Atrashai

We were made for only one purpose

We were given only one goal

Though that war may long be over

Our enemies will fall evermore

During the war against the Visitors, a being calling itself Yio appeared. Yio created thousands of artificial souls, and thousands of bodies with which to house them, and these beings became known as the Atrashai. Though Yio and the Atrashai proved critical to Verail's survival, they were created for war, and in the many years since their creation, they have struggled to find a place within the world.

The Atrashai are one of the most varied species on Verail, in truth they could be considered many species bound together only by a shared origin, as the differences amongst Atrashai biology can often be far greater than the differences between other species on Verail.

Atrashai are mostly viewed in a negative light by the rest of the world, and it would not be inaccurate to say they have a tendency towards violence. They were created first and foremost to be soldiers, and the drive to fight remains deeply rooted in their bodies and souls to this day, however many Atrashai have learned to defy this nature, and their aggression is, in general, very exaggerated within the public consensus.

Most Atrashai live in the Desolate Reflection, known to them as Awniveth. Within the barren lands of Awniveth, the Atrashai have carved out a home of their own, and it is not uncommon for Atrashai created on Awniveth to know of Verail only as a legend.

Biology

The strongest of the Atrashai are known as Prime Atrashai, are often likened more to lesser gods than to members of the Atrashai forces. This title originally referred to the strong Atrashai created by Yio to serve as the leaders of their forces, but in more recent times other Atrashai who have claimed a leadership position through their own skill have claimed the title, such as Arradya Ketchak, and thus the term has come to hold both a social and biological meaning. Each Prime Atrashai was given the ability to craft new Atrashain bodies, originally meant as a way to revive fallen soldiers by collecting their soul and fusing it into a new body. This has, however, remained the only way of consistently reproducing that Atrashai have, and they possess no means of creating new souls. As a result, most "new" Atrashai are actually the souls of other species obtained by a Prime Atrashai, whether through a deal or by force, in order to place into a new body.

Atrashai revived through this process typically lose some memories, important details and skills may be kept, but a lot of their life is not recovered in their new body. Some Atrashai do not even consider their revival to be the same person at all. Amongst those of other species brought back as an Atrashai, the loss of memories is even more severe, usually only a few vague details and key instincts are kept. Even if they were to break free from the rule of the Prime Atrashai responsible for their revival, it is extremely difficult for an Atrashai to even learn their prior identity, let alone continue life from their time as another species.

Atrashai have very few consistent biological features, each Atrashai was created to fill a role in the war, and modern Atrashai have furthered varied from Yio's origins designs. Some Atrashai physically strong, others may be created to serve as spellcasters. Some may have the capability to change their form on a way, or may be able to change their form within certain parameters.

Sociology

Though they are broadly classified as one species, Atrashai societies are primarily dependent upon the Prime they live under. There are many Prime Atrashai across the lands of Awniveth, some having larger followings than others.

At their creation, Atrashai had no concept of gender, and the vast majority of the original Atrashai that have survived still regard themselves as genderless. Some newer Atrashai often hold facets of their past life's identity, even if they do not consciously remember that life, so they may hold identities associated with their soul's original species, including gender. Such concepts are purely social and have little overall bearing on Atrashai society. Original Atrashai created by Yio often see these concepts as external to the Atrashai and are likely to be dismissive of them entirely. Atrashai will typically also experience romantic attraction similarly to their soul's previous life, if they had experienced any, but as Atrashai do not sexually reproduce, they will not usually experience sexual attraction in their new body.

Atrashai who hold a role counter to their capabilities, such as one with high physical strength who chooses to act as a spellcaster, will often be looked down upon by the others, though this prejudice quickly fades if they can prove their usefulness. The strongest held prejudice within Atrashai society is against Psions, Atrashai who form with a remnant of the Visitor's power within themselves. Though their minds are as intact as other Atrashai, they are often believed to function as sleeper agents for when the Visitors returned, and their abilities are poorly understood by the Atrashai. Most Primes will either kill discovered Psions outright, or bind their abilities and force them to perform menial but useful labor. If a Prime wishes to choose differently and accept Psions as true members of their society, they are likely to invoke the wrath of the strongest Atrashai military force, the armies of The Six. Aside from some rumors of more secretive Psion havens, the Primes that disagree with the treatment of Psions have either chosen to fall in-line to preserve their life and territory, or fallen to the Six's retaliation.

Prime Atrashai

Each Prime Atrashai controls their own territory, all of which have formed their own culture and hold their own goals.

The Six

Most Prime Atrashai cannot work well together, even the most benevolent amongst them typically fail to share power. At most like-minded groups may share an Alliance, but the Six is a rare case of multiple Prime Atrashai collectively ruling over their territory. As the name implies, there are six in total, typically referred to as the Six Generals or simply the Six. Together they hold the most power of any singular Atrashai settlement, and remain the closest to following Yio's original tenants for the Atrashai forces. They are very-organized and militaristic. Though anyone, even outsiders, is allowed to enter their land, visitors typically find it difficult to adapt to the strict regulation of their lands, and the forces of the Six will not tolerate any form of perceived betrayal.

