Genasi - Earth

Stonekin, Earthborn, Dao-touched, Rockforged.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Earth Genasi have a grounded and solid build, embodying the strength and stability of their elemental roots. Their skin varies in shades from earthy browns, grays, and even metallic or gem-like hues, often with a textured look similar to polished stone or rough terrain. Some Earth Genasi display vein-like markings on their skin that glow faintly with a yellowish or gem-like luminescence. Their hair may resemble strands of precious metal, crystal, or rough stone, and many have thick, strong features that further emphasize their sturdy ancestry.

Genetics and Reproduction

Earth Genasi inherit their elemental traits from their Dao ancestors, though these traits can also manifest in children of non-Genasi parents if those parents have had prolonged exposure to areas heavily suffused with earth magic. When Earth Genasi have children with non-Genasi, there’s a 50% chance that their offspring will inherit elemental traits. If paired with another Genasi, the child will likely display one or a blend of both parents' elemental influences. Earth Genasi grow and mature at a similar rate to humans but have an extended lifespan, living up to 120 years.

Ecology and Habitats

Earth Genasi prefer solid, stable environments like mountains, caves, or any place where they can feel close to the stone and soil. In Astrium, they have found a natural home in Fogholt, where the landscape is in constant flux due to the elemental tears. Despite the danger, Earth Genasi are drawn to this region for its raw, untouched connection to the elemental forces. They have adapted to become the guardians of Fogholt’s elemental tears, especially those linked to earth, and work to harness and stabilize the energies emitted by these powerful rifts.

Behaviour

Earth Genasi are often steady, reliable, and deeply rooted in their values and beliefs. They prefer stability and predictability, finding comfort in structure and routine. While not quick to act, they are determined and relentless once they set a goal. Earth Genasi can come across as stoic or stubborn but are deeply loyal and protective of their kin and community. Their Dao ancestry lends them a sense of patience and endurance, making them resilient against adversity.

Additional Information

Average Intelligence

Practical and logical, with a focus on physical and environmental awareness

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Earth Genasi have a heightened awareness of the ground beneath them. They can often detect subtle vibrations through the earth, which helps them sense nearby movement or disturbances. Their darkvision allows them to see in dim light within 60 feet, perceiving shades of gray in complete darkness. Their connection to the ground also grants them an instinctive ability to find the most stable paths through rugged terrain.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Earth Genasi names often carry a sense of weight or solidity, reflecting their elemental nature. Names may include sounds that evoke the earth or stones. Male Names: Grom, Flint, Kael, Tarrin, Boulder Female Names: Petra, Silica, Garnet, Shale, Terra Family Names: Stonegrasp, Earthhewn, Ironroot, Deepstone

Beauty Ideals

Earth Genasi value strength and resilience, seeing beauty in a physique that appears solid and dependable. They admire rugged, natural textures and often enhance their appearance with tattoos or markings that mimic the patterns of rock and crystal veins. For them, scars and calluses are signs of endurance and are highly respected.

Gender Ideals

Earth Genasi society does not impose strong gender roles. They value contributions to the community above individual distinctions and see all individuals as equally capable of embodying the strength of the earth. Qualities like resilience, determination, and honesty are prized regardless of gender.

Courtship Ideals

Earth Genasi approach courtship slowly and thoughtfully, often favoring long, meaningful connections over passionate, fleeting romances. They express affection through actions of reliability and dedication, such as building or crafting something for their partner. Tokens of affection often include carved stones, metalwork, or items that represent the enduring nature of their bond.

Relationship Ideals

Earth Genasi value stability and loyalty in relationships. They form lifelong partnerships based on mutual respect and shared values. Their relationships are built on trust and consistency, and they avoid overly dramatic or volatile connections. Partners are expected to support each other through challenges, much like the immovable earth beneath their feet.

Common Etiquette Rules

Earth Genasi appreciate directness and value spoken promises. They believe that words should carry weight and rarely make commitments lightly. Interrupting someone is considered disrespectful, as they believe that everyone deserves time to express themselves fully. Punctuality is also important to them.

Common Dress Code

Earth Genasi prefer functional, durable clothing in earth tones. They often wear metal or stone accessories, such as bracelets or necklaces with embedded crystals, as symbols of their connection to the Elemental Plane of Earth. Their attire is often simple, with minimal decoration but a focus on quality craftsmanship.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Earth Genasi are deeply proud of their Dao ancestry and the strength it provides. They have inherited a strong tradition of stonecraft, metalwork, and masonry, blending these skills into their daily life. Their work often features symbols of the earth, such as mountains or gemstones, as a tribute to their origins.

Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals

Grounding Ceremony: A ritual performed annually where Earth Genasi meditate with their hands and feet on bare earth, focusing on their connection to the planet and drawing strength from it. Stonekindred Festival: A celebration of their heritage, where Earth Genasi display sculptures, carvings, and other earth-based crafts. This festival also includes contests of strength and endurance, as well as storytelling about their ancestors.

Common Taboos

Disrupting or damaging the earth without purpose is considered deeply disrespectful. Earth Genasi avoid mining or digging without necessity and take great care to leave minimal impact on the natural world. Excessive use of metal, especially imported metal, is often frowned upon, as they prefer to use resources found within their environment.

History

The Earth Genasi, like other Genasi, faced discrimination due to their elemental ancestry, which many Astrium residents associated with the manipulative Dao who once abducted humans to work in their fortresses on the Elemental Plane of Earth. After being marginalized, Earth Genasi eventually found a place in the town of Fogholt. Here, they embraced their role as protectors of the earth's energies, managing the elemental tears and proving their loyalty to Astrium. Their dedication to maintaining balance has earned them a respected place on the Astrium Council.

Common Myths and Legends

The Eternal Heartstone: This legend speaks of a powerful stone buried deep within the earth that grants Earth Genasi their strength. It is said that if an Earth Genasi is true to their heritage, they may one day feel the pulse of the Heartstone within themselves, granting them extraordinary resilience and power.

Scientific Name

Humanoidia Elementa Dao

Lifespan

120 years

Average Height

5.8" - 6'5"

Average Weight

180-250 pounds

Average Physique

Strong, stocky, and muscular; built for endurance

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Skin tones in shades of brown, gray, or metallic, with faintly glowing lines resembling veins. Hair may look metallic, crystal-like, or like strands of stone.