Athreya

As One and Together

The Republic of Athreya has a foundation on the eastern side of the continent of **Ithel**. It is ruled by the republic formally known as the Union of Athreya.

## History

Athreya was founded by members of the organization known as the **Obsidian** **Seers**, spearheaded by the leader of the organization, **Claude** **Taviter**. When the Seers had originally planned to find a neutral location to plan their base of operations, with the help of close allies, they were given privilege to know about the expeditions early on and had begun planning in earnest on the settling of a colony on the continents. With the combined efforts of the organization, preparations were underway effective immediately to ensure that the colony would be created in a smooth and successful process.

While strange, at first, that the organization dedicated to protection would move into the realm of colonization, the group had made it clear of their diplomatic intents that they would create a nation befitting their ideals and diverse background. A nation where the pursuit of happiness, knowledge, prosperity, and peace could be found. When the locations of the Obsidian Seers had fully developed into an autonomous group, the people dedicated to the creation of the new nation gathered their followers and would begin to depart for the new world.

Thus made Athreya into a nation founded on the ideas of peace, prosperity, and improvement. Not born out of tales, but real accomplishments made from folk, regardless of renown, that had a desire to protect their lives and the lives of other. A desire to protect their home and a desire to improve themselves and it. There is no unreal fantasy or embellishment to their achievements and accomplishments, because anything is possible for Athreya.

And so, in the Year 10 of the Age of Might, the founder **Claude Taviter** stepped down from being the Prime Minister. His support fully behind his student and disciple, the young Kayan Solomir, to watch and grow the nation as he had been for many years. Were it not for his efforts in the recent years, especially in the time of when Setrica needed aid and refugees needed out, one would have doubts about someone of his age taking the role of Prime Minister. However, the man shines exemplar to the people and the nation in his work and actions. And should all else fail, he has made it so that Claude will return to care for their people once more.

In Year 11 of the Age of Might, the **Akadaemia Telos** was created as the source of all knowledge. Unity, innovation, and progress made manifest in a singular place. The vastness of the project made it into one of the World Wonders located of Ithel. The location having spanning over a vast mountainside and underground, where one can even forget they were underground from the fact the area has made a great cultivation of flora in the underground. Scholars across the world began to gather to the Telos for the place made by the people was where it was the epitome and the first in what would step into the future.

A difficulty that Athreya has come to face over the later years is the limitations of the administrations. A proper passing on to other leaders so that one person would not hold all power was a difficulty that they'd need to face eventually. Until it was decided, elections would proceed as normal. For now, though, the expectancy is that a standing leader with a clean history and merits was allowed to rerun. It is expected that in coming years, a Minister will not see more than a decade of standing in office. For now, though, the procedures were being decided on by the government and the people.

## Geography

The area of the Republic of Athreya has an abundance of lush and fertile lands with numerous forests that dot the landscape. The freshwater rivers in the area are known for having plentiful amounts of fish and the mountainous regions nearby were noted to have an interesting cast and amount of magical beasts residing within.

### Settlements

#### **Major Settlements**

* **Synosis**: The capital of the nation, placed at the river bank the north end of the river that heads deeper into the territory and up to the mountains. The bright capital sticks true to its name, a grand location for the broad diversity to come together as one community.
* **Amphalos:** The Amphalos is made at the base of Aranthal's Reach and to become the secondary production hub of Athreya. The scenery boasts an excellent view and crossroads between the lake, the plains, the forests, and the mountain range.
* **Cynosura:** Cynosura stands in the center of the swamp known as Calanthir's Marsh. A place of hope within the murky realm reminds those of the Athreyan philosophy. The great presence of beasts and druidic folk in the region make it nature's heart along the expanse.
* **Paradeigma:** Positioned along the northeastern strait, nearly connecting to the northern landmass of Ithel. Paradeigma acts as a central location for those coming to Ithel from any other continents and boasts a unique composition of people because of it.
* **Unideri:** Along the southern end of the landmass that Athreya is on, this becomes quickly one of the bigger trade capitals in Ithel due to the positioning along the strait. Many people coming from the Old World or Setrica to this location make a stop here.
* **Colescere:** A fortress at the top of the mountains in the southern end of the Expanse. It was once an encampment of survivors from the treacherous clutches of a undead tyrant in Koit, but has been built into a standing fortress city meant to show that hope never dies in the face of adversity.
* **Abeder:** In the midst of the depths of the desert, Abeder is a haven in the heats and the wastes.
* **Hirane:** The first new city under the leadership of Kayan Solomir, made in celebration of the forecoming peace to be brought about by the Pan-Athreyan Expanse's unification. It stands for a new experience and peace to come, being situated on the most north-eastern point of Ithel.

