the central Nodal worlds, especially in the Salorean Empire, they have immigrated to many places around the Node. They are characterized by elongated faces, especially with regards to their chins and noses. Their most notable feature, however, is their orangish skin, often highlighted by bright blue eyes.
Te Pewanians
Also known as the Source World, Te Pewa is the fabled aboriginal home of all human subspecies. No one knows the exact form that Te Pewans took or even whether their planet was located near the Oush Starfields, deep within the Node, or in some distant, unknown region. Indeed, becasue the nature of these ancient people and their culture is a total mystery, so the identity of all contemporary human forms is equally enigmatic.
Clans
Allamadainians
Allamadainians are an ancient race cultivated from Agradarian stock, living on only one world, Allamadain. They are of a narrow build, with very pale skin and silvery hair. The traditions of Allamadain come from Fao Su, but have taken on messianic overtones. They believe themselves to be the closest to the original Te Pewan humans and that through the purity of a messiah from Te Pewa, they will be able to reclaim their humanity, lost to all human subpecies during the Ganaomog.
Benthens
Benthens are large, brutish people residing in a string of worlds skirting the edge of the Dhuir. They have coal-black skin, enormous beak-like noses and small eyes. Politically, Benthia is composed of a confederacy of fiefdoms, many of which are aligned more with the Noro and Genenkolk Clans than with any central Benthen authority.
Wungs
Also known as Wungmen, Wungs are relatively large and often obese humans, built sturdily for the high-gravity worlds they tend to inhabit, their red and brown skin especially tolerant of strong solar rays. They often wear their hair in long braids or curls and dress in flamboyant uniforms. Theirs is a militaristic culture which emphasizes obedience and honor.