

The Helghan Corporation colonists were originally the inhabitants of Vekta until the aftermath of the First Extrasolar War forced millions of disaffected colonists to relocate to planet Helghan after refusing to live under ISA rule. The Helghast are biologically capable of reproducing with normal humans, producing half-human and half-Helghast offspring known as half-breeds. Their bodies are evolved to resist and adapt to planet Helghan's hostile conditions, which include: being more suited to the low gravity, strengthened tendons, more oxygenated blood, increased lung function against the planet's pollutants, and their cells have more resistance to high radiation levels. The Helghast are distinguished by their pale skins and often lack of hair. Visari purported the term's origin from the Old English word, "gast", meaning "spirit", or "ghost", connoting great fear. Scolar Visari first coined the term "Helghast" during a public speech in 2347.
