There are some questions that come up time after time in regards to the Atlanteans sphere. We've tied to answer most of those here in this Atlantean FAQ.

1. What is an Atlantean?
2. Where is Atlantis and how long does it take to get there?
3. What Decemvirates are open for me to join?
4. How are Atlanteans characters named?
5. What do Atlanteans wear?
6. How long do Atlanteans live?
7. What kinds of things can I do on Aether as an Atlantean?
8. I want to be a shapeshifter, what animal forms can I choose?
9. Do Atlanteans Cry?
10. Are Atlanteans religious?
11. Why are the Atlanteans in Parnassus?
12. What makes the Atlanteans in Parnassus different from the Atlanteans in Haven?
13. Do the Marchers look any different than the Atlanteans in Haven?
14. Where do the Atlanteans live in Parnassus?
15. Who are some Atlantean VIPS in Parnassus?
    
    Atlantean Terms

1. What is an Atlantean? | Top
Atlanteans are the water-based race on the online game, AetherMUSH. The oceans and seas of the world form their natural habitat but they can live on land, for they can breathe underwater with gills and on land with lungs like other land-dwellers do. Atlanteans are telepathic, they can communicate without speaking, which is essential for those living underwater. Atlanteans can come in a variety of colors but all naturally have gills on either side of their neck, webbing between their fingers and toes, as well as some types of fins on their arms, legs and in some cases, their back.

2. Where is Atlantis and how long does it take to get there? | Top
Atlantis is located in Ormani waters, roughly a two day swim from Haven.

3. What Decemvirates are open for me to join? | Top
Currently the only Decemvirate open to Atlantean PCs is that of Orman, as well as the neutral area of the Atlantean Marches, a territory situated between Orman and Lir which borders Parnassus. Players can ask Atlantean staff permission to play an Atlantean from Amaris or Pandion, but the other Decemvirates are closed to PCs except for Lir, which requires an application to all staff.
For more information on each of the Decemvirates, please check out the Decemvirates section of this site.

4. How are Atlanteans characters named? | Top
Atlanteans have given names and surnames just as we do, but their surname is given first. For example, an Atlantean named Keia with the surname, or last name, of Turlos would introduce herself formally as Turlos Keia, though friends would call her simply Keia. And while all Atlanteans come from a specific Decemvirate, only members of the Decemvir's family uses the Decemvirate's name as their own. For example, Turlos Keia might be from the Pandion Decemvirate but not of the Decemvir's family. However, the Decemvir's cousin, Marja, would be named Pandion Marja. If you want to be a part of the Decemvir's family, please contact Atlantean staff.

5. What do Atlanteans wear? | Top
In their natural habitat Atlanteans rarely wear any type of clothing, though they might wear decorations of shells, pearls or other ocean items in the hair, around their neck or waist. Jewelry is popular among the Atlanteans. Fabric as we know it on land is virtually unknown to Atlanteans. On land they adopt land-dweller customs of modesty and wear clothing, though rarely do they wear anything bulky or cumbersome. Their clothing usually consits of zoris and a sarong, while women usually cover their bosom with a choli in addition to that.

6. How long do Atlanteans live? | Top
Atlanteans can live to be 100-120 years old

7. What kinds of things can I do on Aether as an Atlantean? | Top
Atlanteans are quite versatile in their choice of careers. They are artists and craftsmen, creating beautiful works of art and pieces of jewelry. Fisherman are common as well for Atlantean people, for who knows the seas better than those that come from it? Merchants sell goods at the Bridge, their items can vary as widely as the type of people they sell to. Atlanteans can also be scholars, historians, diplomats and philosophers. Coming from beneath the waves there is a lot they can teach to land-dwellers, as well as learn. There is also the priesthood if one is a worshipper of Pasiphae or an evangelist of one who worships the water. Atlanteans do have warriors as well. They can join the Marcher Military and serve the Ard Ri and protect their people in the estuary. Basically, Just about any kind of profession can be handled by an Atlantean.

8. I want to be a shapeshifter, what animal forms can I choose? | Top
Since Atlanteans are water creatures, the animal forms they shift into are almost always that of a water animal. Only once a shifter has reached a level where another form can be learned can they shift into a non-water animal. Atlantean characters can shift into the following animals without application to staff: Dolphin, Otter, Seal, and Shark. The following animals need an application to staff before an Atlantean can RP these shapes: Alligator, Eel, Narwhal, Orca, and Squid/Octopus. If you would like an animal not on this list, it also requires an application to staff. For more information on Atlanteans and magic, please visit the Magic page of this site.

