Aasimar

Exemplars of poise, grace, and magnificence, aasimars are beloved throughout the Inner Sea and beyond. These mortal beings are shaped by incredible celestial power and are often greeted as omens of good fortune for the communities they’re born into. As adults, many aasimars gravitate towards noble and heroic principles, often finding success as renowned artists, devout clergy, and resplendent heroes. A celestial tether holds an aasimar’s soul close, gently pulling them towards celestial ideals. Aasimars feel subtle urges to root out evil, aid the downtrodden, and amend society’s broken promises. This pull is not a guarantee for a life of good, however, and many aasimars crack under the pressure put upon them. These aasimars might prefer to escape the expectations of their lives and choose to live in solitude. In other cases, an aasimar might turn to a life of evil, either as a backlash for failing to live up to these societal pressures or as a rejection of their own celestial nature.
Physically, an aasimar’s appearance greatly resembles others of their ancestry, though their celestial influence can visibly manifest in nearly imperceptible to substantial cosmetic differences. Common manifestations include pearlescent teeth, golden hair, lyrical voices, floral scents, and shining features. More radical manifestations can include additional eyes, bodies covered in soft down feathers, a voice that sounds akin to several people speaking in unison, or heads with more than a single face. These differences are far less common and, for some, unnerving; many would consider these aasimars monstrous if not for their natural aura of holiness.
AASIMARS OF THE INNER SEA
Aasimars possess a natural radiance—the legacy left by their celestial origins—that suffuses the world around them. These supernatural qualities push people to perceive aasimars as not just more beautiful than the average
person, but also smarter, funnier, stronger, and more naturally gifted. The
degree of truth to these perceptions varies, but that doesn’t stop most from
transfixing on aasimars’ inherent magnificence, as they captivate those
around them whether they intend to or not. Though many aasimars are
conventionally beautiful, even aasimars with strange and unusual features are perceived as wondrous to behold, regardless of any bizarre celestial manifestations.
Many aasimar lineages are attributed to liaisons between marvelous celestials and heroic or virtuous mortals, but rarely do such trysts result in an aasimar child. Aasimar births may arise from any celestial influence. A childless couple praying for an heir, a conjurer frequenting in celestial dealings, or a champion wielding a holy sword—the celestial spark is entirely unknowable. Producing aasimar offspring is never guaranteed, and even an aasimar’s own children are unlikely to inherit their parent’s celestial birthright.
The results of a dwarf inheriting the celestial legacy are magnificent to behold. Aasimar dwarves’ skin might shine like polished metal, and their immaculately groomed beards might weave impossible patterns. Even as children, they might speak with the wisdom of a thousand lifetimes. Aasimar dwarves tend to be serious-minded, and many choose to abstain from alcohol and frivolous pursuits unless it benefits the greater community. Dwarves believe that Torag himself forges each aasimar dwarf, imbuing them with his zeal. Lawbringers are the most common aasimars among dwarves, and their desire for order aligns well with regimented dwarven culture. Aasimar elves represent the height of artistry, possessing impossible grace and poise. Azatas and elves have a long history of intermingling, and their musetouched offspring are universally celebrated. Their hair gently moves to its own breeze and their skin appears painted on, with visible brushstrokes covering their bodies.
FEAT 1
FEAT 1
Due to their First World origins, aasimar gnomes are a rare sight. They often have small, feathered vestigial wings, or bright, wildly colored hair and eyes that actively sparkle at a glance. Their halos shine brightest when they laugh, and their speaking voices are accompanied by harps, flutes, and horns. Poetry pours effortlessly from their lips, all their words carrying seamless rhythm and cadence.
Many are surprised to discover that there are aasimar goblins, whose existence proves that goblins are worth the notice of the beautiful and powerful celestials. The celestial inheritance mixing with goblin physiology often results in extreme physical expressions. They may have eyes on the roofs of their mouths, their songs may sound like they are sung by a chorus of angels, or they may appear to be eternally shrouded in heatless flames.
Celestials hold halflings in special regard. While some ancestries must be shepherded, halflings are more likely to value music, food, and community. Idyllkin aasimars appear often among halfling communities, as agathions resonate with halflings’ contentedness. An aasimar halfling may smell like a different dessert depending on their mood, be covered in thick lamb’s wool, or grow long rabbit ears as an expression of their celestial heritage.
Humans have a long history of beseeching celestials in times of need. In Thuvia, angelic peris work alongside human champions to quell demonic div insurrections. In Mendev, angels spent lifetimes battling alongside mortals against demonic hordes. In Tianjing, outside the Inner Sea, a host of quartered celestials changed the fabric of a nation after defending it from vile qlippoth forces. Humans are captivated by aasimars, as they serve as a reminder that good will always triumph over evil.
Aasimar Adventurers
Aasimars are often revered from birth, and communities often ensure that these blessed children are given every advantage to pursue their divine destiny. Pampered aasimars may have the artist, emissary, entertainer, or noble background. Aasimars pursuing virtuous ends may have the acolyte, detective, or field medic backgrounds. Aasimars often devote themselves to faith, becoming champions or clerics. Artistic aasimars excel as bards.