Following the original purpose of the Atrashai's creation, the Six are dedicated first and foremost to rooting out any lingering influence of the Visitors, and to preparing for the war they believe is inevitable when the Visitors one day return. To that end they are active in trying to procure mortal souls, usually through deals rather than conquest, to grow their ranks, or obtaining useful weapons or tools to aid them. They are also known to target other Prime Atrashai they believe are acting counter to their goal, but this is rare, and if they do make demands of other Atrashai, it is typically easier to cede to their demands, most commonly turning over those effected by the Visitors' power to be "repurposed", rather than face the Six's forces directly.

Arradya Ketchak

Arradya Ketchak is currently the newest Prime Atrashai and one of the few who was not originally created as such. Holding the soul of a prominent crime lord of Agarus's past, she recovered her memory and later managed to overthrow the Prime she formerly served under, Ithairzax. She lacks the ability to create new Atrashai directly or purpose the souls of those who fall, a severe disadvantage amongst the landscape of the Atrashai and one she actively pursues a means of solving. Whether by reactivating Ithairzax's corpse she can control or learning the means by which Yio first created the original Atrashai, she is determined not to fall into obscurity as most usurpers before her have.

As a more immediate solution, Arradya takes any means she can find to recruit Atrashai from other Primes into her fold, whether they tire of the life they are forced to lead, or simply are enticed by a better offer from Arradya, she will accept just about anyone as long as it helps prevent her people from dwindling. There are rumors that she might even accept Psions, those who bear a piece of the Visitors' power. They remain only rumors for now, and as her lands border the Wastes, the Six have proven hesitant to act against her directly and in turn become responsible for holding that border themselves.

Arradya allows her people to define their own lives, so long as they do not act against her directly, though she operates much as she did during her days as a crime lord, and she is willing to exploit anyone she can to grow the power of her own empire.

Safrohiel, the Arbiter

Safrohiel has one of the largest territories of the Lucet Insula, the westernmost territory of Awniveth. Their lands are filled with large cities and towers that shine with a brilliant, blazing light, at the center of which is the Radiant Court, where Safrohiel themself resides. They follow a strict series of laws, by which they judge not only their own people, but other Atrashai and sometimes even residents of Verail. They consider themself a beacon of justice, but other Atrashai mostly view their involvement as meddling where they don't belong. For better or for worse, they have not relented, and many Primes have come to respect their court as a means of settling disputes even if they otherwise regard Safrohiel as a nuisance or even a threat to their ways of life.

Upon Verail, Safrohiel's forces are regarded prominently. Most Atrashai under their command are seen as beautiful to the people of Verail rather than terrifying, and rumors of them as heroes and saviors have spread widely. It's believed that Safrohiel's Atrashai are the ultimate bearers of justice, any they come to Verail to capture for trial, or slay outright, must surely be deserving of their punishment, and anyone saved by those Atrashai must be the most righteous of people. These legends can often bring hope to the people of Verail, and in many cases Safrohiel's forces truly have proven to be a boon for Verail. However, the legends are often a double edged sword, for Safrohiel's laws are not the laws of Verail, nor do their Atrashai truly know what lies within one's heart. While other Atrashai may perceive them as self-righteous and overzealous, outside of Awniveth they they have the freedom to act as they please and be celebrated for it, whether deserving or not.

While Safrohiel holds a title and position similar to an identity used by Eurar in Cycle λβʹ - Defiance, there is no clear connection otherwise, and it is unlikely that Safrohiel holds any true connection to Eurar, besides perhaps an echo of "The Arbiter" into the new cycle.

Verifeh, the Stargazer

Verifeh holds control over a small piece of the Lucet Insula cut off from even the rest of the landmass. Though they are believed to be one of the most unsettling Atrashai to gaze upon, they are also one of the most peaceful. Verifeh and Atrashai under them believe wisdom, contemplation, and philosophy are the strongest weapons they can wield, and they spend their time gazing upon the fading stars of Awniveth and searching for portents by which they might learn of events to come. It is rare for any to venture outside their isolated piece of land, they do not even frequently seek out souls with which to grow their forces, as they do not as frequently engage in conflicts on Verail or with other Atrashai and many of the original Atrashai who first followed them still remain living.

Verifeh had originally refused to single out Psions, though they were soon forced to the relent to The Six's threats, and Psions found in their lands are forced to have their powers bound and work as servants. Even so, their treatment of Psions is known to be much better than most other Atrashai. Few Psions are even found amongst their forces at all, and while they claim that it is because they do not create as many new Atrashai, or that they are able to predict the future and avoid forming bodies that would become Psions in the first place, there is an often held rumor that Verifeh is simply willing to turn a blind eye, or ten, to the existence of Psions within their territory so long as it does not become so obvious that it risks war with The Six.