9. Do Atlanteans Cry? | Top
Yes, Atlanteans have tear ducts and do have the ability to cry.

10. Are Atlanteans religious? | Top
Atlanteans have two different religions, worship of Pasiphae, a singular goddess and Water Worship, the worship of the water itself rather than a single deity. Pasiphae worship is more rigidly structured and is led by the Pasiphae Priesthood while Water Worship is more relaxed, worship is led by evangelists. For more information on both religions see our Religion section of this site.

11. Why are the Atlanteans in Parnassus? | Top
The Atlanteans living in the waters bordering Parnassus have for generations held good diplomatic and trade ties with the Empyreans living there. During and after the Varati-Empyrean war when half of the city was given to the Varati the Atlanteans became wary of any further trouble between the two races and withdrew from the estuary to protect their own. In time though word reached them that a truce of sorts had been reached between the races which established a Varati city on the estuary's northern side. Seeing this as a hopeful sign that peace might be given a chance at last the Atlanteans returned in the hope of once again establishing trade relations. But this time with both races. They also offered their services as neutral diplomats and negotiators to prevent more difficulties which could lead to another war. The Atlantean vessels and watery trade routes offer the land-dwellers a golden opportunity to turn Parnassus in a blossoming City of Trade, something which the Atlanteans hope will make the land dwellers more willing to listen to their pleas for peace. Furthermore, Atlantean scholars find it immensely interesting to study this new alliance between two arch-enemies and consider the city the perfect place to gain a flow of information from and about the other races.

12. What makes the Atlanteans in Parnassus different from the Atlanteans in Haven? | Top
Most of the local Atlanteans are Marchers, mixed descendents of explorers and Ephors from Lir and Orman. The Marchers come from a more structured society than we knew in Haven and have a general sense of wariness towards the land-dwellers. While they still share a curiosity to the other races and genuinely want to establish good relations with them, they are less forgiving of transgressions against and by their kind. They even consider everyone with Atlantean blood to be subject to their laws regardless of Decemvirate-alliance or race.

13. Do the Marchers look any different than the Atlanteans in Haven? | Top
Yes, their deepdweller blood has caused the webbing between their fingers and toes to become longer and thicker, scales and fins grow upon their limbs and patches of phosphoric skin cover their bodies.

14. Where do the Atlanteans live in Parnassus? | Top
The cliffs on either side of the estuary are literary riffled with underwater caves in which the Atlanteans have made their homes. Not even they know how far the cave system reaches, but they continue to explore. The land dwellers living right above them have no idea just where the Atlanteans live.

15. Who are some Atlantean VIPS in Parnassus? | Top
The Ard Ri (the highest leader of the Marches) -- Position open

The Ard Ri's Tanist (heir-elect) -- Position open

The Chief Brehon (a Lawkeeper of Ollamh rank) -- Position open

The Fer-Leginn (a Lorekeeper of Ollamh rank) -- Position open

The Marcher High Priestess of Pasiphae -- Lehuan Okalani

Atlantean Terms

Because the Atlantean people spend most of their lives beneath the water and have use of the magic of telepathy, there is little need for a large vocal vocabulary, for images can portray far greater detail than a single word. Compare the word 'sunset' and then imagine the most beautiful sunset you've seen and you get an idea of the difference. However, some terms have been designed for the Atlantean people, which can be found below.

Amarisian: (am-ah-REE-jhan) n. One of the ten Decemvirate families of the Atlanteans, hailing from the region on Aether that mirrors Earth's southern Atlantic

Ard Ri: The highest leader of the Atlantean Marches who is currently in residence in the Mahpe River's estuary between Parnassus and Irha Esh. Named for the ancient Kingship that once ruled in the area before the Decemvirates were formed, the Ard Ri is essentially the go-between for the March Clans and the neighboring Decemvirates. The Ard Ri also serves as mediator to all clan disputes that the Chieftans deem they cannot solve between themselves. He also has the legal authority to step in when one of the Chieftains is abusing his power. Traditionally he holds no seat and instead traveled between the Clan waters. When Parnassus and Irha-Esh were formed, the Decemvirates asked the Ard Ri to settle into the estuary to keep a watch on the activities between the fractious Empyreans and Varati.

Atlanteans: (at-LAN-tee-ahns) n. 1. The Atlanteans are one of the four elemental races, based on water. They are responsible for stories about mermaids, water-sprites, selkies, sirens, naiads, etc. They live in the fabled Atlantis -- a city that disappeared from earth centuries ago and reappeared in this world. Their form varies, for shapeshifting is common among them, and many of them have fins or even fish-tails in order to move around in their element more easily. 2. adj. Having the characteristics of an Atlantean.

