Atrians

The **Atrians** were an aquatic humanoid species originating from a swampy planet called Atria somewhere in the Milky Way. For reasons that they never disclosed to outsiders, the Atrians were forced to flee their homeworld. The Atrians became a scattered species of refugees often looked down upon by other galactic species. They were sometimes referred to by the derogatory term "**Tatties**."

## Physiology

Physically, Atrians bore a remarkable similarity to humans, Vulcans, and other species known to have been genetically seeded by ancient humanoids. It was likely Atrians also shared this common ancestry; however, they became much more adapted to an aquatic life. Atrians were incredibly fast swimmers, capable of moving at speeds similar to the land and water vehicles of most other species without any assistance. They also had very enhanced eyesight when compared to other humanoid species.

### Bioluminescent Birthmarks

Atrians were born with a pattern of birthmarks which were unique to each of them. This was their most identifying physical characteristic -- these birthmarks would trace their entire body. When these markings came into contact with water, they would glow. This adaptation helped Atrians to see in even the deepest waters.

These markings could be removed, though the process was excruciating and irreversible. Even after undergoing this process, the Atrian's skin would glow -- albeit less brightly -- where the birthmarks had been when completely submerged in water.

### Redundant Organs

Atrians, like Klingons, had redundant organs as a survival adaptation. Atrians had two hearts, one functioning as a backup in case the first failed. They also had two sets of lungs -- one pair designed specifically for assisting in underwater breathing. Atrians were, however, also able to absorb oxygen through their skin.

### Allergies

Atrians were, physiologically speaking, incredibly sensitive. They were highly allergic to a number of items that were consumed by other species -- these substances included cilantro and caffeine. They were also very sensitive to salt.

Atrians also required a fair amount of humidity. High temperatures would dry them out, ultimately incapacitating them in a manner not unlike the Living Death. Atrians were, however, less susceptible to the toxins of Black Cyper than most other species.

### Reproduction

Atrians reproduced in much the same way as most other humanoid species, however their young grew more quickly. Atrians could also breed with other humanoid species that mate in the same way -- including humans.

## Culture

### Technology

While Atrians were capable of some feats of advanced technology -- such as Mirzans which recorded the users sensory input so that someone else could experience the recorded moments exactly from the users point of view -- most Atrian inventions were actually making use of the flora of Atria.

### Language

The Atrian native language was called Sondiv. The Atrians, scattered across the galaxy, had mostly abandoned this language when in the company of other species and spoke in the native language of whatever culture had taken them in.

### Tribes

Culturally, the Atrians had always been divided into a number of tribes. These tribes filled different functions within Atrian society and worked together for the greater good and survival of their species.

* Swamad Tribe - the Swamad tribe was agrarian and mostly consisted of farmers. They provided the majority of the food for the Atrian people.
* Vwasak Tribe - the Vwasak tribe was the warrior tribe, providing virtually all of the defensive strength of the Atrian people.
* Iwabas Tribe - the most mysterious tribe, the Iwabas were considered mystics. In truth, they had latent psionic abilities that other Atrians appeared to lack.
* Zwahan Tribe - the Zwahan tribe ruled over Atrian society, but were also skilled healers.

There are other factions within Atrian society.

* The Hwatab - the Atrian Council, the governing body with representatives from each tribe.
* The Trags - a violent and rebellious group of extremists found in some Atrian camps, who believed that upon leaving Atria they should have set out to conquer a new homeworld.

### Religion

Despite their advanced technology, Atrian culture was very much rooted in tradition. As such, they held to religious beliefs and rituals. These included passing on the legends of Eljida - a haven from danger that was beyond what an Atrian could swim to and could only be reached by summoning Jesytur the Gatekeeper with three lit fires. Although Eljida was certainly a myth, some camps of Atrian refugees founded their own Eljida's and named their own Jesytur to guard it.

## Source

Atrians are derived from *Star-Crossed*. For canon information, please visit:

* Star-Crossed Wiki