#### **Minor Settlements**

* **Caradon:** The first village of the nation with a notable populace of Ithelans. Inside the city of Caradon, people find themselves at unity of cultures and able to mingle and learn from one another.
* **Doceberg:** The lone scholarly mountain the plains of the Barrow's Aegis. One of the younger settlements, Doceberg makes itself known for the prime coastal location on eastern Ithel and in direction of the Old World.
* **Losema:** Another Ithelan village that has joined the nation, making two villages under their banner. There's a notable population of orcs within the region.
* **Penwood:** Aptly named because of the unique trees in the region. The forest around Penwood has a grove that, when taking sap from the trees, also acts as ink. This trait has made literature popular for those staying in the region and nearby.
* **Valect:** Placed along the easternmost coastline, facing away from the center of the Ithelan continent. Valect represents the valiant aspects of adventuring into the unknown and a common landing spot for people that come into the continent.
* **Xamancy:** A town of Ithelan natives, notably of small-folk. The town was once known as Xam, but the Athreyans and people of Xam agreed to add on the -mancy part to the town's name for what was seen from their friendship and comradery. An example that people of the Old World and the New World can work together and for a greater cause.
* **Graceglade:** In the glade between the greenery of two regions, and of Calanthir's Marsh, Graceglade is a serene area in the territory that boasts a beautiful floral and fauna.
* **Instintan:** The first settlement of the southern Pan-Athreyan Expanse. It makes its base at the mountains of the north end of the region. A host of exotic artisanship, blending Ithelan production with Old World styles to be a unique creation.
* **Maphanos:** Maphonos sits along the coastline. If Penwood creates the ink that people use for the calligraphic adventures, then Maphanos is the one the gets the most exports and puts it to use. Many explorers stop here to get up to date on current writings and cartography, whether of the New World or of developments in old places.
* **Koimancy:** A settlement liberated from an evil undead tyrant. Now under the authority of Athreya, the people that were suffering undead the tyrant feel hope once more and a new light has spread across the town.
* **Stedefae:** Posted up in the eastern end of the center of the northern desert, Stedefae makes home to those deep into the depths and away from the coastline. A sanctuary to be found on the travels, as always, and lively in culture of rarer races.
* **Bailecrin:** The town of Bailecrin is a resort town in the desert, trying to make its name and showmanship as being a stop along the way into the continent of Ithel. There isn't much unique to say about it, but it shows the beauty often forgotten from the far reaches of deserts.

#### Underground Settlements

* **Sagatelos:** A settlement made with the creation of the capital city. As the oldest, it stands strong amidst the underground for the people that have made life there or prep for the future while there.
* **Novitelos:** The settlement of Novitelos currently acts as a secondary mining settlement for the potential titan that is Sagatelos. Independent entrepreneurs returning to the nation proud of their work.
* **Equitelos:** Setting the standard for the Underground communities of Athreya, Equitelos brought about a balance to the region that none had made possible yet before.
* **Compatelos:** In the area of Compatelos, the smaller settlement compared to Equitelos acts as a unifier to that settlement. By doing so, they act as a center of traversing through the regions.
* **Peritelos:** Upon Year 9 of the Age of Might, Peritelos set itself in the underground by becoming the fusion of cultures above and below. This made Peritelos, in its own way, pioneer the culture of the region.
* **Omnitelos:** Omnitelos is an area meant to bring about a completion to the cultural center of Peritelos. While small still, it'll become great later.
* **Vovetelos:** An underground settlement made to just live. If all else fails, and all else should fall, one should never forget to live. So Vovetelos is a tribute to the adventure that life is.

