In Lur-Asko, the Study of Athletics pertains not strictly to sports, but to the basic physical capabilities of a character's body. Most adventurers enter this Study eventually, but it is also among the easiest to enter later if you'd like to start in a different area. It is often used to enhance other Studies by raising physical stats. Focusing on this Study is recommended if you seek to become the party's pack-carrier or damage-taker, or if you place a high value on mobility.

    Non-organic characters (such as revenants) can still take Athletics tiers and Abilities, unless otherwise specified by an Ability. For such characters, such development may represent self-modifications or advanced reprogramming, allowing them to use their mechanical body more efficiently.

    Compared to Earth, the planet Tsuunahgo has a slightly denser atmosphere and fewer pathogens. The great biodiversity of Lur-Asko has been further refined by Protodraconic and Alacrian genetic engineering, and most people have at least occasional access to healing arcanists or corallurgists. For these reasons, all life is slightly healthier, and the same environment that causes the average human to live 100 years also fosters a great number of spectacular physical feats. People who would be listed as Earth's world-class athletes - the absolute peak of physical conditioning - would be considered merely decent in Lur-Asko's Study of Athletics.

    Altogether, it's actually possible that the Alacrian Golden Age may have marked a net downturn in the physical abilities of Lur-Asko's people. As technology advanced and even the backward "Subject Species" were adopted by the Alacris, physical merit took a back seat to scientific and philosophical accomplishments. Alacrian culture never emphasized or honored athletics, and even the development of the high martial arts were focused more on mental training than on raw physical power. Still, athletics saw its revival in the Draconic Wars and the Third Alacrian Era purely out of necessity. No matter how mentally disciplined or technologically amplified, Alacrian soldiers still knew their muscles, reflexes, and fortitude were frequently the difference between life and death. The foundations of the Athletics Backgrounds were laid by these ancient warriors.

    Today, Alacrian Rationalism still rules Lur-Asko, and hardly anyone is lauded solely for being physically fit. However, this is the Adventuring Age, and it is adventurers who capture the imagination of the people. Bardic legend is packed full of courageous individuals who hung the fate of whole realms on their raw physical competence, ultimately triumphing by their blood, sweat, and nimbleness. Now more than ever, as Lur-Asko strives in battle with its own wild frontiers, it is the athletes' time to shine.

    Broadly speaking, Athletics Backgrounds consist of two main categories. One contains ancient physical traditions from the Alacris, which are highly specialized and dependent on other Studies. The other Backgrounds are more readily accessible and concern themselves with general, "natural" fitness.

    Transnaturists, and Infusionists can only be trained by those of their own Background.

    Lifters, Sustainers, and Jumpers may receive training from each other, but not from other Backgrounds.

    All Athletics Backgrounds can find training in cities.