Athenian League

The Athenian League, also called the Athenian Alliance, is an interplanetary political alliance between 13 planetary bodies and numerous smaller outposts and orbital bodies, under the leadership of the Republic of Athena. It was established on August 14th 2561, in the aftermath of the Created Crisis under the leadership of Athena, initially in response to the threat of the Testament. The League, while militarily limited, exerts itself through economic and technological means, possessing a highly advanced scientific and engineering industry. 
==History==
=== Background ===
The origins for the Athenian League began during the Human-Covenant War, when the Outer Colony world of Athena was cut off from the rest of the UNSC for much of the war. While Athena would eventually return to the UEG fold, a strong anti-UEG sentiment lingered.
In 2558, across the galaxy, the rogue AI Cortana issued an ultimatum and began the Created Crisis. which saw AI's attempt to supplant humanity as the bearers of the Mantle of Responsibility. Athena, a very AI-based planet, was acutely weak to such an assault.
Across Athena, numerous AI began to revolt and quickly started to take over the planet. The DIANA Worldmind, a special intercomputer program that connected AIs across the plane remained, joined the Created, and established an authoritarian cyberocratic regime. Large swathes of Athena fell under Created control, but an underground resistance movement but had only limited success throughout the entirety of the Created Crisis. When Cortana destroyed herself in December of 2559, Created unity was effectively crushed. The resistance, organized under the effective leadership of Malakye Gregory, quickly overran their AI overlords. 
Gregory was a noted pro-independent Athenian, and with no UEG insight, set up a regency government. On April 19th, 2560, the independent Republic of Athena was established, with President Malakye Gregory as its first head of state.
The new republic would quickly begin a rapid series of rebuilding and radical reforms under President Gregory began. The most notable of these were the so called "Anti-AI Accords," in reality a series of important laws that instituted a restructuring of artificial intelligence in Athenian society and administration while developing a series of countermeasures in-case of any future AI uprisings. Gregory was a noted moderate in regards to dealing with the "AI question" far less radical then many of his cabinet members, and thus setting the stage for the Gregorian AI Model, a specific view of wide-AI use with heavy-handed approach and countermeasures, that would be the principle Athenian policy for AI. 
=== Testament Conflict & Founding ===
Beyond AI reforms, the new republic also had to deal with an immediate and resurgent threat known as the Testament, a radical Covenant remnant. The Testament had been a smaller alien terrorist organization in the pre-Crisis systems around Athena, and had resurfaced as an even greater and bigger threat. A massive assault on Athena in June 2560 by the Testament was the first major conflict between the two forces, with the Testament eventually beaten back but still strong. Victory bolstered Athenian morale, however, and President Gregory would begin a rapid remilitarization for the planet which had previously held its own against the Covenant for years. Success in the following months would push the Testament out of the Vesta System completely, although the skirmishes would continue.
Athena would quickly expand to neighboring star systems, first encounter forces of the independent planet of Boqam in the nearby Serem System and working with to push back a small Testament fleet. Over the last months of 2560, Athena would begin reaching out to neighboring star systems and planets, providing aid, and setting up preliminary relationships that would lead to the Athenian League. As one of the strongest planets in the region to emerge out of the Created Crisis, Athena quickly became a key ally to nearby planets who were dealing with internal strife, remaining AI warlords, resurgent Covenant raiders, and the Testament, the other major threat in the region. 
Throughout 2561, the tight relationships between Athena and the various planets and new nations were strengthened, as Athena provided valuable technological services and logistical planning against the Testament, and received new troops and resources. Following a major defeat on the planet of Zhero in August, the Athenian League was proposed as the only successful countermeasure against such as threat, and on August 14th 2561 the Athenian League was established in New Athens, Athena. The principle mind behind it was Brodyn Stryker, who created the Stryker Accord which established the principle governance and constitution of the Athenian League. Several different planetary governments amassed their forces alongside Athena and successfully beat back the Testament, sparking the beginning of the end for the faction. By the end of 2561, the Testament was heavily broken, and over the next two years would be aggressively hunted down, with its leader Lork Tanu killed in 2563.
=== Expansion ===
Since the ending of the conflicts with the Testament, the Athenian League has emerged as the preeminent power in its small section of the Orion Arm. Due to its relatively isolated location, the League has been largely untouched by other major players in the post Created Crisis galaxy, and is actively working to defend itself and define its own identity separate from the UEG and the new number of diverse human states, while dealing with resurgence Covenant factions and remaining AI warlords. 
== Government ==
The Athenian League is by nature an alliance between independent planetary governments, although in some aspects it is closer to a federation. While memberships is voluntary and member states within can hypothetically relinquish their membership, the Republic of Athena serves as the de jure leader of the League, with all members required to follow certain policies and provide some taxed money to Athena, in return for continued support and provided valuable technology and logistical. Most members of the League actively seek to follow the "Athenian Model" encouraged by Athena itself, and there has been considerable debate over whether the League should develop into a full-on confederation or even federal nation. 
=== Executive Branch ===
The Prime Minister of the Athenian League serves as its head of government, with the president of the Republic of Athena fulfilling that position. The Speaker of the League is an elected leader who serves as the head of state, largely representing the non-Athenian members of the League. The Prime Minister approves any policies set forth by the Head Board of Policy, and the Speaker almost always ceremonially accepts those policies for the rest of the League's members. 
=== Legislative Branch ===
The High Board of Policy is a largely-Athenian based board of various administrators and other appointed officials who create various policies and regulations that members of the League must follow. Two representatives from each member-state are appointed by their respective governments, with an additional member added for the Republic of Athena. Policies are developed and deliberated upon before a final vote is cast, and after being approved it is examined by the High Board of Review, before finally being sent to the Prime Minister for implementation.
=== Judiciary Branch ===
The High Board of Review function as the judicial authority of the League. It is formed of 13 members, 7 appointed by the Prime Minister and 6 appointed by the Speaker. The High Board of Review also oversees any disputes between League members, with minor board members serving in individual nations to ensure the League maintains smooth internal relations.
== Members ==
The League is formed of a variety of different nations, who each have their own government and free state, but are heavily tied to Athena. These members have to follow the Stryker Accord, which includes providing military aid and paying a certain tax to Athena, while adhering to general policies put forth by the High Board of Policy and following general Athenian guidelines for their military and governmental structure.
=== Covenant of the Enduring Spirit ===
One of the most controversial and recent members of the Athenian League, the Covenant of the Enduring Spirit is a splinter Covenant faction that was formed under the leadership of Mrig 'Razamai, who wandered across former Covenant space. Despite several members of the League being opposed to them, the Enduring Spirit were willing to work with the League, fighting alongside them against a rebellious jiralhanae clan. Due to their assistance the Covenant was allowed to join the League and were given the small abandoned human colony of Hollow (renamed Hallowed Ground), located in a strategically important location on the League's borders.
=== Democratic Republic of Boqam ===
The first planet to reach out to Athena, Boqam holds a distinction as one of the premier nations within the League, a founding member, although it is not the largest and most powerful. Boqam itself is better known for its elite military, which arose from the harsh conditions of the planet itself. Boqam has an arid climate, with sandstorms of horrific velocity that arise without warning. Most Boqam are conservative and very unforgiving towards the various alien races, thus leading to some contention with the Covenant of the Enduring Spirit and the more progressive attitude of Athena.
=== Glorious Kingdom of New Antigua ===
A rather interesting member of the Athenian League, the Kingdom of New Antigua is the sole creation of Ignacio Benítez, an eccentric military commander. Following the Created Crisis, he led his own military forces in a brilliant campaign that conquered the planet of New Antigua, proclaiming himself king of his own "Glorious Kingdom." Despite his delusions of grandeur, Benítez possesses a keen military mind, and only decided to join the League after seeing the effectiveness of their advanced technology and the PRAETORIANs.
=== Nadezda Confederacy ===
Located on the north-eastern portions of the planet of Nadezda, the Nadezda Confederacy is one of two nations located on the planet. A nation of Russian-origin, it fought a brief conflict for dominance with the Union of Nadezda, until the arrival of the Athenian forces, which led to a quick end of the conflict and an agreed peace treaty. The Confederacy has rigid laws and law enforcement despite its more decentralized nature. 
=== Republic of Apollo ===
One of many Athenian puppet-states, the Republic of Apollo is established on the third planet in the Vesta System, Apollo, the sister to Athena. Apollo is mostly known for its vast mineral reservoirs, and the Republic of Apollo was officially established before the Republic of Athena, but became its virtual vassal and the first member to join the Athenian League. There have been increasing movements to outright annex the republic into Athena, an idea that has started to gain attraction in Athenian politics.
=== Republic of Athena ===
The central and leading nation of the Athenian League, Athena is the strongest, wealthiest, and founding member. Athena possesses the largest population out of the League, and is the main driving force behind it. The Republic of Athena retains total administrative control over the Vesta System, and has a heavy influence on the politics and actions of all other League members. 
=== Republic of Omen ===
The Republic of Omen is an Athenian puppet-state. The planet was taken over and controlled by a Created-allied AI, and was only liberated by Athena. The Republic of Omen was established afterwards, largely based on and modelled after Athena. Omen itself is mainly covered in caves and has a warm climate, which has led to a dispersed population, despite the number of people, which means most of them live in small outposts. The people of Omen are generally supportive towards foreigners, particularly those among the League.
=== Republic of Veccaro ===
Another Athenian puppet-state, Veccaro was a former human colony, before being entirely wiped out by the Covenant during the Human-Covenant War. It was miraculously spared from glassing, and recolonized following the end of the war. Veccaro was virtually lawless following the end of the Created Crisis, until the arrival of the Athenian League which restored order and established the Republic of Veccaro.
=== Republic of Ruhhung ===
The planet of Ruhhung has a very small population, little over a hundred thousand. Rainstorms on this planet cause frequent floods in the lower-lying areas, and it possesses many near Earth-like qualities. Ruhhung was a founding member of the League, and serves as the central breadbasket for the rest of the League, supplying large quantities of foodstuffs. Due to frequent attacks and its weak armed forces, Ruhhung requires the constant presence of the Athenian military.
=== Servants of Reclamation ===
The Servants of Reclamation are a unique Sangheili organization that departure radically by actively revering, humans as literal living relics. They see it as their divine duty to support and serve humanity, who are given the special designation of Reclaimers and thus charged with the Mantle of Responsibility, similar to the Heresy of the Chosen. While the Servants were vital in helping Athena remain out of Covenant hands, tensions still occasionally run high between human and sangheili, and thus the Servants were granted their own territory on Athena.
=== Skaran Federation ===
The planet Skaro is a cold and snow-covered planet, with most foliage made up of bushes and shrubs. It was only lightly settled, but home to a fierce insurrectionist movement during the Insurrection. While initially put down, the Human-Covenant War saw the movement resurface again, leading to the creation of the Skaran Federation, who were heavily weakened during the war. The Skaran Federation was on the brink of annihilation until the outreach of Athenian forces, and thus Skaros quickly joined the Athenian League for protection.
=== Technocratic Republic of Zhero ===
Zhero is a rocky planet that was originally colonized as a mining colony, which expanded into a very distinctive cultural zone, with a close relationship to Athena. During the Created Crisis, a technocracy was established on the planet, which managed to elude conquest by the Created. Reforms in the government led to a more republican model, and Zhero was one of the first to join the League, remaining a close ally to Athena ever since. Zhero culture is noted for being matrilineal and very progressive. 
=== Union of Nadezda ===
Stretching across most of the planet of Nadezda, the Nadezda Confederacy is one of two nations located on the planet. A nation of Russian-origin, it fought a brief conflict for dominance with the Union of Nadezda, until the arrival of the Athenian forces, which led to a quick end of the conflict and an agreed peace treaty. Nadezda possesses one of the largest population within the League as well as a highly secular and centralized nation that runs across a diverse landscape. 
== Military ==
The Athenian League has no officially standing military, with each member maintaining its own armed forces. However, the Athenian Armed Forces serve as the principle and de facto military force of the League, with member militaries able to join with and support the Athenian military. In addition, every member of the Athenian League has to follow certain military guidelines that match the Athenian model, making the combined militaries of the League generally homogenous. Most League outposts are manned by the Athenian Armed Forces.
The most famous part of this military is the PRAETORIAN Corps. which has seen significant reforms and downsizing, and in the present era is limited to a handful of elite weaponry used in extreme circumstances. This includes a heavy use of technological weaponry and devices designed to help protect soldiers. For instance, the Darstone Skin Treatment Spray, (commonly known as "Spray-On Skin") was used during the war for military personal by speeding up the healing time for burns and light skin wounds. The treatment uses a spray made from the cells of a sliver of the victims own skin, rapidly allowed to grow and multiply in seconds and then sprayed onto the damaged area, where they keep growing and multiplying. Since the end of the war, it has been released for commercial use.
The PRAETORIANs are divided into various types. The Servitor-Class PRAETORIANs are made up vast numbers of cheaper and more disposable "dumb" AI controlled that performed simple duties and basic military functions, namely the popular NORA-1 and NORA-2 AI (developed by Dr. Nora Sobek). The Warhammer-Class PRAETORIANs were the frontline forces and were composed of specially designed "smart" AI controlled PRAETORIANs, who were created from the cloned brain matter of military personal. The Warhammer-Class saw extensive military use, but the constant warfare dramatically increased AI rampancy and accelerated their lifespans, requiring a stream of new AI to replace them. Due to the heavy cost of producing each PRAETORIAN and the constant recycling of the operating AI limited its capabilities, and the Warhammer-Class is greatly reduced in number today.
The smallest but most famous type, the Zeus-Class (better known as the PRAETORIAN Guard) are a small cadre of elite PRAETORIANs that functioned in a similar manner to the SPARTANS of the UNSC. Through a very dangerous process and with a high-mortality rate, the minds of elite soldiers can be "reborn" and transferred into an AI-like state and is then implanted within the core of a Zeus-Class armor shell, though this often took on a mental toll and they could never return to their human body. PRAETORIAN Guards are often applied for assassinations and high-level missions, striking critical blows against enemy forces. Even if destroyed, their core processing chip can be retrieved and implanted into a new body, allowing for soldiers to be virtually unkillable if recovered. Despite this, Zeus-Class PRAETORIANs often suffer from a severe emotional and mental turmoil from being detached from their physical bodies and frequent deaths, often lead to a similar state of rampancy.
The PRAETORIAN Guard is divided into several companies, with a colonel at the head of the entirety of the Zeus-Class of PRAETORIANs. The Core Guard are the main formation of the PRAETORIAN Guard, under a major. The three main companies are subsequently subdivided into various groups called squads, generally 4-12, with specific amounts within each squad changing based on necessity and mission requirements. Each squad is given a specific codename, such as Olympians, Nymphs, Harpies, etc., and composed of singular Zeus-Class suits PRAETORIAN suits. These suits are incredibly advanced, and often feature AI assistance and a specific neural uplink system that allows a soldier to implant their mind within the suit itself, and later delink themselves from the suit. If the suit is destroyed or badly damaged, and the core processor which contains the soldier's mind is not retrieved, the human body of the soldier will remain, but they will be effectively brain dead.
== Economy ==
The Athenian League also functions as an internal trade union of sorts between its members. All League members are required to use the same currency, and while able to manage and finance themselves, Athena has a keen interest in the economies of the members of the League. In addition, all members are required to pay a certain tax to Athena in the interests of the League, which is intended to go towards further projects for the League.
The main economy of the League is relatively isolated, with trade negotiated between members who each buy and sell various resources at their disposal with one another. Members and the League as a whole are able to trade with other nations, although depending on the League's relationship with said faction this action may be frowned upon or even illegal.
== Foreign Relations ==
=== UEG ===
Relations with the United Earth Government have been tenuous at best. Native Athenians have held a grudge against the UEG after their perceived abandonment during the Human-Covenant War, exacerbated during and following the Created Crisis. Most citizens of the League have their own issues with the UEG, and believe that they can only rely on themselves and the League to make it through this new turbulent period.
=== Sangheili ===
Due to the bad blood with the Covenant races, the Athenian League has an interesting relation with the Sangheili as a whole. The Swords of Sangheilios have a mutual understanding with the UEG, and by proxy this has led to further distrust of the SoS by the Athenian League. However, the League is willing to work with, and even support, former Covenant remnants, particularly Sangheili factions. Many Sangheili on Athena respect or revere humanity, though relations are always strained with Covenant splinter factions and more radical Sangheili organizations, but attitudes towards them vary between League members. 
=== The Banished ===
The Banished are currently one of the major rising threats to the League, with numerous Banished war parties conducting daring raids into League territory. While so far these have been repulsed, the rising Banished activity is worrisome to the League, and the two factions view each other with disdain. Currently the Athenian League is undergoing a specialized semi-mobilization of forces to key locations to meet the Banished threat, targeting important leaders to further hamper any future success.
=== Other Human Nations ===
The League, like many post-Crisis states, is still very young, and so far has remained generally hesitant to negotiations with other nations. Relations with the Theban Commonwealth or the Commonwealth of New South Wales have generally been cordial, with limited trade conducted by individual members with bordering states. However, the League is cautious of potential conflicts and the danger of these states as well, and so far has remained relatively isolated diplomatically.
== Demographics ==
=== Languages ===
Due to its Anglo-American roots, English is the principal language of Athenian League, the first of many official languages. Spanish is a close second, with large pockets of Spanish speakers on Athena and across other members of the League. Russian is another commonly-spoken language due to the large population of the natives of Nadezda.
=== Religions ===
==== Human Religions ====
Athena is well-known for its high degree of secularism, due in part to its large history of scientific profiles and developments, and up to 69% of the total population of the League is agnostic and/or atheist's, numbers which only increased following the Human-Covenant War. Despite this, a sizeable population of League citizens retain some religious values and/or are members of various major religions, and identify themselves in part as being religious.
Due to the majority of League nations descending from the Americans, Protestant Christianity is the most popular, accounting for 34% of the population. The Athenian Neo-Baptist denomination is the largest sect of Christianity, with up to 17% of the total population, noted for its rather loose set of regulations and strictures while following general Baptist tenets. Various Neo-Orthodox sects are also prevalent on the world of Nadezda 
Ever since the end of the Human-Covenant War, two major religions have grown in popularity, these being the Universal Church, a subsect of Christianity that accepts all species, and has garnered a small following among non-human aliens, and the Congregation of All, a loose "umbrella" religion that focuses on worship of the Omni-God.
==== Covenant Religions ====
Due to the population of Sangheili within the League, various Covenant beliefs are prominent among alien races. The most widespread of these is the Ways of Reclamation, as espoused by the Servants of Reclamation. While keeping some of the key tenets of the Covenant religion, such as worship of the Forerunners, the Servants of Reclamation departure radically by actively revering, and a amongst more radical minority, worshipping humans as literal living relics. They see it as their divine duty to support and serve humanity, who are given the special designation of Reclaimers and thus charged with the Mantle of Responsibility. It is their belief that they can serve their gods by serving their successors (humans) and thus achieve ascension faster. Besides the Ways of Reclamation, another major sect among them is the Path to Ascension. Any anti-human beliefs are strictly forbidden.
