Genasi - Water
Tideborn, Wavekin, Marid-touched, Currentborne
Basic Information
Anatomy
Water Genasi carry visible markers of their aquatic heritage. Their skin often comes in shades of blue, teal, or green, sometimes combining these hues in a gradient reminiscent of the ocean. Those with human-like skin tones exhibit a sheen that reflects light like water droplets, and in some cases, their skin may show the faint shimmer of nearly invisible, scale-like patterns. Their hair flows as if constantly underwater, often resembling strands of seaweed or even appearing as flowing, liquid currents. Water Genasi exude a sense of fluidity, with graceful, fluid movements and a calm yet unpredictable presence.
Genetics and Reproduction
Water Genasi inherit their elemental abilities from their marid ancestry. Even if their parents are not both Genasi, exposure to water-elemental energies or lineage from a marid ancestor can lead to the birth of a Water Genasi. They can breathe both air and water, a trait inherited genetically and one that sets them apart even among other elemental bloodlines. Water Genasi may pass on their amphibious abilities and aquatic traits to their children, though these traits often lie dormant if the offspring are raised away from aquatic environments.
Ecology and Habitats
Water Genasi thrive in coastal areas, lakes, rivers, or any environment rich in water. In the world of Astrium, they are naturally drawn to places like Fogholt, where the mist and occasional water bursts from elemental tears mirror their fluid, adaptable nature. While comfortable on land, Water Genasi are most at ease when near or within water. In Fogholt, they often serve as wardens of water-based elements, ensuring that the town’s complex waterways, which are occasionally warped by the elemental energies, remain navigable and safe.
Behaviour
Water Genasi embody the qualities of water: calm, adaptable, and ever-flowing. They are known for their tranquil demeanor, rarely quick to anger but capable of unleashing a powerful force when stirred. Water Genasi are introspective and contemplative, preferring to consider all angles before acting. They can also be unpredictable, much like the ocean’s waves, shifting from calm to tumultuous with little warning. Water Genasi value harmony and seek balance, but they are not without passion; their emotional depths can be as vast as the seas, though they reveal these emotions only to those close to them.
Additional Information
Average Intelligence
Wise and insightful, with a focus on adaptability and fluid thinking
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Water Genasi are naturally attuned to aquatic environments, possessing darkvision that allows them to see in dim light within 60 feet as if it were bright, and in total darkness in shades of gray. Their senses are adapted to detect subtle vibrations and shifts in water, allowing them to sense movement nearby when submerged. This sensitivity grants them an advantage when tracking or detecting creatures in water, and they can also perceive temperature variations with heightened precision.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
Water Genasi names often sound fluid and rhythmic, evoking the sound of waves or flowing water.
Male Names: Nereus, Kairo, Tidal, Brine, Shoal
Female Names: Marina, Coraline, Liana, Azure, Mira
Family Names: Waveweaver, Seaborn, Tidecaller, Driftwalker
Beauty Ideals
For Water Genasi, beauty lies in fluidity, grace, and an aura of tranquility. They admire skin with a shimmer or sheen, particularly if it resembles water or scales, and view calmness and poise as signs of beauty. They often favor subtle colors and patterns reminiscent of aquatic life, and flowing, water-like hair is seen as especially attractive.
Gender Ideals
Water Genasi place value on adaptability and balance, regardless of gender. Both strength and gentleness are admired, and neither gender is expected to conform to rigid roles. Fluidity in personality and demeanor is encouraged, allowing each individual to embody qualities that flow between masculine and feminine traits.
Courtship Ideals
Water Genasi courtships often resemble a gradual flow, with partners moving toward one another at a natural pace. Courtship rituals may include sharing quiet moments near water, exchanging tokens like seashells, pearls, or waterborne flowers. A common tradition involves partners diving together into deep water, symbolizing their willingness to explore each other’s emotional depths.
Relationship Ideals
Water Genasi value harmony and mutual respect in relationships. They seek partners who can flow with them, capable of weathering storms and enjoying periods of tranquility. Relationships are seen as a continuous journey, with partners adapting to each other’s changing currents. Loyalty is deeply valued, but Water Genasi also respect each other’s need for personal space and independence.
Common Etiquette Rules
Water Genasi are known for their serene and polite demeanor, favoring calmness in conversation and actions. Interrupting someone’s train of thought or emotional flow is seen as disrespectful. They place importance on listening and observing before speaking, viewing silence as a natural part of communication.
Common Dress Code
Water Genasi wear light, flowing clothing that mirrors the colors and textures of the sea. Shades of blue, green, and gray dominate their attire, with materials that flow like water when they move. They often decorate themselves with shells, pearls, and other oceanic items. Jewelry is kept minimal, though some wear aquamarine or sapphires to symbolize their bond with water.
Culture and Cultural Heritage
Water Genasi are proud of their marid lineage, often paying homage to their aquatic roots through storytelling and ocean-related rituals. Their art and music mimic the rhythms of water, with instruments and sounds that evoke the sea’s depths. Water Genasi are known as skilled divers, fishermen, and sailors, often crafting items related to water travel and protection.
Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals
Ceremony of Tides: Water Genasi gather on the shore to honor the cycles of the tides and the pull of the moon. This ceremony includes water dances and the release of floating lanterns, representing their prayers and hopes.
Wave’s Blessing: A ritual performed before a journey, where Water Genasi dip their hands into water to seek the marids’ blessing for safe passage. They believe the water carries their request to the Elemental Plane of Water.
Common Taboos
Harming or polluting a natural body of water is deeply offensive to Water Genasi. They view water as sacred and avoid wastefulness or actions that would desecrate it. Water Genasi also dislike disruptive behavior, considering rash actions that “stir the waters” of a conversation or gathering as disrespectful.
History
Water Genasi have a long history of interaction with coastal and river-bound communities in Astrium. They were often seen as omens or messengers of the sea, respected for their connection to water. Their ability to bridge land and water made them invaluable in Fogholt, where their control over water helped to shape the town's waterways and maintain the safety of its water supply. They have contributed to making Fogholt a sanctuary for all elemental types, particularly those attuned to water.
Common Myths and Legends
The Calling of the Deep: A legend among Water Genasi speaks of a hidden underwater city accessible only to their kind. It’s said that once every century, the marids call select Water Genasi to this city to pass down ancient knowledge and powers.
The Tale of the Tsunami Guardian: A famous myth tells of a Water Genasi who once saved an entire coastal city from a massive tidal wave. With the blessing of the marids, this hero summoned a massive wall of water to divert the wave. Today, Water Genasi honor this story by practicing their elemental abilities near the ocean, attempting to call forth the same protective waves.
Genetic Ancestor(s)
Scientific Name
Humanoidia Elementa Marid
Lifespan
120 years
Average Height
5'4" - 6'1"
Average Weight
120 - 180 pounds
Average Physique
Lean and flexible, often with a swimmer’s build
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Skin tones in shades of blue, teal, green, or glistening human tones with a water-like sheen. Hair that resembles seaweed or even waves, flowing as if in water.
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