Athanasia

**Athanasia** is the homeworld of the antians, a highly magical species of beings. It is completely closed off to outsiders and is on the IDP's list protected planets.

## History and Xenophobia

Antian xenophobia is as well known as their magical abilities across the Universe and while some question it's validity, it's beginnings cropped up in very early history. Earliest records of Antians involve their capture and enslavement; for a time they were a common fixture of any large black market, mainly for their exotic beauty. Many people didn't risk buying Antians for the simple fact that they were known to be hard to keep, many escaping almost immediately; others brutally torturing and killing their owners with their magics. Eventually it was discovered by more mystical slave owners that Antian stones were useful on their own and soon they were in higher demand than ever. Entire industries were founded off of harvesting Antian stones to sell and/or use as batteries for magical devices and since the energy the stones could absorb was near limitless, they were incredibly expensive. Antians shut down their planet after this, some say they even created the asteroid belt as a protective measure against slaver ships. They made it illegal for outsiders to enter their newly claimed space and Antians that left the home world were chastised and often banished from Athanasia altogether. Black markets found themselves with a severe lack of Antians and Antian stones and so their price went up over a thousand fold; any Antians found in the outside world are a great and constant risk of death, though are more valuable alive.

## Geography

Athanasia sits in an old galaxy with one sun and is orbited by two moons and a hefty asteroid belt. It's geography varies as most planets do (it's 66% water) and it enjoys 4 seasons, it's days 36 hours long. The most admired feature of Athanasia are it's vast crystal caves, massive purple mountains and âï¿½ï¿½rainbowâï¿½ï¿½ deserts. It's cities are known for narrow streets, tall stone buildings and finely detailed architecture, often lit by magically powered crystalline street lamps. Rural areas are blanketed in colourful flora and support farms, mines and other like industries. Like many advanced societies, a great deal of Antians live in or near a major cultural hub; the capital city Pyrrh has a population of 15 million, Eumenes 11.5 million and Kreon 4 million.

## Demographics

### Species

Antians appear to be the only highly sentient species on the planet, but it's rich in unique flora and fauna and is home to at least one subspecies of phoenix.

### Ethnicities

Antians tend to split ethnicities based on the regions they were born in and they can be identified usually by the shape and colours of their stones, their facial traits and hair and skin colours. There has rarely been any tension between ethnicities apart from small territory wars.

### Languages

Antians speak a number of languages, but the dominate language is Qala which has soft inflections and has evolved overtime âï¿½ï¿½ influenced by many other regional dialects. Qala has become the antian standard and even those who speak other languages learn to speak and write it in schools.

### Religions

Antians have no formal religion, instead revering legendary artists, poets, architects, scholars, lawmakers, etc.

## Culture

The Antian class system is a loose system and based more on accomplishment than anything else. Scholars, artists and great mages are treated with the most respect and, especially in cities, those who work with their hands are considered mildly embarrassing despite their necessity to society. Politicians are likewise ranked and mostly appreciated for their personal accomplishments, rather than professional ones. Money means little in terms of class.

## Notable People

* The most famous antian in history is Aesop Fable, a prolific writer and expert mage. In most cases, he's the only antian anyone is likely to have met.