Lucem

Last Updated: 12/11/2023

Name: Lucem

Humanoid: Yes

Classification: Near-Human

Homeworld: Unknown

Coloration: White & Pale Tan

Biology: The Lucem were an incredibly near-Human species, bearing at least a few traits that set them apart from baseline Humans. On the surface, Lucem had the same general height, weight, build, and frame as the average Human, meaning they were bipedal, with two arms and two legs (plus the associated extremities) as well. However, Lucem were known for their pale appearance, with stark white hair and thin, light skin that almost seemed translucent in nature. 

The Lucem’s most unique trait, however, were their eyes, which have been explained on a surface level although we don’t yet know how they truly operated. Essentially, these eyes were solid black, save for a cluster of tiny white dots technically classified as “pupils”. Their pupils could be moved independently, granting them a higher degree of vision, as well as serving a defense mechanism. They did so by rapidly spinning their pupils in a whirlpool-like manner, disorienting anyone who looked into them and inducing a severe case of vertigo.

Lucem had the capacity to clearly pronounce Galactic Basic. It was also believed that they were capable of interbreeding with Humans, seemingly possessing the necessary compatible organs to do so. Additionally, we know that a number of Lucem were Force Sensitive, and the species was fairly renowned among the Jedi Order, so there’s a chance they had an elevated average midi-chlorian count. It may have also had a hand in their eye-hypnotism-esque abilities.

Lore: The Lucem were a fairly well-known species, renowned for producing a number of the galaxy’s writers, performers, musicians, and playwrights. In fact, their exploits into the galactic arts were so famous and well-documented that even the Jedi Order kept records of their accomplishments among their archives. The Lucem and the Jedi seemed to possess a good relationship, with a number of Lucem becoming Jedi themselves. It is unclear if the Lucem were actually members of the Republic or represented on the Senate, but they had been discovered and introduced into the galaxy long before the start of the High Republic era, so depending on where their currently unspecified homeworld was located, it is very likely.

Legends/Canon: The Lucem were introduced in Canon via The High Republic multimedia initiative.

Unexplored: We learned a fair bit about this species before we actually got an illustration, although that doesn’t mean they’re very well fleshed out as of yet. What we do know regarding their skills and connection to the Jedi is interesting, but there is so much more to explore! How early were the Lucem actually discovered, and by whom? What is their homeworld called, where is it located, what is it like, and was or is it allied with any major factions, such as the Republic? Would the Lucem have been suppressed by the Empire due to their history, or was it possible that they were close enough to baseline Humans to be able to join? And how exactly does their eye disorientation power work, and what would that look like? There are tons of specific questions we could ask, but of course, we also always have to consider our list of basic worldbuilding traits such as origins, history, governments and politics, economy and exports, society and civilization, religions and philosophies, traditions and practices, and especially their accomplishments and arts.

Additional Notes: Not much to say about this one at the moment, although I do find the idea of “translucent skin” is a rather unique concept that still isn’t used to its fullest. Hopefully they’ll do more with the idea, whether with this species or another, in something in the future, especially in a more detailed medium!

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