Genasi
Genasi are plane-touched humans infused with the power of the elements. Along with aasimar and tieflings, genasi are the common plane-touched found in the Serene Isles. Technically speaking, the genasi are not a race but a instead a general classification of humans who had a heritage that included some planar being from one of the elemental planes. most often a genie, which is whence their name is derived.
No two genasi are alike in appearance. Some could pass as normal humans, bearing the marks of their human ethnicity; for others, their elemental nature was impossible to hide. Their heritage was nearly always evident in one or two physical traits, such as skin or hair color or an elemental aura. Some genasi did not have hair at all; for such genasi, the substance that appeared to cover their heads was actually a supernatural expression of their elemental nature. Each of the four fundamental elements had associated genies, so the most common genasi were air genasi, earth genasi, fire genasi, and water genasi. Para-genasi were genasi who expressed a bloodline of two elements. Para-genasi were even rarer than the four standard genasi. Genasi were about the same size and stature as normal humans, but their bodies displayed signs of greater physical strength, and other subtle indications of their heritage
All genasi had inherent magical powers and resistances related to their element. Like other planetouched, because of the strength of their elemental heritage, many spells that specifically affected humanoids had no effect on genasi. On the other hand, some spells that affected outsiders were effective against them, such as banishment.
Unlike many planetouched races, genasi generally took pride in their unusual features, Furthermore, because of their elemental power, some genasi felt a sense of superiority over other races and even over other genasi—including those of the same element. In return, the genasi were one of the most distrusted planetouched due to being the most alien. The personality of the typical genasi reflected her or his core element. For example, a fire genasi might have a "hot temper" and an earth genasi might take life slowly and carefully. Many genasi philosophers believe that their race existed as a compromise between the chaos of the primordials and the divinely crafted world of the gods. A few genasi took this to heart and tried to eliminate one or the other aspect of their nature, either becoming agents of chaos or disciples of order, but these individuals were considered the exception rather than the rule. Most genasi were simply grateful for the innate connection to the elemental forces that shaped the world that they all shared. Genasi had a strong ability to adapt, perhaps only superseded by humans in this regard, and embraced change as an inevitability or even something to be relished. Even lawful genasi embraced this change, and genasi of all kinds valued the possibilities the future might bring, such as new allies or new opportunities. In many ways, genasi were the most flexible of races, less stubborn and more willing to accept new ideas for better or worse.
Genasi were quite a rare sight among the planes, as they were much more common in the Prime Material. Though common, genasi still were not often sighted as they tended inhabit any region they enjoyed, from the most dangerous of volcanos, to a ruined temple in the oceans. Though genasi could be extremely passionate in a way that might seem violent, the race as a whole had a love for family and friends, to the point that few genasi marriages ended in divorce. Most genasi families were large, and the genasi as a whole looked upon another genasi as a potential relative to the point of referring to those they met as "brother", "sister", or "cousin". In the infrequent genasi society, family played an important role, likely in part because genasi found it difficult to form new friendships and bonds. To most genasi, family bonds were the only ones that were truly reliable and it was far rarer for genasi to become alienated or estranged from members of their family. This is not to say that internal feuds and disputes did not happen, but the vast majority led to only temporary divides, and family members spread over the world would eventually come looking for a reunion. Genasi spoke the languages of their native region. In addition, they often learned the languages of the elemental plane from which their powers derived
Genasi art was wild and exciting, similar to the race itself. Genasi preferred elaborate and bold designs, using bright and vibrant colors to express the wide range of emotions they felt. Sculptures were often explosive in appearance, resembling surges of power more than anything else. Even for relatively simple or functional items, the genasi poured care into giving it a flamboyant appearance, marking it with swirling patterns, gemstones, or elaborate carvings. Genasi artisans often saw their craft as a means of obtaining prestige. These individuals desired nothing more than to be in high demand and so worked hard to please their customer base. For this reason, many genasi often substituted actual excellence for customization and individuality and while the average genasi swordsmith might not compare with his dwarven counterpart in terms of quality, the genasi would work much harder to tailor the blade to his or her customer's specific needs and wants. This could go so far as to make genasi-crafted items seem uncomfortable or unwieldy in the hands of those for whom they were not intended.
The child of an elemental creature with a human was a half-elemental. The child of a half-elemental and a human was a genasi. The child of a genasi and a human might show planetouched traits or purely human ones.Thus, overtime, the elemental bloodline was diluted until it was no longer obvious in most individuals. However, every few generations, a child might display his or her elemental heritage as a genasi. Para-genasi came about when a half-elemental of one type mated with an elemental creature of another type The genealogy of an individual genasi was extremely difficult to determine, as the elemental planes had many sentient lifeforms capable of interbreeding with humans. Moreover, most such races would never admit to such a coupling and would reject both the half-elemental offspring and any of his or her descendants. Genasi possessed a lifespan comparable with that of humans, reaching 75 years on average barring accident or violence. However, like other planetouched, some genasi had life spans roughly 20 to 40 years longer than normal humans.
