Pathseeker's Guide: Astrent

You may count yourself lucky if you have stood on the twin viewing platforms in the high city of Erador and watched Astrent’s moons gather for their yearly eclipse. Or if you have won yourself a place among the galaxy’s brightest to sit for exams in one of its prestigious schools. The double planet, Astrent, and its four moons—Ozea, Tasili, Xem, and Vrirs—are home to the greatest sources of learning and tolerance in the universe. They house the mysterious and oft-lauded halls of the Star Sages and a full eight Pathways among their twisting gardens and artifice constructions. Some believe Astrent was the homeworld of the forgotten architects of the Pathways. Ancient ruins are plentiful here, and an abundance of exotic particles makes psionic powers more potent—and more likely to develop.

Astrent is a common pilgrimage destination for species across the universe, but it is no small endeavor to enter these hallowed spheres. Even good references and a stellar background could leave you waiting years for a short-period travel visa, and students compete even more fiercely for entrance into its schools. Those most desperate to reach the beautiful double planet often turn to smugglers to get them planetside. The penalties are high if you’re caught entering illegally, but some say that the Star Sages are willing to look the other way if you come with fragments of the ancients.