Ogemite

Last Updated: 12/1/2023

Name: Ogemite

Humanoid: Yes

Classification: Near-Human

Homeworld: Ogem

Coloration: Tan and Yellow

Biology: Ogemites were nearly identical to Human beings, sharing the same body shape (albeit on the thin size), general features, sexes, approximate internal biology, and length of lifespan. They stood slightly taller than the average human, often 1.8 to 2 meters in height. One of the differences between Ogemites and humans was their pigmentation, which always gave their skin a pale tan or yellow hue. Their main, outstanding trait, however, was their feather-like hair. It was usually golden in coloration, and while they don’t seem to be true feathers, they are still close enough that most people could not determine a difference. Ogemites could speak Basic, and besides possessing feathers, they were not classified with other Avian species (including the similar Omwati) as there is no evidence they ever evolved from a bird-like species.

Lore: The Ogemites were not discovered until around 3000 BBY, making them a very late addition to the galactic landscape. Unlike many species when they were first discovered, however, the Ogemites already had a fairly advanced and functioning society. The explorers who originally came across Ogem were not actually associated with the Galactic Republic, but were simply exploring the D’Aelgoth Trade Route. However, by the time of the Clone Wars, Ogem and it’s people were fully engulfed by the Republic.

Following the rise of the D’Aelgoth Trade Route and popularity of Ogem as a pitstop world, the Ogemites quickly produced a number of successful merchants, traders, and businessmen. Despite all of this progress, Ogemites were still known for heavily enforcing their traditional gender roles, with the males doing most of the offworld work while the females stayed on Ogem to tend to things there. Because they valued trade so much, they feared limiting their market, and as such, chose to remain independent from any galactic powers, groups, or governments.

The Ogemites continued to spread their influence out across the galaxy, planting more and more merchants on different popular worlds, and eventually becoming a very prominent part of the Corellian Trade Spine. Because of their planetary independence, it was still seen as taboo for individual Ogemites to side with a cause or non-Ogemite group, but as their influence continued to expand, so did their inevitable involvement with outside sources.

When the Galactic Empire rose to power and standardized the Imperial Credit, many Ogemites saw this as a great offense and form of oppression, and many flocked to the Rebel Alliance, more often as informants than as combatants. Because of the wealth and influence they had acquired over the past couple of millennia, they were an invaluable asset to the Rebellion. And surprisingly, no record of the Empire ever targeting Ogem or it’s people exists, which was rare for species who chose to align themselves against the tyrannical galactic dictatorship.

Legends/Canon: The Ogemites originated all the way back in 1979 in the short comic strip, “Tatooine Sojourn.” Surprisingly, they made their Canon debut in 2021 in the book The High Republic: The Rising Storm. It was just a brief cameo, and we did not get expansion on their in-Canon lore, so all we have to go off of at the moment is their previously established EU history included above at the moment.

Unexplored: Now that the Ogemites have made their way into Canon, they are ripe for some brand new exploration. Anything can really be done with them within this continuity, and having them appear in the High Republic era is especially fascinating. However, if some of their pre-existing lore is to be maintained, then it can just be tweaked to fit better into Canon. How far was their reach throughout the galaxy? Did they join the New Republic, or return to their independent ways after the fall of the Empire? And as merchants, what exactly did they sell? Random imported wares, exports from Ogem, exclusive technology, trinkets and arts, or something else? These are some questions that would be fascinating to explore further.

Additional Notes: As far as feather-haired near-humans go, I still prefer the Omwati. However, I was definitely excited to learn that this species had been Canonized. The High Republic seems to be a really great place for old concepts, characters, and species to receive new life within the current Star Wars continuity. 

Additional Images: