Atoa

The Atoan Eik'kar, or simply 'Atoa' is currently the largest and most powerful planet in the Ghost Nebula. It was founded by Amadiel Saro and its capital is Angarath's Fist, which also serves as the Causha's seat of power and home of First Child. It is ruled by a Theurocratic Magocracy known as The Causha.

## History

It is unclear when Atoa was founded, but the details remain the same. Two tribes of nomadic 'Gadosh' (who would eventually become the Atoan people) appeared from the Unknown Regions, the Sarondil and Bekhandol, settled in the region that would become known as Angarath's Fist and were the ancestors of modern Atoans. The Sarondil settled at the center of the Fist and were shapelessly defined as culturally rich. In those early years after the founding of the capital, the two tribes began to dispute land ownership. Both tribes were largely isolated and remained strong and distinct groups until the founding of Atoa. In modern times, their culture has all but disappeared.

### Seeded in Corruption

In ancient times, the Sarondil and Bekhandol united into a kingdom in a moment known as the High Consolidation, implemented by the head of House Grisai, Amdem Gol. He forced many culturally distinct communities together in an attempt to create more efficient hurdles against the likelihood of foreign invaders. Other noble houses that had arisen in the 'dawn of creation' were unamused by Amdem's push for power, Amdem's younger brother Mudil attempted to garner forces to take back the Fist from his older brother. It was around this time that Amdem put his plan of getting rid of Gadosh influence over the Sarondil into motion. He manipulated his people into killing his brother in an attempt to staunch the spread of influence across the planet. This began the long period of conflict between the Sarondil and Bekhandol people as Amdem went on to rule over his empire with little to no conflict reaching his doorstep.

In roughly 3600 BBY, cults of Bogan worshipping Atoans spread quickly throughout the southern reaches of the planet, initiating the construction of the first great temple in Bin'Dal (A location on the outskirts of Angarath's fist), which was to become a major center of worship for the cult of Saro. One of it's most fervent followers was the young prince of Angarath, Amdem's son, Amadiel, who began a series of holy conflicts in the name of balance, quickly proving himself to be one of the greatest leaders in Atoan history. By 3582, having conquered several neighboring city-states and forced others to submit to his overlordship, Amdem was crowned emperor of Atoa; however, this did not come to pass. Instead of claiming lordship over the planet, the man instead took to the cult of Saro. Renaming the collective to 'The Causha' which consisted of force-sensitive hopefuls that made up the upper-class of the newly formed Theocracy.

#### The Lost Command

> "*Sweep the area again. Execute anyone old enough to hold a weapon. Then burn the city*"
> ― Darth Vader to Commander Voca
>
>

Following the events of Revenge of the Sith, an Imperial expeditionary force led by Garoche Tarkin had gone missing in the Ghost Nebula. Discovering the planet, the forward scouts landed on the planet and were met with hostility. Unbeknownst to the Galactic Empire, the thirteenth reincarnation of Amadiel known as Lady Saro spared Garoche's life alongside a majority o the expeditionary force. In her eyes, Saro saw their future union as an opportunity to spread Atoa's influence throughout the Ghost Nebula. Falling in love, Garoche surrendered his ties to the Empire and devoted his life to the High Priestess at her request.

After traveling to the Ghost Nebula, Vader and his Imperials landed on the planet with little to no trouble. Upon discovering a city not far from the area where they had landed, Vader's Commander reported that the settlement possessed at least a few hundred armed soldiers and that a small scouting party was approaching the Imperials' position.

With brutal and merciless efficiency, the 501st began overwhelming the city's defenders by sheer force of military power.

Shadows loomed as the Galactic Empire rose. Atoa was attacked by Darth Vader and the 501st Legion who had been led to believe that they were responsible for the disappearance of Admiral Garoche Tarkin. Upon his arrival, Lord Vader captured Lady Saro and interrogated her as to the whereabouts of the dear Admiral. Saro, believing her will to be stronger than the Darth's, responded with demands. Were they met, she would lead the Imperial forces to the Wreckage of Tarkin's abandoned Star Destroyer.

Foreseeing his possible failures, Palpatine ordered Vader to kill Garoche and blame his death on the Atoan Insurgents, with the intent of deepening Wilhuff's hatred to make him a better tool of his dear empire. True to his plan, Garoche and Lady Saro were killed and the young Tarkin's death was framed as if the Insurgents had executed him in cold blood. Wilhuff committing genocide against the Atoan people as revenge for their perceived part in his demise. In the span of three months, the population of Atoa sank from little over one billion to roughly forty thousand with Wilhulf's orbital bombardments rendering the landscape *seemingly* inhospitable with the terrestrial plates beneath the surface of the smoldering rock shifting and destroying what remained of Atoa's various holy cities.

Such destruction left Atoa in a state of disarray; however, some select devoted members of the Causha survived the events and went on to restore order in the years that followed the departure of the Galactic Empire.

## Culture & Society

Atoa is shrouded in mystery. Most of their legends and stories had never left the planet prior to Vader's incursion in the years prior to the battle of Yavin. Even so, Atoa is famed for its culture and extravagance.

Its capital city is Angarath's Fist, which boasts the High Temple of Cau; a major center of learning that attracts young children from all over Atoa with the best education one can muster. It's a relatively modern institution, whose liberal-minded professors have already clashed with religious conservatives over the content of their classes, though the Causha control most content that meets their hopefuls.

### Religion

The origins of the Atoan religion are obscure. Discussion on the subject appears in the philosophical traditions of Atoa. The Atoan equivalent of the Pre-Socratics discussed reincarnation, and their ancient priests are also reported to have taught a doctrine of reincarnation.

Bin’Dal’Un’Tho(Caushism) taught an elaborate dualstic cosmology describing the struggle between a good, spiritual world of light, and an evil material world of darkness. It is stated that the Atoan people have always shared a direct connection with their ancestors through what they call 'the binding'. It is stated that the longer that the material plane exists, the more it degrades. It is only when the Atoan people are reborn through their descendants that this cycle is repeated.

In the current day and age, rebirth is saved for those who are worthy of Bogan's blessing. Both soul and mind can pass to another under the correct circumstances (within the belief system); however, the High Priestess Aketra claims that she and she alone is to be the final reincarnation of Caush ancestors. Being a mirror of Lady Saro and Amdem Gol.

### Architecture

Atoan architecture is heavily influenced by secular Gothic style. Just is the same for clothing, no expense is spared for buildings. Impression is the largest goal for the people. It does not matter if a building is fragile, so long as it gives the illusion of perfection. Aesthetics trump practicality, no matter the cost.

Religious iconography can be spied almost everywhere. Depictions of Ashla and Bogan can be spied from slums to high temples.

### The Class Divide

Atoa is a place where class and social politics frequently rule the day. As such, the concerns relating to various classes differ greatly depending on who's recounting their morning. Both men and women wear cosmetics of various kinds, with subtle differences that mark social standing.

What makes Atoa special is how integral the force is to their people. Unlike other races, Force Sensitivity is not rare among the race. If anything a good half of the race share some connection to the force; however, biologically? Most Atoan people are incapable of channeling their abilities. It is only those who can that are held in high esteem and eventually grafted into the Chau by the High Council.

While the Atoan nobility may give the impression of a prosperous and easy life for all, the lives of commoners are much more difficult. All aspire to live the lives of the noble class, but only a good 12% of the people can actually claim that they belong among them. Many Atoans are hardly well off and work as freeholders or laborers, often leading to general discontent and simmering resentment for nobility.