Homo Hadalis

Homo Hadalis is a species of subterranean hominid in the Jeff Long novels The Descent and Deeper.
Description
Homo Hadalis, colloquially known as Hadals, or "Haddie," are humanoid creatures who are most oftenly human-sized. Due to their subterranean existence, they are pale and almost always very lean. Their rough lives in dark caves and caverns give them damaged features, and their cultures seem to favor disfiguring body and facial decorations, further warping otherwise-human looks. Hadals often have horns and other horn-like growths sprouting from their heads, and their hands, feet, and skin are often described as tough and leathery - giving them an appearance similar to demons in human folklore. It is not determined to what extent their features are influenced by genetics or environment.
Due to high rates of mutations, Hadals have much greater variety in size and appearance than humans. Hadals often have atavistic features like gills, tails, and even wings.
History
At the time of the present in both novels, Hadals are considered relatively devolved from a previously-civilized state. In Deeper it is revealed that the Hadal civilizations were destroyed by the mysterious Angel some 9,000 years ago by a virus. Researchers believe that Hadals tutored ancient humans and helped them develop their own tendencies toward civilization.
Multiple Hadal cities exist in the sub-planet, including the metropolis seen in The Descent and the oxen metropolis in Deeper.
At the time of Deeper, very few Hadals remained - almost all of them had been killed by a virus developed by the United States government that was released during the Helios expedition.
Culture
Hadals have elaborate cultures and, in The Descent, are still formed into "nations," or clans. They use body art to distinguish clan membership and use glyphs to represent territory and property ownership. Different clans have different languages and customs.
Hadal culture is violent and has heavy emphasis on slavery - in the form of kidnapping and utilizing human slaves. Slaves are marked with body art, tattoos, and scars to represent clan ownership.
Spirituality is present in Hadal culture, with Hadals believing in deities and attributing objects and animals from the surface world with deities, including Monarch butterflies.
Intelligence
Though no longer able to read or write their ancient languages, Hadals can understand the importance of written language and will make elaborate markings. They can plan elaborate traps and ambushes, even with multiple groups and over large distances.
Though they do not regularly wear clothing, Hadals will wear pieces of military and mercenary uniforms, seeming to understand their cultural significance. Hadals can also use firearms they find in battle, though not effectively.
 
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