==== "Science" Cults and Religions ====
Athena is also well-known for many of its bizarre "science cults/religions" that have sprung up based on the individual philosophies and ideologies of various intellectuals across the planet's history. Since the formation of the Athenian League, these various cults and strange sects have expanded to other membes of the League, although they still remain only a very small minority. The most well-known of these is the Third Church of Scientology, created at the beginning of the Human-Covenant War. The Third Church of Scientology holds that at the higher levels of initiation (OT levels), mystical teachings are imparted that may be harmful to unprepared readers. These teachings are kept secret from members who have not reached these levels. Among these advanced teachings is the story of Forerunners (sometimes Xemu or Xenu), introduced as an alien ruler of the 'Old Galaxy." According to this story, several million years ago, the Forerunners brought mankind to to Earth. During this period, bad "energies" called thetans then clustered together, stuck to the bodies of the living, and continue to do this today. Scientologists at advanced levels place considerable emphasis on isolating body thetans and neutralizing their ill effects.
Popular among younger teenagers is Warhammerism, based on a several centuries old wargaming module. Warhammerism espouses the belief in a sub-dimension known as the Warp, composed of the emotions of every living thing, and where powerful eldritch beings known as the Chaos Gods reside. Warhammerists worship an entity known as the Emperor of Mankind, who is believed to have ascended to godhood and once ruled Terra (Earth) hundreds of thousands of years ago. Many Warhammerists are noted for being extremely anti-alien, due to their religious beliefs of the divinity of mankind the need to "purge the mutant, the heretic, and the xeno."
One final popular cult is the Church of the Supreme Being. Based off the writings of Maximilien Robespierre, the modern-day church was founded by Ben Walsh Knowles in 2424 and has maintained a small number of believers. The Church espouses the belief in a Supreme Being, and the immortality of the soul, with reason being a means to the end of virtue. In order to accomplish this end, the followers of the Church perform duties that include the detestation of bad faith and tyranny, punishing tyrants and traitors, by caring for the unfortunate, respecting the weak, defending the oppressed, doing unto others all the good one can, and not being unjust towards anyone.
== Culture ==
Due to its make-up of a variety of different planets with different histories, backgrounds, and make-ups, the culture of the Athenian League is quite diverse. While a majority of the League possesses an Anglo-American "flavor" the presence of alien races like the Sangheili or the Ruso-based planet of Nadezda add distinctive elements to the makeup of the of the League. Despite this, the overall importance of Athena has led to the "Athenianization" of many facets of life for members of the League.
Athenian culture is very technocratic and has spread out across the rest of the League, with high-speed connection services and a variety of advanced technologies, many of them developed during the Human-Covenant War. The overall standard of living across the League is rising closer to pre-war periods, although there is a noted disparity among League members. The use of AI is strictly monitored, with "dumb" AI being much more widely used and any "smart" AI heavily restricted to specific task and always with a potential kill switch in case they ever go rogue again. Cybernetics and augmentation, while limited by Athenian law and League policy, is popular among younger citizens, who enjoy experimenting with various technologies and implants. 
During the Human-Covenant War martial prowess and skilled labor was encouraged, leading to the rise of "El Mano" culture, especially among the Hispanic community. Since the advent of the League, Mano culture has spread and developed into a very specific self-working ideology. Mano culture praises self-discipline and preparedness, and no matter one's rank or status, one ought to be ready and able to perform some manual tasks for the greater good of the community. This can be seen with the rise of more physical and in-person sports, such as football or grapple, a hand-to-hand wrestling sport that originated among military personal and became popular among civilians. The Athenian Olympics are another example of this, held every four years between the best athletes and performers within the League and used to bolster planetary unity.
The anthem of the League, "Deliver Hope" was adopted in 2561. Written by noted Athenian musician B. R. Glynwood, it notably doesn't not feature any words, instead designed to recall the tragedy of the Human-Covenant War and the importance of striving towards a more hopeful era.
Athenian art was known for its rather revolutionary style of AI painting, which required artificial intelligence to use text prompts to create elaborate paintings. However, this art style is virtually dead following the Created Crisis, and has instead led to a resurgence within Athena and across the League of human-made paintings. Daerryl Cobb's is a one of the best-known painter of the League for his popular art style, using broad strokes and semi-random lines to form a picture, with hazy and unclear details.
Category:Rex Regi Rebellis
Category:The Sagemaster