Genasi
Those who think of other planes at all consider them remote, distant realms, but planar influence can be felt throughout the world. It sometimes manifests in beings who, through an accident of birth, carry the power of the planes in their blood. The genasi are one such people, the offspring of genies and mortals.
The Elemental Planes are often inhospitable to natives of the Material Plane: crushing earth, searing flames, boundless skies, and endless seas make visiting these places dangerous for even a short time. The powerful genies, however, don’t face such troubles when venturing into the mortal world. They adapt well to the mingled elements of the Material Plane, and they sometimes visit—whether of their own volition or compelled by magic. Some genies can adopt mortal guise and travel incognito.
During these visits, a mortal might catch a genie’s eye. Friendship forms, romance blooms, and sometimes children result. These children are genasi: individuals with ties to two worlds, yet belonging to neither. Some genasi are born of mortal–genie unions, others have two genasi as parents, and a rare few have a genie further up their family tree, manifesting an elemental heritage that’s lain dormant for generations.
Occasionally, genasi result from exposure to a surge of elemental power, through phenomena such as an eruption from the Inner Planes or a planar convergence. Elemental energy saturates any creatures in the area and might alter their nature enough that their offspring with other mortals are born as genasi.
Civilization and Culture
Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals
The Elemental Convergence
Date: 3rd Verdantia
The Elemental Convergence is a grand celebration for the Genasi people of Fogholt, commemorating their unique heritage and the balance of the four elemental forces—fire, earth, air, and water—that define them. This holiday is not just a celebration of their origins but also a remembrance of their journey from being outcasts to becoming the guardians of the elemental tears in Fogholt.
The Awakening Ritual
The celebration begins at dawn with the Awakening Ritual. Genasi of all elements gather at the elemental tears scattered throughout Fogholt. These tears are manifestations of pure elemental energy left from the ancient explosion that devastated the city. Each Genasi connects with a tear that resonates with their element—Fire Genasi at the flame tear, Earth Genasi at the stone tear, Air Genasi at the wind tear, and Water Genasi at the water tear. They perform a ritual dance or meditation to attune themselves with their elemental nature, drawing strength and clarity from these potent energies. This ritual symbolizes the unity of the Genasi with their elemental roots and their role as caretakers of these powerful sources.
The Parade of Elements
As the sun reaches its zenith, the Parade of Elements begins. This vibrant procession weaves through the streets of Fogholt, with each group of Genasi representing their respective element in a display of their power and grace. Fire Genasi march with blazing torches, performing daring feats of pyromancy. Earth Genasi follow, carrying intricately carved stone sculptures that depict scenes from their history. Air Genasi glide and dance through the air, showcasing their control over wind and gravity. Water Genasi bring up the rear, weaving streams of water into mesmerizing patterns and shapes. The parade is a dazzling spectacle, demonstrating the beauty and power of each element while highlighting the harmony the Genasi have achieved among themselves.
The Symposium of Origins
In the afternoon, the Symposium of Origins takes place in the central plaza of Fogholt. Elders and scholars from the Genasi community share stories of their origins, recounting the ancient tales of genie and mortal unions, the elemental explosions, and the trials they faced throughout history. This storytelling session is accompanied by performances and reenactments, using elemental magic to bring the tales to life. It's a time for education and reflection, where young Genasi learn about their past and understand the strength that comes from their diverse and often tumultuous heritage.
The Harmonization Feast
As the day progresses into evening, the Genasi gather for the Harmonization Feast. This feast is a culinary masterpiece, with dishes inspired by each of the four elements. Fire Genasi contribute spicy and roasted foods, Earth Genasi provide hearty and grounded dishes made from the bounties of the land, Air Genasi offer light and airy confections, and Water Genasi serve refreshing and flavorful seafood and drinks. The feast is a sensory delight, celebrating the richness of each element and the harmony that comes from their combination. As they dine, the Genasi reflect on their journey to acceptance and the community they have built in Fogholt.
The Elemental Unison Ceremony
The festival culminates in the Elemental Unison Ceremony at midnight. The Genasi gather around the largest elemental tear in Fogholt, a place where all four elements converge. Each Genasi offers a small token or a bit of their elemental power to the tear, symbolizing their unity and the balance they strive to maintain. As they do this, the tear glows brightly, illuminating the city with a stunning display of elemental energy. This ceremony serves as a reminder of their duty as guardians of these tears and their ongoing commitment to living in harmony with their elemental nature.
The Elemental Convergence is a powerful and symbolic holiday for the Genasi, celebrating their unique elemental heritage and the balance they have achieved within themselves and their community. It is a time for them to embrace their origins, honor their past struggles, and look forward to a future where they continue to be the caretakers of the elemental forces that define their existence.
History
The genasi have many different origins, however after many events that put Astrium in danger (Realmshatter, the Pandora War, the War of the Giants, the Aurora Covern attempts to overtake astrium and, more specifically the genies dealings, in which they stole humanoids from the matieral plane to work in their castles and forts within their respective elemental planes), the humanoids of Astrium were very dsitrusting of those with elemental influences in their blood.
For centuries the genasi have lived in slums; before joining some of the stray races in establishing a settlement everyone was welcome - Lustrum Township; eventually becoming the Lustrum Metropolis.
During the events of the 2nd Pandora War, the Genasi had become more accepted and even left the Lustrum Township when it became a metropolis to head tot he abandoned settlement fo Fogholt - a city that used to be a city of artisans, but was left in ruin after an explosion of elemental energy. They have become the caretakers of the elemental tears that appear throughout fogholt as a result of this elemental explosion.
Today - the genasi have earned themselves a seat on the Astrium Council and they are responsible for maintaining the elemental tears that occur around Astrium.
Genetic Descendants
Geographic Distribution
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