Beyond the churning seas and shattered lands of Thalassara, there exists a truth whispered in hushed tones by madmen and forgotten scholars: we are not alone. The vast, star-speckled void is not empty, and from its depths, beings of pure cosmic energy have found their way to the world. They are the Astren, and their existence is the best-kept secret in Thalassara. The Astren are a race of tall, slender beings whose semi-translucent, iridescent skin shifts and shimmers with a mesmerizing display of colors. These hues are a direct reflection of their emotions, from the soft blues of contentment to the harsh reds of anger. Their presence on Thalassara is a closely guarded secret, known only to a select few. The Astren prefer to observe from the shadows, their advanced technology and cosmic abilities allowing them to remain unseen. This secrecy is a matter of self-preservation for the Astren. They understand the volatile and dangerous nature of Thalassara's factions and fear that their discovery would bring about a terrible conflict, one that they do not wish to be a part of.
The Astren possess unique abilities that are a direct result of their profound connection to the universe itself, granting them mastery over light and cosmic energy.
Cosmic Connection: An Astren's mind is innately linked to the cosmos. They can tap into this connection to gain a bonus on checks related to cosmic phenomena, celestial navigation, or ancient, forgotten lore.
Light Manipulation: Their bodies are a living prism of light. An Astren can use this ability to create minor, disorienting illusions or temporarily blind an opponent with a flash of brilliant light.
Emotional Hue: An Astren's skin is a direct reflection of their emotional state. While this can make them predictable to those who understand them, it also makes them harder to lie to or deceive, as their true feelings are always visible.
Void Shift: By drawing on the energy of the void, an Astren can instantly shift their position over a very short distance, allowing them to evade attacks or traverse difficult terrain with impossible speed.