Source: Elemental Evil Player's Compendium
Description:
No two genasi are alike in appearance. Some could pass as normal humans, bearing the marks of their human ethnicity; for others, their elemental nature was impossible to hide. Their heritage was nearly always evident in one or two physical traits, such as skin or hair color or an elemental aura. Some genasi did not have hair at all; for such genasi, the substance that appeared to cover their heads was actually a supernatural expression of their elemental nature. Each of the four fundamental elements had associated genies, so the most common genasi were air genasi, earth genasi, fire genasi, and water genasi. Para-genasi were genasi who expressed a bloodline of two elements. Para-genasi were even rarer than the four standard genasi. Genasi were about the same size and stature as normal humans, but their bodies displayed signs of greater physical strength, and other subtle indications of their heritage
Abilities:
All genasi had inherent magical powers and resistances related to their element. Like other planetouched, because of the strength of their elemental heritage, many spells that specifically affected humanoids had no effect on genasi. On the other hand, some spells that affected outsiders were effective against them, such as banishment.
Personality:
Unlike many planetouched races, genasi generally took pride in their unusual features, Furthermore, because of their elemental power, some genasi felt a sense of superiority over other races and even over other genasi—including those of the same element. In return, the genasi were one of the most distrusted planetouched due to being the most alien. The personality of the typical genasi reflected her or his core element. For example, a fire genasi might have a "hot temper" and an earth genasi might take life slowly and carefully. Many genasi philosophers believe that their race existed as a compromise between the chaos of the primordials and the divinely crafted world of the gods. A few genasi took this to heart and tried to eliminate one or the other aspect of their nature, either becoming agents of chaos or disciples of order, but these individuals were considered the exception rather than the rule. Most genasi were simply grateful for the innate connection to the elemental forces that shaped the world that they all shared. Genasi had a strong ability to adapt, perhaps only superseded by humans in this regard, and embraced change as an inevitability or even something to be relished. Even lawful genasi embraced this change, and genasi of all kinds valued the possibilities the future might bring, such as new allies or new opportunities. In many ways, genasi were the most flexible of races, less stubborn and more willing to accept new ideas for better or worse.
Society:
Genasi were quite a rare sight among the planes, as they were much more common in the Prime Material. Though common, genasi still were not often sighted as they tended inhabit any region they enjoyed, from the most dangerous of volcanos, to a ruined temple in the oceans. Though genasi could be extremely passionate in a way that might seem violent, the race as a whole had a love for family and friends, to the point that few genasi marriages ended in divorce. Most genasi families were large, and the genasi as a whole looked upon another genasi as a potential relative to the point of referring to those they met as "brother", "sister", or "cousin". In the infrequent genasi society, family played an important role, likely in part because genasi found it difficult to form new friendships and bonds. To most genasi, family bonds were the only ones that were truly reliable and it was far rarer for genasi to become alienated or estranged from members of their family. This is not to say that internal feuds and disputes did not happen, but the vast majority led to only temporary divides, and family members spread over the world would eventually come looking for a reunion. Genasi spoke the languages of their native region. In addition, they often learned the languages of the elemental plane from which their powers derived
Art:
Genasi art was wild and exciting, similar to the race itself. Genasi preferred elaborate and bold designs, using bright and vibrant colors to express the wide range of emotions they felt. Sculptures were often explosive in appearance, resembling surges of power more than anything else. Even for relatively simple or functional items, the genasi poured care into giving it a flamboyant appearance, marking it with swirling patterns, gemstones, or elaborate carvings. Genasi artisans often saw their craft as a means of obtaining prestige. These individuals desired nothing more than to be in high demand and so worked hard to please their customer base. For this reason, many genasi often substituted actual excellence for customization and individuality and while the average genasi swordsmith might not compare with his dwarven counterpart in terms of quality, the genasi would work much harder to tailor the blade to his or her customer's specific needs and wants. This could go so far as to make genasi-crafted items seem uncomfortable or unwieldy in the hands of those for whom they were not intended.
Ecology:
The child of an elemental creature with a human was a half-elemental. The child of a half-elemental and a human was a genasi. The child of a genasi and a human might show planetouched traits or purely human ones.Thus, overtime, the elemental bloodline was diluted until it was no longer obvious in most individuals. However, every few generations, a child might display his or her elemental heritage as a genasi. Para-genasi came about when a half-elemental of one type mated with an elemental creature of another type The genealogy of an individual genasi was extremely difficult to determine, as the elemental planes had many sentient lifeforms capable of interbreeding with humans. Moreover, most such races would never admit to such a coupling and would reject both the half-elemental offspring and any of his or her descendants. Genasi possessed a lifespan comparable with that of humans, reaching 75 years on average barring accident or violence. However, like other planetouched, some genasi had life spans roughly 20 to 40 years longer than normal humans.
Notable Genasi:
- None yet...
Genasi Features:
Source: Elemental Evil Player's Compendium
- Ability Score Increase. Your Constitution score increases by 2.
- Age. Genasi mature at about the same rate as humans and reach adulthood in their late teens. They live somewhat longer than humans do, up to 120 years.
- Alignment. Independent and self-reliant, genasi tend toward a neutral alignment.
- Size. Genasi are as varied as their mortal parents but are generally built like humans, standing anywhere from 5 feet to over 6 feet tall. Your size is Medium.
- Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
- Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common and Primordial. Primordial is a guttural language, filled with harsh syllables and hard consonants.
- Plus, the features of a Genasi Subrace.
Subraces:
- Air Genasi
- Earth Genasi
- Fire Genasi
- Water Genasi
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