Genasi

Written by GMJaraxus-527

The Genasi people are among the newest races to the world of Allocke, having been spawned from a natural, magical storm that swept through most of the major oceans, leaving devastation along the shores of nearly all the major continents. Souls of those lost to the storm were snatched up by the whirling magic and infused with the elements spun up by the whistling winds. These first Genasi were deposited by the storm back to the ground, where their bodies formed based on the element that was associated with their soul the most. Dominant elements include water, fire, earth, air, and very rarely, lightning. The Genasi appeared and landed in all the places the storm hit, all around the world. These people were subjected to distrust and fear because of their origin, physicality, and unknown capabilities. They were oppressed and enslaved, limited in every way by the other races who were well established. Each of the nine homeland continents were dominated by one primary race, and when the tenth continent was discovered and beginning to be settled by each of these races, the Genasi saw hope for a future in the brave new frontier; Herrocke. Many found ways to escape their lives of oppression and make the journey to an area where Genasi had made a small tribal living for themselves, and had been doing so ever since the storm that made them. Slowly, gradually, history unfolded so that the Genasi people finally established an official home for themselves, now the nation of Sul'ban.

Naming Traditions

Unisex names

Gaer'dan, Hil'tae, Thyllus, Esiliae

Family names

Bilithei, Dunsan, Iridae, Mutsui

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

Genasi will speak in the primary language of their origin, and have their own language which involves gestures and elemental flare as much as it relies on words. Nearly all Genasi have become familiar with Common as well.

Culture and cultural heritage

While pieces of some of the traditions they grew accustomed to from their oppressing races still remain in some Genasi groups, the main group of Genasi have established their own unique customs. Their style of expression and interacting with others is very free and friendly, while still being sophisticated and respectful. Their words and actions are guided by their elements and the will of the gods, which they learn of from the monks who train in the Great Temple Sul'ran.

Shared customary codes and values

Genasi are very focused on building and growing community with one another and with those from other races. After ages of cruel oppression, the Genasi wish to cultivate understanding, welcoming, and friendship. Intolerance is greatly frowned upon, and if Genasi ever face adversity, others will rally by their side and will not stand for injustice.

Common Etiquette rules

When bidding one another farewell, Genasi will depart saying "Elements guide you".

Common Dress code

Common Genasi will wear minimal garments, as their bodies and elemental aspects naturally would interfere with any covering clothing. Just enough clothes to cover their sensitive areas is plenty for Genasi. A monk, however, wears a robe of a style and color accommodating their elemental aspect. The robes cover much of the Genasi's body, while still refraining from interfering with the elemental aspects.

Art & Architecture

The forces of nature are involved deeply in the lives of Genasi, and their art and architecture reflects this by incorporating things such as fountains, elaborate braziers and torches, intricate stonework, and utilization of negative space to create areas where the wind can flow through and create channels, tunnels, and flutes of air dancing about the structure.

Common Customs, traditions and rituals

The Genasi people each year partake in the Festival of the Elements, where Genasi everywhere make a pilgrimage to the Great Temple Sul'ran and celebrate the forces of nature and worship the gods who control them. When addressing each other, Genasi will gesture with a small elemental flare to indicate respect for the other individual. When addressing the monks, Gea'sun, or other Genasi of respectable rank and position, they will bow and extend an elemental flare in each hand to indicate respect as well as either service to the individual or an acknowledgement of wisdom.

Funerary and Memorial customs

Genasi bodies deteriorate very rapidly and return to their basic elemental composition upon death. Since there are little to no remains, burials are not necessary, but a landmark will be constructed based around the deceased's favored element. The size and intricacy of the landmark varies depending on the individual's status, wealth, and reputation. The landmark is placed in the deceased's preferred spot to commune with the elements, if it is known. If not, they are usually located on a hill or mountain overlooking a ridge.

Common Myths and Legends

There are rumors plentiful of the Sunken City in the ocean north of the Genasi home nation Sul'ban, tales of treasures within the structures on the ocean floor, one of which being a mythical staff once wielded by the ruler of the Sunken City. Legend has it that the staff has power over the heavier elements in nature, such as gold, silver, and other metals.

Historical figures

Retael Dunsan, the first major political leader of the Genasi people. Wae'na Kolli'tan, Genasi monk and follower of Gezui, initiator of religious reconciliation among the original religions.

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

Beauty of a Genasi is measured by how naturally or uniquely an individual can blend their physical form with their elemental aspects. A Genasi with natural looking, flowing flame hair would be considered just as beautiful as a Genasi bearing a well shaped, earthen, chiseled face.

Gender Ideals

Genasi genders only go as deep as personality types. Masculine and feminine Genasi will differ slightly from each other in their preferences and tendencies, but telling them apart would be difficult for a non-Genasi. Genasi physicality allow any two Genasi to reproduce, as the process is just as much elemental as it is biological.

Relationship Ideals

Any two Genasi may reproduce, however one masculine and one feminine Genasi is the model for the ideal relationship, and is the most common attraction between Genasi. Genasi may be attracted to members of other races, however reproduction in such cases is impossible by natural means.

Major organizations

Sul'ban, nation and homeland of the Genasi. Sul'ran, Genasi monk society. Jala'ran, Genasi trade guild. Rete'van, Genasi mercenaries.

A Genasi's physical form is a strange mix of material and ethereal elements, depending on the specific natural aspect that they are affiliated with. For example, a Flame Genasi would have a wooden or coal body without hair and in it's place, ethereal fire. Meanwhile, an Earth Genasi would possess a body comprised almost entirely of stone and dirt with ethereal eyes. 
Genasi could be likened to arcane beings such as elementals, except that they possess advanced intellect and a soul. Their temperaments and tendencies also relate to the element of their type. Water Genasi are typically more cool and collected individuals who find value in reflection and learning. On the other hand, Air Genasi are often quick thinkers, both in creativity and wit, while also never lingering on a particular subject for very long, in some cases almost to the point of seeming aloof.

Related Organizations

• The Nation of Sul'ban