Atrix

Atrix is a resource-rich planet at the very core of the Shackleton Expanse, equidistant from its boundaries in all directions. A regulated climate, stable energy sources, and efficient nutrient cycling have allowed the native species to thrive and built a truly egalitarian, but deeply religious, society.

The Atriari

Due to Atrix’s exceptional abundance of resources, early Atriari societies oriented themselves inwards and deliberately chose stability over large-scale exploration or expansion beyond their homeworld. Instead, the Atriari value a pursuit of knowledge and peaceful exchange, and place cultural emphasis on philosophy, commerce, and the arts.

Atriarian society makes minimal distinction based on class and economic status, and is structured around the principle of shared social standing and mutual cooperation. Deliberate regulation of population growth ensures a sustainable use of space and resources. The Atriari employ a democratic system in which elected colonial representatives participate in decision-making. Political processes are deliberate and slow, focusing on inclusivity and careful consensus, often at the cost of efficiency.

While internally harmonious, the absence of external contact and challenges has contributed to cultural stagnation and limited ambition, and a deep-seated fear of the unknown realities in the wider galaxy. The resulting xenophobia is primarily rooted in anxiety and fear, rather than prejudice.

Faith among the Atriari is centred on balance and stewardship. Beauty, proportion and order are seen as expressions of devotion, reflected in their art, architecture and cadence of their speech.

Consequently, the Atriari are historically unaware of the limitations of the Shroud, yet myth and legend recount benevolent guardians who ensured their protection. Monolithic ruins of ancient structures accredited to these guardians are treated as highly revered, or even sacred, sites. Cultural practices include festivals and pilgrimages, and disrespect towards these relics is considered blasphemy.

Biology

The Atriari possess lean, efficient bodies optimized with minimal adipose tissue for the utilization of immediate nutrient provision rather than long-term energy reserves. Their facial structures are elongated with high, narrow cheekbones and a lengthened jawline.

Due to the absence of nutritional stress during development, the population displays marked symmetry and health indicators, and as the selective pressure that normally eliminates the less fit genetic variants are relaxed, it displays a morphological diversity that is unique to their species.

Encounters

These are optional ideas to kick off a story and can be adjusted.

• Recently, faint but persistent energy readings have begun to emanate from several of the sacred ruins - signatures unlike any other known technology. After prolonged negotiation with the Atriari, Starfleet is permitted to send an away team to explore the ancient structures. Scans reveal semblance to Vezra design.

• Pilgrims traveling to sacred sites vanish, only to reappear days later with no memory of their journey, and show a vested interest in re-isolating Atrix from the rest of the galaxy. Starfleet must determine what happened to them and attempt to keep diplomatic relations intact.

• A neighboring species is attempting to build trade relations, though this endeavour has remained largely unsuccessful thus far. Starfleet is asked to mediate the negotiations.

• A crew member of the visiting Starfleet vessel inadvertently violates a sacred ruin. The crowd's calm turns into collective outrage, and demands punishment.

In Play

• Exposure to interstellar neighbors is relatively recent, and the Atriari are still adjusting to contact with other civilizations.

• The Atriari exhibit extreme politeness and formality towards outsiders. Permitted visitors are treated as honored guests, though interactions carry an underlying tension.

• Cultural and religious beliefs are deeply ingrained and must be approached with care. Dismissing them can disrupt diplomatic relations. Outsiders must exercise caution, in particular in regards to new concepts and interstellar norms.