Atlantis: (at-LAN-tis) n. The main city of the Atlanteans. It was originally a city on earth that was supposedly destroyed when it sank beneath the waves. In actuality, it was transported from earth to this realm, and became the undersea kingdom of the water race.

Blessing of Pasiphae: Not exactly a term, but it is a greeting or farewell commonly used by those who worship the Goddess Pasiphae. The greeting can be used to welcome anyone, not only others who worship the goddess or are Atlantean.

Blessings of Pure Water: Similar to the greeting above, but used by those who are Water Worshipers rather than followers of the Goddess Pasiphae. It too can be extended to all people, not just those who are water worshippers or Atlantean.

Brehon: The Lirite and Marcher term for a Judge.

Decemvir: (de-SEM-veer) n. One of the Decemvirate; the group of ten kings which rules the Atlanteans.

Decemvirate: (de-SEM-veer-ate) n. The rulers of the Atlanteans are comprised of ten kings; each in charge of a separate territory which, together, make up the undersea community of that race.

Derbfhine: A minimum of three generations from a common ancestor gathered in conclave, the Derbfhine is the ruling council of a clan or Ephorate family. By and from among them they elect their new leader and tanist, the heir-select. Only adults may be part of the Derbfhine and the council has the right to remove their leader or his heir if it is found they are lacking in their duties and responsibilities.

Ephor: (EE-for) n. A member of the Ephorate, the ruling body of Atlantis, comprised of the Decemvirate as well as various civil servants and diplomats.

Ephorate: (EE-for-ate) n. The ruling body of Atlantis, comprised of the Decemvirate as well various civil servants and diplomats.

Fer-Leginn: The Lirite and Marcher term for Chief Professor.

Ipponisian: (ip-oh-NEE-zhan) n. One of the ten Decemvirate families of the Atlanteans, based in the area on Aether that matches Earth's South Pacific and Australian coastlines.

Korallion: (kor-AL-ee-on) n. The Atlanteans' "headquarters" within Haven (or just outside of it). Situated just offshore in Haven's harbor, the Korallion is a large structure fashioned from coral, shell, and stone, designed to look like a giant nautilus. Visitors are welcome to come and go freely.

Lirites: (LEER-ites) n. Atlanteans from the Decemvirate of Lir, whose territories are equivalent to Earth's North Sea, Irish Sea, and Baltic Sea.

lluora: (loo-OR-ah) n. a popular drink for Atlanteans, this is water in its purest form.

Ollamh: The highest degree offered in ecclesiastical universities in the Atlantean Marches, a rank equivalent to a modern day professor.

Orcini: (or-SEE-nee) n. Atlanteans hailing from the Decemvirate family Orcinus, whose area matches Earth's Pacific Rim and Sea of Japan.

Organili: (or-gan-EE-lee) n. Atlanteans from the Decemvirate family Organil, whose territory mirrors Earth's Pacific ocean.

Ormani: (or-MAHN-ee) n. Atlanteans from the Decemvirate house Orman, whose territory would include the Mediterranean sea, on Earth.

Pandionites: (PAN-dee-on-ites) n. Atlanteans from the Decemvirate of Pandion, which, on Earth, would lie near the Indian Ocean and Indonesian islands.

Pasiphae: (PASS-if-ay) n. 1. The goddess of the Atlanteans; a mistress of beasts and a ruler of nature. She also embodies the moon itself, whose waxing and waning affects the tides. 2. n. The "clergy" or priesthood of Pasiphae. See Pasiphae for more information.

Phorcysians: (for-KEE-zhans) n. On Earth, the area around the Black Sea would mirror that of this Atlantean Decemvirate's family.

Salacian: (sah-LAY-shen) n. The only fresh-water Atlanteans, for they hail from the Decemvirate of Salacia, whose territory matches that of the Great Lakes and Arctic Ocean, on Earth.

sarong: (sah-RONG) n. a loose skirt made from a long strip of cloth wrapped around the body; worn by Atlantean men and women.

Tanist: The heir-select of a clan or territory in the Atlantean Marches, chosen by and from the Derbfhine of his family. A tanist takes oath to pursue the common-wealth of his people and is the leader's right hand as well as successor. Should the leader die, the tanist will immediately take up his duties but will not be named a new leader until after the Derbfhine has gathered again and agreed that he is fit to rule.

Tritonian: (try-TONE-ee-ahn) n. The Atlantean Decemvirate of Triton claims the portion of Aether's seas that would include the North Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico, on Earth.

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