Genasi

Genasi result from the exposure to a surge of elemental power, through phenomena such as The Great Calamity / The Heliocide. Elemental energy saturates any creatures in the area (Astara) and might alter their nature enough that their offspring with other mortals are born as genasi. Genasi inherit something from both sides of their dual nature. They resemble humans but have unusual skin color (red, green, blue, or gray), and there is something odd about them. The elemental blood flowing through their veins manifests differently in each genasi, often as magical power. Most Genasi born from the Calamity, tended to originate within or near The Khazakorum Desert. Therefore, most Genasi cultures reside there, under the rule of The Mirage Court.

Seen in silhouette, a genasi can usually pass for human. Those of earth or water descent tend to be heavier, while those of air or fire tend to be lighter. A given genasi might have some features reminiscent of mortals (pointed ears from an elf, a stockier frame and thick hair from a dwarf, small hands and feet from a halfling, exceedingly large eyes from a gnome, and so on). Some genasi live as outcasts, driven into exile for their unsettling appearance and strange magic, or assuming leadership of savage humanoids and weird cults in untamed lands. Others gain positions of great influence, especially where elemental beings are revered. Genasi are said to be respected by Genie as they are similar beings. The Mirage Court seemingly recognizes Genasi more so than other mortal races, but does not treat them preferentially in any way.

As rare beings, genasi might go their entire lives without encountering another one of their kind. There are no great genasi cities or empires. Genasi seldom have communities of their own and typically adopt the cultures and societies into which they are born, usually located in The Khazakorum Desert . The more strange their appearance, the harder time they have. Many genasi lose themselves in teeming cities, where their distinctiveness hardly raises an eyebrow in places accustomed to a variety of different people. Genasi worship a variety of deities, including Leliath, Tempus, Sylvanus & Helios.

Basic Information

Behaviour

Genasi rarely lack confidence, seeing themselves as equal to almost any challenge in their path. This certainty might manifest as graceful self-assurance in one genasi and as arrogance in another. Such self- confidence can sometimes blind genasi to risk, and their great plans often get them and others into trouble. Too much failure can chip away at even a genasi’s sense of self, so they constantly push themselves to improve, honing their talents and perfecting their craft.

Civilization and Culture

History

The Great Calamity / The Heliocide had a profound affect on all races inhabiting Astara, fundamentally changing the way many cultures survived. The majority populous of many races were wiped out entirely, and those that survived were left in utter desolation. The years following the Calamity consisted of mass migrations of displaced cultures, forced to move somewhere safe or intact to start anew. During this time, alliances were forged and broken, ancient treaties abandoned, and a lawless chaos ensued. Most were desperate, and resorted to whatever measures necessary to survive. This greatly impacted the behavior of not only individuals, but cultures as a whole, as seen with the re-emergence of unsavory practices like cults, slavery and cannibalism. As such many races had evolved throughout the calamity, some only vaguely resembling their former selves. See below for some important distinctions of this race:

Genasi have only bene known to exist on Astara since the Calamity, many roam the lands seeking a new future, however many still live in the cities they were born, located in The Khazakorum Desert.
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Lifespan

90 - 150 years

Average Height

5'7" - 6'2"

Average Weight

130 - 225 lbs

Geographic Distribution

• The Khazakorum Desert

Related Organizations

• The Mirage Court