### Points of Interest

* **Aranthal's Reach:** The mountains that lie in the region of the nation. Named after the original founder of the Obsidian Seers, the mountains possess a notable amount of wildlife in the area due to the surrounding areas.
* **The Quartz Gate:** A cavern in Aranthal's Reach of giant pillars of quartz and other crystals that shine brightly in the dark cave to the point where torch or other lights are unnecessary. Theory dictates the strange crystals have a connection to the Plane of Earth, or perhaps a intersection between the Plane of Fire and Plane of Water on the material.
* **The Primal Vestibule:** The chamber of the extinct volcano that makes the mountains of Aranthal's Reach. Inside is an area of great warmth and energy, spiritualistic people enjoy the area in their ventures.
* **New Prospects:** Along the northern strait of the east side of Ithel, one can see across from one landmass to another, making for a great view in the area.
* **Rasas Retreat:** A unique coastal location not far from Caradon. The natural beauty of the area has made it one of the tourist locations to be visited in the Republic. Lovers, old and new, fondly take to retreating here for times to be alone and together.
* **The Ark of Remnants**: A floating island found at the tip of the mountains of Cynosura. The island itself is filled with a unique breed of animals and magical beasts, constantly adapting and changing to their surroundings. Because of this, the **Archive Initiative** was formed to manage the island.
* **Akadaemia Telos:** The Telos is a World Wonder based in Athreya. The location is undisputedly the center of knowledge within the reach of Mythgate. Its vast records, broadness of studying, and willingness to share knowledge for the betterment of others makes it stand out over any other rival.

## Inhabitants

The population of Athreya is a very diverse group of many races, coming from numerous other areas of the world. The population boasts Humans, Elves, Dwarves, Orcs, the Half races, Vigilant, Sarians, and numerous others. Notably, the populations are very loyal to one another under a united banner for the growth of the nation and a happier life, as well as for improvement. The nation's motto "As One and Together" stands that their greatness as individuals, but also their even better standing together.

Undead have a complicated relationship with the nation for the nature of their existence. Many undead that come to Athreya end up being cured of their state due to the nation's knowledge of medicine. However, being undead is not explicitly banned within the nation. An undead in Athreya must have both free will and sentience if it is going to be within the nation. There are no exceptions to these two conditions, with the alternate option being removal from the nation or the mercy of death. A person in undeath is given entry into therapy programs to adjust from the transition back into life after their experience.

### Government

The government of Athreya is a Republic, formally known as the Union of Athreya. The positions of leadership for the Republic are known as Ministers, with the head being the Prime Minister. The government strives to make sure that all the people are represented and treated fairly, ensuring that those in the leadership positions have proven themselves capable in the field and handling of their position. The positions of the republic are non-hereditary, instead requiring election to ascend their ranks.

The current members of the Ministry of Athreya are as follows:

* **Prime Minister (ruler):** Kayan Solomir
* **Advisor to the Prime Minister (co-ruler):** Sofia Miriam
* **Founder of the Republic (Heir):** Claude Taviter
* **Minister for Internal Affair (councilor):** Katerina Salem
* **Minister for Defense (general):** Ignatius Adoh
* **Minister for Foreign Affairs (grand diplomat):** Bubbling Brews
* **Minister for Religion (high priest):** Pandora
* **Minister for Magic (magister):** Lorentz
* **Minister for Remote Affairs (marshal):** Sandasattoraku
* **Minister for Recon and Intel (spymaster):** Neil Falkner
* **Minister for Finances (treasurer):** Lawrence Adenauer
* **Minister for Home Affairs (warden):** Rasa Fox-Brews

### Nobility

*Important: As Athreya is a PC-led nation, you must inquire with the leaders in order to create a noble in the kingdom.*

While this section is listed as "Nobility", the positions in Athreya are elected by the people and held for a time, as Athreya is a Republic government. So while the content here is labelled as Nobility, there is no actual noble titles in Athreya.

