Keshian

Last Updated: 11/8/2023

Name: Keshian

Humanoid: Yes

Classification: Near-Human

Homeworld: Keshi

Coloration: Brown or Tan

Biology: The Keshians were actually a race of Human-passing aliens, who were nearly identical to baseline Humans in every way except for their eyes and brain. Keshian eyes were slightly larger than that of most Near-Human species, and were described as being oddly colored, with large irises sporting pigmentation usually not found in the eyes of the average Human. These eyes had the capacity to perceive the full spectrum of radiation, which could then be efficiently processed by their advanced brains. This meant that Keshians could see both infrared and ultraviolet wavelengths, and could detect both heat and the direction of light with ease. Keshians also just had superb eyesight overall, able to see much clearer and further than most species. Keshians could pronounce Galactic Basic with ease, and were believed to be able to procreate with Humans.

Lore: Surprisingly little is actually known about the Keshians or where they came from, although their homeworld was believed to be the planet “Keshi.” They had long since integrated themselves into other Human societies, living their lives as normal and not revealing that they could see more than most. This did, however, give them a beneficial edge, and they were known for making expert pilots and navigators as they could see paths or dangers that other pilots couldn’t even dream of perceiving. It was possible for others to root out Keshians from among a Human crowd if they stared into their eyes for long enough. However, there was very little reason to do so, and so Keshians never found it necessary to hide or even obscure their eyes. Keshians had been discovered sometime prior to the collapse of the Empire, and some even joined the ranks of the New Republic for seemingly various reasons.

Legends/Canon: The Keshians have only ever appeared in official Canon media.

Unexplored: There’s a lot left mysterious about this Human-passing species that would need to be explored further before this species made any sort of true dent in the Star Wars universe. Since they’re so close to Humans, it’s their lore that will set them apart, which is why answering the tailor-made questions about the species will help flesh them out in a beneficial way. First and foremost, where did the Keshians originally hail from? Was it actually Keshi or somewhere else? How long ago did they evolve from the baseline Human? And why? What about their situation or home planet caused them to evolve with a need to perceive the radiation spectrum? And why did it not cause any further mutations or deviations?

When did the Keshians become integrated into Republic space, and how did Humans perceive them when they realized they were classified as non-Humans? How many Keshians were truly out there, and were they normally alone, or did they live in pockets or groups? Was their home potentially gone, whether occupied or destroyed, causing their numbers to dwindle while they diminished themselves by breeding with Humans? Or did they simply spread out across the galaxy because they could? Did Keshians have a unique language? And did they possess any distinct traits, philosophies, habits, religious beliefs, traditions, rituals, art, etc. that would further set them apart from Humans or the more popular Human-passing species that also inhabit the galaxy?

Additional Notes: I was recently made aware of the Keshians while researching for a species known as the Zixons, and was surprised to learn that they had already appeared in a fair amount of Canon media. I guess I missed their existence simply due to how unremarkable they are, both in design and lore, and I really hope they further flesh these guys out in the future! There’s the beginnings of a unique concept here, it just needs a little boost. And their inclusion within more and more media, whether that be The High Republic or even an upcoming live action project, will really help to solidify their place within the pantheon of Canon-exclusive sentient species.

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