The Homyaks are one of the galaxy's most widespread races. The fur on their cheeks is always white, while on the head and body it ranges from brown to yellow depending on the spectrum of their homeworld's star. They are distinguished by outstanding hardiness: they can withstand a wide temperature range and exposure to radiation, which makes them excellent candidates for settling inhospitable planets. Pregnancy among the Homyaks lasts only one month.
The demographic peculiarity of the Homyaks lies in a critical shortage of females — roughly one female for every ten males. This has led to the formation of a unique social structure entirely without traditional marriage. When a male wishes to have an heir, he enters into a contract with one of the rare females, who carries the child for him; after the birth, their paths part forever. Raising children is usually taken on by the males. Although stable pairs do occur, they remain more the exception than the rule. Birth agencies that match males with females are a highly profitable business in Homyak states.
Standards of beauty among the Homyaks are quite particular. The key parameters of attractiveness are the fullness and softness of one's fur. Notably, cosmetics are used exclusively by males: they line their eyes and paint stripes along their ears, which serve as a means of self-expression and a display of social status.