The Nobility of Athreya are elected, uninheritable positions, split into three different focuses, dubbed the Three Foci, for the common ranks of each nobility. The positions require a certain degree of qualification in order to be entered into, meaning that through merits of knowledge, effectiveness, and charisma get people into the ranks of Athreyan nobility.

The Three Foci are **Central**, **Remote**, and **Federal**. Each Foci works toward a different goal within the Republic.

* **Central:** The Central Foci are dedicated to working on the internal affairs of their respective regions. Things they tend to focus on are enforcement of laws within the region, proper wealth management in the region, and managing of local borders.
* **Remote:** The Remote Foci focus on handling external things related to the Republic. Whether this be with people in the outskirts of the city, the defenses of the towns, or any influences from outside the region.
* **Federal:** The Federal Foci focuses on the people and the systems of the region. Their gaze is cast is upon the people, the religion, magical areas, and the enforcement of the government's authority. They are the focus that often draws attention to the concerns of the people to the government.

#### Lesser Nobility

The Lesser Nobility focuses on the local towns and smaller settlements of the region.

* **Junior Commissioner:** The lowest ranked of the Lesser Nobilities, the Juniors are to aid and advise the Senior Commissioners in ensuring the peace and prosperity of the small settlements. When a Senior is unable to perform their duties, it is up to the Junior to handle them or fill the seat. There is typically two to three Junior Commissioners to one Senior Commissioner. It's often that adventurers of good performance, get into these seats.
* **Senior Commissioner:** A Senior Commissioner handles a respective village at a larger scale. The Seniors report anything necessary to the rank above them, the Assembly. A Senior Commissioner has a home-away-from-home that they stay at for the duration of their position, doubling as an office they manage out of.

#### Moderate Nobility

The Moderate Nobilities are known as the Assembly, often managing a series of villages or smaller towns under their jurisdiction.

* **Assembly Member:** The Assembly is a wide term rank for the moderate nobility of Athreya. People in this manage their districts within the region, overseeing the Commissioners and larger townships in the area. While it is not necessary to be a Commissioner to become an Assembly Member, there is a higher bar of involvement required in order for someone to be in, and remain in, the rank of Assembly Member.
* **Assembly Director:** A rank for the members of the Assembly, operating as heads of the Assembly, that ensures the process between it are smooth and able to achieve what needs to be done, in line with the Athreyan ideals. Directors are usually elected by Electors of the High Council.

#### Greater Nobility

The High Council of Athreya manages specific regions in their territory, ensuring a safe and prosperous process for the Republic.

* **Council Member:** The default rank of a member of the nobility. While it is considered the lowest, it is also the most populated as they all represent the concerns and processes of the nations. Members of the Council have a temporary residence given to them, for the duration of their membership, in a major city within the region so that they may perform their duties effectively.
* **Senator:** A Senator of Athreya is a representative of a region as a greater whole, akin to being the head member of a region amongst the Council Members. While Senators are a higher tier nobility, their votes within the Council are equal. They also work closely with the heads of the Union.
* **Electors:** A special rank of nobility within the Republic of Athreya. Electors are the highest tier of Nobility that one can get in Athreya, but also cannot go any higher, due to abdicating that possibility for themselves, as they ensure the people that do are fitting and worthy of having that chance. Electors decide who becomes an Assembly Director and who among the Senators qualify to join the Ministers should one of their positions vacate.

## Religion, Magic, Technology, Military, and Trade

### Religion

There is no patron deity of the nation. However, the Republic does have a preference to deities that have themes of knowledge, community, improvement, travelers, and magic. Deities that represent these themes tend to find themselves favored within the region. However, worship of many evil deities is not looked fondly upon by the people of the region.

Notable deities that are found to be worshipped in the area tend to be the like of **Irori, Apsu, Nethys, Ng, Shelyn, Sarenrae, Desna, Cayden Cailean,** and similar others. The being known as **Taviter-Vacan** also has a big following within Athreya as the being is the nation's founder.

