Humans

Early Humans
Humans are one of the most common species in the galaxy. They originated in the Milky Way on a planet known as Earth, found in the Sol system. Humans were originally shorter than in the present, and notably originally had varying skin tones and features that made them distinct "races". After humanity united under the Third Reich in 5948HY (1948AD), most racial characteristics were wiped out until humans became similar to what they are in present day. The Elves, due to their genetic characteristics, could be called a modern race of humans, although are widely regarded as an entirely separate species.

Eugenics, genetic manipulation and other means of manipulating the human form became widespread and common as humans engaged in colonization and wars among themselves and with other species. At some point before 7000HY the elves came to be, although it is unknown if they are a hybrid between humans and another species or humans with extremely manipulated genes.

The Rot and Colonization
As of 16083HY human factions control over half of the galaxy. This was not always the case as from around 6996 and ending around 7029 a metaphysical "disease" known as The Rot slowly began to spread, almost wiping humanity out. The Rot affected most living organisms including animals, plants, fungi etc,, as well as slowly decaying solid objects and rendering buildings unsafe to live in. A vaccine for The Rot was created which worked on humans, however as a side effect vaccine recipients would mutate into a strain of Monster immune to The Rot but hostile to normal humans. The majority of the populace died or became Monsters, with some fleeing to the ocean aboard massive ships quarantined from one another. These survivors would fashion hazardous environment suits and vehicles covered with the skin of these Monsters. To finally end The Rot a bargain was struck with a powerful entity which made humans immune to The Rot without side effects. What was exchanged in this bargain is unknown but it did lead to the creation of undead humans known as Chatterers which may be linked to the Oil. By 7032 a functioning society on the mainland had begun to form once more.