Primeling

Primelings are mortal creatures who have had their usual ancestry mutated by some influence of the Elemental Planes. They are one of three types of planetouched. Primelings may be the result of an ancient heritage connected to a powerful elemental, direct exposure to the elemental planes, or even just the whims of the seasons. Although they can be born to any other ancestry at any time, primelings of different elements are more likely to be born during elemental seasons or parts of Aedelor where the planes intertwine more closely.
Primelings first appeared in Aedelor c. 4550 BDC and were first created during the Age of Elemental Chaos. They stand between 5' — 6' and live up to 100 years. Primelings are not more or less likely to be any ethnicity.
Primelings are known for their elemental heritage, often displaying features like fiery hair, earth-toned skin, or watery eyes, along with unique traits such as wings, scales, or glowing tattoos. Their connection to the elemental planes is well known, and were prized by giants before the Withering.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Primelings are created by planar interference and may be born to any other ancestry, usually bearing only mild similarities to their parents. They stand between five and six feet tall and have builds similar to humans. Their physical characteristics fluctuate based off their element.
Depending on the elemental force that shaped their heritage, a primelings’s physical appearance will vary. Primelings with a fire element may have skin that radiates warmth, with fiery red, orange, or golden tones, and their hair may flicker like flames. Those with an earth heritage might have stony, rugged skin and features resembling rock or metal, while water primelings may have smooth, reflective skin, with eyes that shimmer like deep pools. Air primelings often have light, ethereal features, with windblown hair and pale, almost translucent skin. When stronger elemental powers are involved, such as the influence of powerful elementals or primordial forces, a primeling’s features can become more pronounced or exotic, blending multiple elemental traits.

Genetics and Reproduction

Primelings may be intentionally or unintentionally born through the influence of powerful elemental beings or forces. For example, an elemental spirit might shed some of its power upon a mortal, causing their child to inherit elemental traits. Alternatively, a powerful elemental incursion through rifts could result in the birth of a primeling in a nearby settlement. Unlike other plane-touched, primelings do not carry an inherent alignment, nor ties with the higher and lower planes. Their power is often seen as natural, and thus they do not face the same prejudices throughout Aedelor, though some consider the influence of the Elemental Planes to be a destructuve and uncaring force of nature to be avoided.

Growth Rate & Stages

Regardless of their parentage, primelings mature in 15-20 years and live up to 100 years before the planar influences that created them fade, killing them. This process is sudden and without warning, and a primeling will show no signs of their old age.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Because they are born to other ancestries all over the world, primelings' names and known languages depend on where they were born and raised. However, all primelings, due to their innate connection to their Elemental Plane, intrinsically know the primordial language of their element.

History

When Aedelor was first formed after the Shattering of Sarasaamun, Jynra of Creation, the boundaries between the planes were thin and in a state of constant flux. The four Elemental Planes of Existence that bound the mortal realm were untamed and wrought with primordial energy. 

Before the Taming of the Elements, the four pillars which bind our world were chaotic and destructive. Their energy not only forged the mountains, seas, and skies, but the people who now call this world home, — Melisant Boudier, The Shattered Planes vol. 1

As the giants of Aedelor began to understand the elements, and gained power over their dominions, the boundaries between the planes became more controlled and tailored. However, the pockets of energy that remained began to seep into the mortals around them, tainting their shards with the raw and chaotic energy of the elements. Within generations, the primelings began to emerge, possessing mastery over elemental creation and destruction.