### Magic

Magic has a known value within the Republic of Athreya. While most are free to use magic as they wish, it is watched for the potential abuse of magic and treated harshly in the event of such. While the nation expands upon magic, the studies of magic, and practice, it does acknowledge the potential problems that it can invite. Such regulations within the Republic is the use of spells that summon any outsider or the use of [evil] spells without permission from authority. Otherwise, magic has a strong presence in the development and daily life of the people. Like in all areas of law, usage of a spell on an individual without consent, such as mind magics, is illegal in the nation of Athreya.

### Technology

Technology also finds a strong presence within the Republic. Due to the industrious nature of many of the people and the pursuit of knowledge, it's common to find development or inspiration to develop in the region. The focus of technology is through aiding people in life and defense against any major threats. Achievements done already by its people are in engineering, alchemical, and medicinal fields. Athreyan innovation is usually geared towards the improvement and health of the society.

### **Military**

The Athreyan Military is a diverse group with the proficiency in any fields of combat being at an excellent level. The generalist but strong mindset of the Athreyan Military makes it quite adept at tackling any foes or handling any problems that would be faced. The nation's focus on self-improvement has made it a strength to be cautious of and one to be left unprovoked.

### Trade

The Republic trades with most people in the New World and provides its own exports. The land provides and the people are excited to share what they've discovered.

#### Resources

* **Spices:** Perhaps the biggest thing that Athreya comes to export is spices. Due to the diverse climate of the region and its positioning, the spice trade of the New World circles around the nation.
* **Inkwood:** A type of tree near Penwood. The sap of the tree is unique in that it can double as an ink for writing and more. It's left to wonder if its because of the area that they're in, as attempts to populate the trees elsewhere have proven mostly sapless because of the low rate of success.
* **Catashrooms:** Mushrooms found around the area of Graceglade. While these purple mushrooms seem odd but normal at first, triggering one with too much heat will cause it to explode. The mushrooms actually have explosive properties to them that, while mild and mostly harmless if triggered alone, can be used with and in explosives to give them a bit of a bigger kick or just to make them. Researchers are wondering if they can convert them to firearm usage.
* **Azurian Metal:** A unique iron found in the mountains of Aranthal's Reach. When refined and used for items, the metal has a blue coloring to it distinct to other metals. This unique coloring has made it coveted by merchants and other people for a unique appearance to them, as well as a notable durability to the items themselves when made with it.
* **Sokil:** An exotic spice found near the city of Unideri. Popular in taverns for the ease of use, the spice itself changes taste depending on the race of the person eating it. With certain other spices, one can actually change the taste of it to fit what another race tastes. Some cheaper places typically like to call their food a specialty of them, but actually just use this spice to make it seem so.
* **Orange Dertsiz:** An herb found in the plains of Instintan. The herb has the ability to bring a calm and clear mind to people troubled by urges and other mental blockades. Often compared to the counterpart of the rumored Blue Devils plant, and named so because of its properties, it has gained traction amongst ascetics and similar folk in regular use.
* **Heart Lotus:** A red tinted lotus that is said to bloom in a heart shaped style. The lotus is said to turn from a red tint to either fully red or white depending on the circumstances around it. With the growth of the lotus in Athreya, many people come to believe it is a symbol of the spiritual side and deep affections in the region.
* **Irosians:** An herb slightly named to the god Irori. The herb itself has great healing properties and is useful in restorative remedies, yet also manages to keep its potency far longer than most herbs tend do. The plant also manages to grow widespread across the landmass of Athreya, typically changing slightly to the environment around it. Many healers keep some on hand while travelling, convenience namely making it so, and much to the begrudging acceptance to those that must take it. For while the herb is helpful, it is a... acquired taste.
* **Kinephot:** This plant has the unique property that it grows in places with little sunlight, but manages to store the sunlight it does not need to survive for later use. When sufficiently harvested, the plant has a warmth to it from the stored sunlight and, in some situations, can be used as a spice. Travelers tend to use them to provide light during night travel, while others find the use of it as a spice makes things spicier to taste the more sunlight it has stored in it.
* **Weldtree:** Trees that have a tougher bark than usual, until one examines that it has the ability to eat and benefit from minerals it is near. Due to this diet of stone, the tree is much more durable and resistant to wear and tear from effects. This makes it popular for construction and other things, meanwhile some nature types default to it for gear so it was less likely to break.
* **Nyaldan Salt:** A subtype of salt that keeps things sustained for a longer time, but it actually dulls the taste of food it is used on. Some people do enjoy sprinkling it on in place of typical salt, using it to dull things with tastes too strong for the eater's taste buds.