Rekevah, the Stoic

Rekevah is somewhat of an enigma to the other Primes. They never show emotion, never say more about themself or their goals than absolutely necessary, and reside within a frozen northern territory of Awniveth that shares few borders with other territories. Their Atrashai live within residences carved into frozen mountains, and their bodies are well-adapted to endure the cold easily. Rekevah makes deals, collects souls, visits Verail, and at times has even gone to war with the other Primes. They might end a war they are winning, go back on a deal in their favor, or they might appear at an Atrashai village they've had no previous contact with to freeze it solid and retreat for another hundred years. All of these actions might seem arbitrary, but few who see Rekevah's demeanor see them as the type to act on whims. It's assumed that Rekevah has goals, but their goals as closely guarded as their own borders, and few amongst even their own forces have any knowledge of their motives.

Ai'Kriea, the Weeping

A strange, tall humanoid figure clad in pale robes, Ai'Kriea's face, if they even have one, has never been seen. They perpetually appear to be crying, their head buried in their hands, and they are surrounded by an eerie, melodic hum. Atrashai under their command carry out unspoken orders, as Ai'Kriea does not, or cannot, speak, and instead projects their will through images and ideas to all who reside within their territory. Buildings within their lands are filled with beautiful stained glass windows and paintings, the subjects of which are said to look familiar at a glance, but become undecipherable upon closer inspection. Their most loyal followers are always at their side, and can translate their intentions into words if speech is ever necessary, typically speaking in unsettling unison.

Ai'Kriea's lands are dark, and the Atrashai that reside within tend to emulate their overlord by communicating in as few words as possible, saying only what is absolutely necessary to be said and no more. They spend long parts of their day in a trance-like state, communicating with Ai'Kriea, and act that often resembles the worship of gods practiced by residents of Verail.

Ai'Kriea bears some resemblance to Phezaila Xitalen, the Black Angel, who existed in Cycle λβʹ - Defiance, though there is no evidence that Ai'Kriea is the Phezaila of this cycle or otherwise holds any connection to her other than an echo across cycles.

Lirifel, the Prisoner

A lonely figure hangs within a prison, chains binding its brightly colored, feathered wings. It lacks the strength to speak or raise its head, blood endlessly pooling beneath it from the wounds in its wings, yet that being can never die. It is not allowed to die. Some say that those who approach its prison hear a voice in their head begging for death. It is called Lirifel, one of the few Prime Atrashai who does not rule their own territory, as Lirifel was overthrown by their own people long ago. As the power of the Prime Atrashai was needed and they did not wish to simply fall under outside rule, Lirifel was kept alive, held as a prisoner and forced to create new bodies to hold captured souls, lest they face even greater torment.

It is generally believed that Lirifel was a peaceful Atrashai, and was therefore deemed to be weak by their people, however there is little confirmation of this. Little record of Lirifel's actual ideals or goals still exists. Their lands are ruled collectively by the Atrashai living there, who mostly seek to better their own living conditions and often trade with other Atrashai, but they will not hesitate to go to war with other lands for resources they desire. They have occasionally expanded their territory within Awniveth, and some rumors have spread that Lirifel might not even be the only Prime held prisoner to use for power. Lirifel's known are typically known to be amongst the most pleasant places to live for an average Atrashai, so they have no issue filling their extra land with castouts and runaways. Although never Psions, they try to stay in good standing with the Six, for their own well being if nothing else.

Themes

While Atrashai are an incredibly varied species, however Atrashai are likely to best be a fit for players who want to explore some or all of the following themes with their character -

Soldiers in Peacetime

The Atrashai were created for one purpose; to fight. Though thousands of years have passed, new Atrashai are given bodies made for war and minds driven to fight. That is all they were made to be, but not all they can be. In a world where the war they were made for has long since ended, it is up to them to find who they are in a more peaceful age.

Identity and Memory

Most modern Atrashai hold a soul that once lived another life, yet chose to accept a Prime Atrashai's deal to live again. Though they cannot remember that life, it continues to influence them even still, and it is up to them to choose whether to embrace that past as a part of their present, perhaps even seeking out a means of uncovering their lost memories entirely, or to reject that past and make their new life their own.

Outsiders in a Foreign Land

Atrashai live entire lives in Awniveth, but on Verail they are a world away from home. Perhaps they are stranded, or perhaps they fled Awniveth in search of a different life. Regardless, they do not belong, and it will be a long struggle to find a place within a world that does not understand them, and likely does not trust them.

Power and Hierarchy

Atrashai society relies on absolute loyalty to the Prime Atrashai they serve under, but not all will agree with this, and those venturing beyond Awniveth will have to choose whether to remain loyal to their Prime and follow orders even in a foreign land, or go against everything they have spent their life believing and make their own choices.

The Pariah

Atrashai psions have typically lived their life as little more than slaves, yet seen as the greatest of dangers, or perhaps they have managed to hide their nature and have instead lived knowing one misstep could destroy their life forever. If they can escape Awniveth, Verail does not hold the same prejudices and they will finally have the chance to be themselves, but such a past is not easily forgotten.