Genasi
Humanoids with some form of connection to one of the primordial elemental planes, genasi are a race of unique quirks and disparate origins. Of all the mortal races, genasi have the widest array of origins and appearances. Be it a djinni ancestor, creation by a primordial, or just being born in a specific area, the source of a genasi's genetics can be any form of concentrated elemental power. This connection to the elements gives all genasi limited control over them, though this control is relatively weak when compared to other magic. However, the power held by even the weakest genasi can be a force to be reckoned with.
One specialty of note is that fact that, while most genasi appear to be altered humans, this is not a hard-and-fast rule. Because of their odd origins, many genasi can resemble dragonborn, dwarves, goliaths, and any other humanoid species. These individuals do not possess the powers of their "parent" race, and do not have a great connection to the race they resemble: the Primordial influence overrides any mortal genetics.
Basic Information
Anatomy
In terms of basic anatomy, all genasi have the same number and arrangement of limbs as humans. However, the manner in which their elemental connection emerges can affect how they look and what they're capable of, so that can alter some of their features.
Biological Traits
Beyond the four basic sub-types, the appearance of a genasi is as varied and unique as the elements themselves. In addition, most genasi have some form of magical effect that belies their connection.
Air genasi can embody the calmest wind or the wildest tempest. Their skin usually comes in three varieties: sky-blue, cloud-white, or deep tan. Their hair is usually long, and can be any color seen in a cloud. Their eyes have the greatest color range, being any color of the rainbow, and often glow to some effect, crackling like a thunderhead in moments of intense emotion. Furthering this effect is that air genasi usually possess a faint whiff of a storm. They might smell of rain, have hair that always blows in an unseen wind, or speak in a voice ranging from a lonely gale to a clap of thunder.
Earth genasi are the most solid, but that it their only consistency. Their skin can be the texture of any earth or stone; from gemstones to charcoal, sand to obsidian, or even dirt to marble. Their eyes and hair can be any color, but the latter may be replaced by growing crystals or earthy roots. Their elemental effect can range from gravelly voices to producing dust like dandruff or dead skin. Their skin might sport deep cracks that glow like metal ore or magma, or may grow moss or vines like body hair. All in all, it's up to your imagination.
Fire genasi usually have quick wits and quicker tempers. Their skin tone can resemble cooling magma, dusty charcoal, or most colors in the red spectrum. Their hair tends to be orange or black, but can just as often be marked by glowing ends or literal flames. Their eyes usually resemble burning coals, growing brighter as their emotions grow more intense and heated. The effects they produce include hot-to-the-touch skin, blood that steams upon contact with objects, and the previously-mentioned locks of flaming follicles.
Water genasi are ever shifting and slinking. Their skin tones cover any color of water, be it icy and pale or deep and murky. Their eyes often resemble fishes', with colors deeper and darker than their skin. Their hair also resembles a darker skin-tone, but is always damp and occasionally tipped in foam or bits of sea-weed. Their skin is usually dotted with beads of moisture or slick with a film of mucus-like water. It's not uncommon for them to leave puddles where they lie, and their voices may sound like a crashing wave or a babbling brook.
Genetics and Reproduction
Being that they are so similar to humans, they reproduce exactly like them. They also share the same length of gestation period.
Growth Rate & Stages
Genasi grow at a rate similar to humans, being fully matured by the age of twenty. However, they tend to live much longer than most humans, with most living well over a century.
Ecology and Habitats
Because of their elemental origin, most genasi are found on the unstable continent of Mahaad. Beyond that, they can be found in many areas touched by the primordial planes, though they are rarely found in areas with more development than nature.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Despite common myths, genasi are omnivores just like humans.
Additional Information
Facial characteristics
While the specifics can vary greatly, many genasi share a similar facial appearance. They often have large but straight noses and almond-shaped eyes, with facial hair being limited to short beards or mustaches on the males. Those with djinn lineage might have pointed ears or exaggerated eyebrows, but those of more traditional stock have no such features.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
While they can be found across the world, the vast majority of genasi are born in Mahaad, likely due to the continent's heightened connection to the elemental planes. Each variety tends toward a particular region, as each region has a preferred element to bind to.
Average Intelligence
Like humans, genasi are diverse enough that the entire race fills all levels of intelligence.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Most genasi are on par with humans in terms of perceptive abilities. Fire genasi often have the ability to see in the infrared spectrum, effectively giving them darkvision, but this is not a universal truth.
Civilization and Culture
Major Language Groups and Dialects
In addition to the common languages spoken by other races, all genasi have an innate ability to speak and understand a dialect of Primordial. This dialect is always tied to their ancestry, and as such their dialect is the one used by their corresponding primordials. Air genasi speak Auran, Fire genasi Ignan, and so on.
Culture and Cultural Heritage
Most genasi follow the cultural norms of Mahaad, all of which vary from region to region. Despite originating in Mahaad, only Cerenic genasi fall into Harelian culture, primarily within or about the great city of Tel Harel.
Historical Figures
Saint Andheer Bijalee: Saint of Vrontir, Saint Andheer personifies the raging, primordial power of weather and storms. He is a natural powerhouse who uses his environmental might to smite his foes with searing lightning or fulfill his allies with healing rain. He is the most nature-minded of his fellows, believing that nature needs to remain in balance for his power to remain strong. He is primarily shown as Air, but has Fire and Water representations depending on his area.
Saint Tatra Mahaada: Chosen saint of Eardan and patron of the Genasi race and natural elements. Chosen to maintain the purest elements of nature, Saint Tatra is certainly one of the more passive saints chosen by the gods. This connection to the elements is her primary calling card, and the elementally-unstable continent of Mahaad is named after her for this reason. While primarily shown as being Earth, she also has elements of Fire and Water in her history.
Aang Swiftwind: Air genasi adventurer who was active across Ceren in the early 900's of the Age of Mortals. One of the original members of the infamous gang known as the Eraai, Aang went missing shortly after the their keep was destroyed by the Grifters, and is currently presumed dead by most individuals. Known for her crack shot with a crossbow and unique blade, named simply The Tempest.
Sir Nahas al-Takh: Fire genasi warrior who served in the Order of the Metal Claw. Also known as the Brass Knight or the Fifth Dragonknight, Sir Nahas was known for being affable and quick to laugh, but just as quick to raise his halberd Sandstorm and smite his foes. He was bonded to the great dragon Azerrnigan, and disappeared alongside the rest of his order during the Age of Turmoil.
Common Myths and Legends
While the specifics are vague, it is known that the great empire of Old Harelia was toppled by a massive revolt of their enslaved elementals in the Age of Turmoil, burying their great cities under the sands of the Vyaapak. Many Mahaadian tribes claim that this revolt was spear-headed by a group of genasi, with some older tribes boasting a direct ancestry from these ancient saboteurs.
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
Owing to their great similarities, genasi can successfully breed with human and near-human races. Outside of this, mixed-race children rarely come to term.
Scientific Name
Humo Primorda
Lifespan
90 - 110 years
Average Height
5'6 - 5'10
Average Weight
140 - 160 lbs
Average Physique
Because of their very unusual biology, genasi have physiques unlike most other humanoids. Their bodies can be tall, short, lean, rotund, and everything in-between, but all genasi are known for being relatively hardy when compared to other races. Beyond certain varieties being stronger or lighter than others, there is very little commonality between all genasi.
Related Ethnicities
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