Palowan

Palowan are a phenomenon of the Ulayavi Polity.

Originally applied only to Ulayavi born outside of their home system, the term has expanded throughout the centuries. It now may apply to any person, regardless of race, who are loyal to the ideals of the Polity - in opposition to the Krakun.

Etymologically, the term is closely related to an ancient word for "sibling," and is ascribed to the Ul' population of Fidan being "siblings in suffering" under Geordian rule.

After the liberation of Fidan, it referred specifically to diasporic Ul'. As time advanced and different species were integrated into the growing warfront against the Krakun, many Ul' began to see these populations as siblings in arms. Thus, the term evolved to encompass non-Ul' members of the Polity.

Though largely retaining this context of unity, in modern times the term has grown into a pejorative on Ulayavi homeworlds, owing to a growing separation amongst the Spacer and Worlder cultures. Almost all palowan are spacers, and spacer culture is most closely associated with resisting the Krakun and protecting Polity space against incursions. Thus being a palowan is associated with militarism and ambition, in contrast to Worlders, who many Spacers consider to be naive and unrealistic.

Many palowan tend to be achievement-oriented, wanting to prove their worth to the Polity and to each other. They are more likely to maintain technical skills as a result of travel through space, and in some cases speak exclusive variations of ullang (the ulayavi common tongue).