Cosmic Wayfinder: Astraea, the Vapors of Nol

Astraea, the Vapors of Nol

Astraea is the tenth planet from Sol and known as “The Vapors of Nol” fo its unique composition. Astraea is the only other ringed planet in the system. It distinguishes itself from Cronelia by having mostly intangible rings made from luminous vapors flowing with Essence, possessing far fewer collections of rock and ice. The planet is made from a denser collection of gasses, creating pockets of space within its surface. Wildlife does exist along Astraea’s rings, but it is sparse.

An image of Astraea from orbit

The Astraeans

Astraeans stand at an average of eight feet tall and are the majority sentient species that live on Astraea and its dozens of moons. Their skin is made from polished minerals traced with visible veins of magical blood. They lack facial features beyond sunken eyes and have flat horns protruding from their temples. Their physiology is similar to that of Cronelians, as they share the ability to speak telepathically. Due to the difference in their homeworld, Astraeans are much more physically imposing while lacking the predisposition towards magic the Cronelians possess.

Hidden in the Mist

Originally, Astraeans lived on the few deposits of solid matter within the planet’s rings. However, when overpopulation threatened to collapse their most prominent settlements, they ventured into their planet to find suitable habitats. Eventually, the Astraeans found a pocket near the surface of Astraeans lined with gasses dense enough to stand upon. By pulling resources from the rings in orbit, the Astraeans established a city on the surface of a gas giant. Soon after, they delve deeper into the planet to find more pockets and create networks and highways between them.

A People Without Attachment

Astraeans have little industry relative to the other worlds of the Republic. They participate in its government, and few Astraeans are known to join their militaries as the race is known for sticking with their own kind. However, Astraeans offer up the resources of their planet and its rings for extraction. The aether crystals with precious gasses suspended around Astraea are valuable in ship manufacturing