Athea

## Athea: The Radiant Sanctum of Divine Arcana

Nestled within the heart of the central continent, Athea rises like a beacon of unparalleled brilliance. Its skyline, dominated by spires that pierce the heavens, tells a tale of a people whose devotion to magic and divinity knows no bounds. Every building, every monument, is an ode to grandeur, a manifestation of the Athean philosophy that magic, in its purest form, is meant for veneration and awe.

With its radiant, labyrinthine architecture, Athea stands as a testament to the boundless ambitions of its inhabitants. Structures coil and twist, reaching for the skies in complex patterns that are as much a marvel of magical engineering as they are a reflection of the nation's unyielding faith. Their military, similarly, isn’t just formidable—it's a spectacle, a display of might and majesty that exemplifies their belief in absolute excellence.

Yet, for all its splendor, Athea is also a land of unwavering orthodoxy. The bright and opulent streets, which echo with hymns praising the divine, can just as swiftly resonate with the cries of heretics meeting their fates. For the Atheans, faith is not just a matter of the heart—it's the very air they breathe, the foundation upon which their dazzling civilization rests.

At the heart of this fervor is their living deity, the god Athea, believed to have been crafted by the enigmatic Old Ones, ancient beings whispered to have molded the very fabric of the world. Every corner of the nation, every radiant plaza and square, is adorned with monuments glorifying Athea, reminding its citizens of the divine essence that courses through their veins.

To outsiders, Atheans might seem paradoxical—capable of breathtaking beauty and stark brutality in equal measure. But to understand Athea, one must look beyond its luminous facades and recognize a people whose love for magic and divinity is so profound, it knows neither compromise nor restraint.

## Background Options

### 1. Athean Devotee

*An unwavering adherent of the god Athea, your life has been one of disciplined worship and commitment to the doctrines of the Radiant Sanctum.*

* Proficiencies: Religion, Performance
* Languages: Celestial + Athean + Common
* Equipment: A set of ceremonial robes, a holy symbol of Athea, incense, a religious text, and a pouch containing 100 Aelic.

Feature: Divine Radiance - Your dedication to the god Athea means you are treated with respect within the bounds of the Radiant Sanctum and other places of worship devoted to Athea. You can perform religious ceremonies and can expect to receive shelter and aid from fellow devotees.

Starter Spell: Luminous Shield - As an action, you can invoke the blessings of Athea to manifest a radiant barrier around yourself. For 1d4 turns, you gain resistance to necrotic damage and any creature that hits you with a melee attack takes radiant damage equal to your Mastery bonus. This ability can be buffed by Divine magic. This ability uses 10% of your MP per turn.

### 2. Heretic Hunter

*Tasked with upholding the unwavering orthodoxy of Athea, you seek out and eliminate any who would challenge the established dogma.*

* Proficiencies: Investigation, Intimidation
* Languages: Abyssal + Athean + Common
* Equipment: A badge of office, manacles, a small dagger, a list of known heretics, and a pouch containing 150 Aelic.

Feature: Unyielding Pursuit - Your role as a hunter grants you authority to question and detain individuals you suspect of heresy within Athea. While not all will cooperate, your status can be intimidating to many, making them more pliant to your demands.

Starter Spell: Brand of Heresy - As an action, you can brand a creature you can touch with a magical mark that lasts for 24 hours. For the duration, you know the exact location of the branded creature as long as you're on the same plane of existence. The creature is aware of the brand and knows you are watching. You can use this ability once every 1d4 games. While active, you lose 10% of your Maximum MP.

### 3. Chosen of the Old Ones

*While most venerate the god Athea, you are one of the few chosen to delve deeper, studying the ancient beings who crafted the very god you worship.*

* Proficiencies: Religion, History
* Languages: Deep Speech + Athean + Common
* Equipment: A locket with an ancient symbol, a journal filled with your findings, a set of common clothes, and a pouch containing 500 Aelic.

Feature: Whispers of the Ancients - Your studies have given you insights into ancient rituals and rites. On occasion, the Old Ones might send you visions or dreams, hinting at forgotten lore or guiding you on your path. However, their motives are mysterious, and not all messages are clear or benign.

Unique Spell: Glimpse of the Ancient - As an action, you can invoke the knowledge of the Old Ones, granting you insight into a particular topic or subject. For the next 10 minutes, you have advantage on Intelligence checks related to the chosen subject. Once you use this spell, you can't use it again until you complete a long rest. When using this ability, you gain 1d4 Madness.