## Initiatives

The Republic has been part of the pursuit of many initiatives over the years of its foundation. As a bastion of progress, industry, knowledge, and more, they have many goals to accomplish and pursuits of priority that they invest in. This makes Athreya stand out as the pursuits have a broad appeal to many and, given the nation being a melting pot of cultures, finds people making a home in the land because of these initiatives. Without a doubt, the first step of progress is always Athreyan.

* **VIGILS Initiative:** Vigilance In Grace and In Lasting Strife. This initiative was one of the beginning ones. An establishment that the presence of Athreya will be to create a haven of defense in the worst of times. Ever wary of the worst to come. This Initiative was made presented by the **Obsidian Seers** and approved by **Claude Taviter**.
* **The Roots Initiative:** This initiative was presented to transform the underground of Athreya to provide bunkers should the lands face catastrophe but the depths do not. These bunkers operate as functional as towns and cities aboveground, but the unitedness of them rivals any boasting connection that people can claim to have above the earth as well. This Initiative was presented by **United Assembly of the Roots** and approved by **Claude Taviter**.
* **First Telosian Invention Initiative:** The Invention Initiative brought forth by the scholars of the Telos. A pursuit of study, finance, and bringing forth inventions in ethical manners. At the request of the scholars, it was deemed the First for they would plan to create specific subbranches and more in the future when the time of change was coming forth. This Initiative was presented by **United Assembly of the Roots** and approved by **Claude Taviter**.
* **Archive Initiative:** The Archive Initiative is a study of the floating island known as the Ark of Remnants. It's a dedicated study of beasts and the like, for the categorization, awareness, and understanding. While the main base of operations is with the Ark of Remnants, many members partaking in the Initiative tend to venture far and wide to study the creatures of many different climates. This Initiative was presented by **Cynosuran Druid Circle** and approved by **Claude Taviter**.
* **Second Telosian Invention Initiative:** The Second Invention Initiative was raised in question about creation of an underground bastion. With the discovery of the city of Colescere and the depths dug for escape tunnels, the scholars of the Telos, in tandem with the people of Colescere, wanted to turn the mountain into a fortress that spanned across the entire reach. One that would, hopefully, eventually rival Thel-Modir in its depths and spanning. This was presented by **United Assembly of the Roots** and **Thane Aestrud Longbrand**, with the formal backing of the Longbrand Clan, and approved by **Claude Taviter**.
* **Pioneer Initiative:** The Initiative began to form when the Pan-Athreyan Expanse had been fully claimed by the Republic. There was many locations within the nation's borders that needed exploring and, in the pursuit of inviting more people to see Athreya, it was deemed a worthwhile venture to hire explorers from afar to come explore within the region. The adventurers are background checked and ensured to relay the proper information to the leaders. This Initiative was presented by the **Archive Headquarters** and approved by **Kayan Solomir**.
* **Third Telosian Invention Initiative:** With the construction of the Akadaemia Telos, the unity of the Roots, and the unity of the Expanse, it was time to once again bring forth the idea of funding inventions, items, and discoveries that would be the step to the next tomorrow. What differs this initiative from the First is that it is extended to supporting a wider group. The First focuses on Athreyan inventions while the Third focuses on inventions not in Athreya. This was presented by the **Akadaemia Telos** and approved by **Kayan Solomir**.
* **Commission Initiative:** Trade was vital to the growth of many. However, it is time to take it a step forward and create trade with many nations as well as establish ties and relations with those other groups. They shall bring everyone connected together and secured, through Embassies of Athreya in every nation willing. This Initiative was first presented by **Kayan Solomir**, before his ascension to Prime Minister, then presented by **Claude Taviter** and approved by **Kayan Solomir**.