Planetouched

Inheritance

The inheritance of Outsider traits follows complex metaphysical patterns rather than simple genetic principles. First-generation offspring—those born directly from a union between mortal and Outsider—invariably display prominent physical and metaphysical markers of their otherworldly heritage. These traits typically, but don't always, include unusual eye colors that may exhibit glowing effects, occasional unusual skin tones and or markings, horns, tail, wings, subtle alterations to basic physiology, and innate alkosir or psionic aptitudes.
As Planetouched bloodlines extend through generations, the Outsider essence becomes integrated within the mortal genetic structure in increasingly subtle ways. This dilution creates three common manifestation patterns:
Progressive Dilution: In many lineages, Outsider traits diminish predictably with each generation, becoming barely perceptible by the fourth or fifth generation, and often disappearing entirely by the seventh.
Dormancy and Resurgence: Some bloodlines experience periods of dormancy where Outsider traits seemingly vanish for several generations, only to resurface unexpectedly in full potency. These resurgences often coincide with significant celestial events, proximity to planar convergences, or exposure to powerful alksoir phenomena.
Late-life Awakening: Perhaps most disruptive are cases where individuals live decades as apparently ordinary mortals, only to experience sudden manifestation of Outsider traits in adulthood. These awakenings frequently follow traumatic experiences, near-death incidents, or periods of intense emotional upheaval, suggesting the Outsider essence remains responsive to the host's life circumstances.
The unpredictability of these manifestations creates complex social challenges. Communities with limited exposure to Planetouched may react with suspicion or fear when a child suddenly develops glowing eyes or when a respected elder begins manifesting ethereal wings after a brush with death. Some cultures have developed elaborate rituals to identify latent Planetouched potential in infants, while others maintain careful genealogical records to track bloodlines with known Outsider influence.
More tragically, these unexpected manifestations sometimes fracture families. Children who suddenly display Outsider traits may face rejection from parents who question their lineage, while late-awakened adults may find themselves estranged from spouses and communities unprepared for such dramatic transformations. Some regions have established sanctuaries specifically for these "Awakened" individuals, providing safe environments to adjust to their newfound nature while receiving guidance from established Planetouched communities.
Despite these challenges, the persistence of Outsider heritage across generations serves as a living connection between mortal realms and the cosmic forces that shape existence. Many Planetouched eventually come to view their heritage not as a burden but as a unique perspective that allows them to bridge worlds and understand reality in ways pure mortals cannot comprehend.

Types

The many types of Planetouched are as follows:
Aurin - Empyrean-blooded mortal; one of the following three types:
Angic - Having an angel parent.
Archic - Having an archon parent.
Eidic - Having an eidolon parent.

Metrin - Mediant-blooded mortal; one of the following three types:
Caeric - Having a caeris parent.
Sephic - Having a sephynkis parent.
Pemic - Having a pemorsyn parent.

Nethrin - Abyssal-blooded mortal; one of the following four types:
Devic - Having a devil parent.
Pacted - Having a devil parent who made a contract with the mortal parent to ensure all children born to the family inherit and manifest the devil’s genetics.
Demic - Having a demon parent.
Daevic - Having a daeva parent.

Essenrin - Elemental-blooded mortal; one of the following six types:
Firic - Having a fire elemental parent.
Airic - Having an air elemental parent.
Aquic - Having a water elemental parent.
Terric - Having an earth elemental parent.
Radic - Having a radiant elemental parent.
Shadic - Having a dark elemental parent.

Multi-blooded Planetouched are possible, given enough time and intermingling:
Vesperine - A mortal who has both empyrean and abyssal heritage.
Caelumine - A mortal who has both empyrean and mediant heritage.
Tenebrine - A mortal who has both abyssal and mediant heritage.
Trifusant - A mortal who has heritage from all three types of alignment-Outsider.
Primordine - A mortal who has any mixed elemental heritage.
Quintessent - A mortal who has any mixed elemental and alignment-Outsider heritage.