Atrians

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

## Physiology

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

### Bioluminescent Birthmarks

Atrians are born with a pattern of birthmarks which is unique to each of them. This is their most identifying physical characteristic -- these birthmarks will trace their entire body. When these markings come into contact with water, they will glow. This adaptation helps Atrians to see in even the deepest waters.

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

### Redundant Organs

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

### Allergies

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

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

### Reproduction

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

## Culture

### Technology

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

### Language

The Atrian native language is called Sondiv. The Atrians, scattered across the galaxy, have mostly abandoned this language when in the company of other species and speak in the native language of whatever culture has taken them in.

### Tribes

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

* Swamad Tribe - the Swamad tribe is agrarian and mostly consists of farmers. They provide the majority of the food for the Atrian people.
* Vwasak Tribe - the Vwasak tribe is the warrior tribe, providing virtually all of the defensive strength of the Atrian people.
* Iwabas Tribe - the most mysterious tribe, the Iwabas are considered mystics. In truth, they have latent psionic abilities that other Atrians appear to lack.
* Zwahan Tribe - the Zwahan tribe rule over Atrian society, but are 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 believe that upon leaving Atria they should have set out to conquer a new homeworld.

### Religion

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