Soju

The Sojun (//, singular "Soju") were a race of s from Rubutu. Though they appeared similar to s, they were distinguishable by their native electric charge.

Biology and appearance
The Sojun naturally generated an electric charge through their bodies, which they could discharge at will through their skin. Though the charge was harmless to the Sojun themselves, it could stun or even kill other species. A charge built up over time; if unreleased for too long, it become uncomfortable for the Soju in question, and was usually described as an "itching" sensation. Most Sojun could moderate the level of charge they released at a time.

The majority of Sojun were pale with a faint blue tint to their skin, although some were pale yellow or blue. Their hair was generally pale colors, but their eyes were almost uniformly blue. Some other species described Soju eyes as "flashing".

Society and culture
Soju society was designed for the Sojun themselves; many doors, small arms, and other types of personal technology were not automated, but designed to be powered by an external electric current. As a result, aliens were often at a loss when trying to move through Rubutu, and many needed Sojun guides for something as simple as opening a door. The Sojun themselves enjoyed improving their technology, and especially liked making it more efficient so a Soju would have to expend less of his charge to power a tool or device. The Sojun also had a reputation for adapting foreign technology for their own use, both out of their creativity and desire for efficiency and because most offworld technology functioned poorly (if at all) on Rubutu.

Because of their native electric charge, both male and female Sojun generally kept their hair cut very short or shaved altogether; those who grew their hair often found it unmanageable as it was constantly electrified.

Though religiosity varied from one Soju to another, the dominant religion was monotheistic and believed that the goddess who created the Sojun had left a piece of herself (the electric charge) in her children—among the Sojun, "the spark of life" was not an idle turn of phrase. Though Sojun atheists pointed out that the Sojun had simply evolved to suit their atmosphere, faithful Sojun countered that they had been blessed with both sentience and their charge as a special gift.

Rin Sakaros's Centurions gave her the title "Lady of Lightning" as a reference to her use of. However, the Sojun considered this an extravagant compliment, and those who used it when referring to her did so as a sign of overwhelming respect.

History
Having evolved on Rubutu, whose tumultuous atmosphere made the planet barely habitable for most other species, the Sojun were perfectly adapted to their homeworld. The use of natural electric charge in war was present from the beginning of war itself, and early Sojun often used naked steel swords to conduct electricity to their enemies; while the electricity itself did not hurt other Sojun, it made blades cut flesh more easily.

Dictatorship became a way of life on Rubutu long before aliens showed up to impose it. By the time the Tetrarchy of Mezlagob began to annex the Xoquon sector in 100 BBY, Rubutu was already under the rule of a Soju dictator. The Tetrarchy military conquered Rubutu, but it was a costly battle which set back annexation of the sector by decades. Though Rubutu became a vassal world, most Tetrarchy citizens kept their distance from climatically hostile Rubutu, and the Sojun were left to pay tribute without much of an occupying force.

Despite their acceptance of dictatorship as a principle and their relatively unmolested state, the Sojun deeply resented the Tetrarchy for the volume of blood shed in the conquest of their world. The vast majority of Sojun sided with the Golden Empire throughout the Great Liberation, and joined immediately in the aftermath of the Battle of Tizgo V when the Empire captured the Xoquon sector.

Under the Empire's rule, the Sojun had more chance to leave their homeworld and to export their technology, and they took advantage of both opportunities. When the Sovereign's Tribunal was installed on Rubutu, the Sojun conceded to install more alien-friendly technology, including hotels and legal resources.

In the galaxy
Sovi Evnairis and Benzeel Rikos were female Sojun Centurions of the Order of Keltrayu; both became Royal Guards, and Sovi a Praetor.

The male Soju Vansic Nikalein was a bodyguard of Kilwyo Kesh who died during the Brawl at the Miner's Daughter.

Appearances

 * "It Takes Only One"