[Zoxesyr]

I had to ask this question after reading Coda, and the follow up comments, but because it is a tangent I think it belongs in it's own thread.

Have you read the novels "Whipping Star" or "Dosadi Experiment" by Frank Herbert?

You should read one of them if you haven't already. Especially note the alien species called "Calibans" and their unique talents. The best description of them is in the Whipping Star.