Genasi are a race of humanoids with elemental power in their blood. There are three ways this occurs: a member of some mortal race spends extended time near a source of elemental power, like on one of the elemental planes or near a rift to such a plane;[3] a humanoid is born in the midst of a powerful elemental influence like a hurricane or a raging forest fire; or a genie of one of the elemental planes procreates.[4]
History[]
The genasi began wandering all across Exandria long before the Calamity.[5] At least centuries before the Calamity, some of the original Gau Drashari druids were genasi drawn to the elemental power of Mount Ygora, where two of the greatest primordials had been sealed during the Founding.[6]
Dorian Storm, an air genasi, refers to an ancient time "[b]efore my people fell", but does not go into greater detail.[7]
A water genasi, Babenon Dosal, fathered Jester Lavorre, who would eventually become a member of the Mighty Nein and play a notable role in the story of Artagan, one of the Archfey. Starting in 820 PD[8] Babenon was part of the Zadash cell of the Myriad, and he left his leadership role there in roughly 839 PD to settle down with Marion Lavorre.[9]
Around the late 820s or early 830s PD, Ashton Greymoore began to turn into an earth genasi or earthkin,[10] several years after a cataclysmic event in the Hishari village where they experimented with elemental magic.[11]
Dorian Storm and Fy'ra Rai are genasi members of the Crown Keepers, an adventuring party that responded to an elemental crisis in Emon in late 842 PD. Dorian was also a founding member of Bells Hells, though he only spent a week-and-a-half with that adventuring party. Ashton Greymoore is also a founding member of Bells Hells.
Subraces[]
Genasi are a hardy race, and they all tend to know the Primordial language in addition to Common, but beyond that the appearance and abilities of genasi vary widely and depend on their elemental heritage. There are four major subraces of genasi, one from each of the major elemental planes.[12]
Air genasi[]
Fan art of Farriwen Breeze, an air genasi, by Stephanie Brown.[art 1]
Air genasi are either descended from the djinn[2] or from a humanoid exposed to the energies of the Elemental Plane of Air, and the most common humanoid race of parents of air genasi (at least in Tal'Dorei) is halflings.[3] They tend to have mercurial moods. Physically, they may be more lightweight than they appear,[13] and they typically have light blue hair and eyes. They also usually have light blue skin,[14] but pale, almost alabaster skin is also known,[15] and some display odd patterns in their flesh; some even display translucent skin on parts of the body (such as arms and hands) that allow the bones underneath to be seen.[16] Air genasi are constantly surrounded by a faint breeze that affects their hair and clothing. Some have breathy voices with a faint echo.[14]
Air genasi can hold their breath indefinitely while conscious, can cast Levitate once per day without using material components, and tend to have greater dexterity than other genasi.[14]
Earth genasi[]
Earth genasi, also known as earthkin,[17][18] are descended from either the dao[14] or humanoids exposed to the energies of the Elemental Plane of Earth, and the most common humanoid race of parents of earth genasi is dwarves.[3] They tend to be circumspect. Their heritage can manifest physically in a variety of ways, from constantly having dust falling from their bodies to having skin resembling pebbles, various metals, dark gems, or crystals.[14]
Earth genasi can move across difficult terrain made of earth and stone without expending extra movement, can cast Pass Without Trace once per day without using material components, and tend to be stronger than other genasi.[14]
Fire genasi[]
Fan art of Fy'ra Rai, a fire genasi, by HeartofPack.[art 2]
Fire genasi are descendants of either the efreet[14] or humanoids exposed to the energies of the Elemental Plane of Fire, and the most common humanoid race of parents of fire genasi is tieflings.[3] They tend to be more intelligent than other genasi, but also more hasty in judgment and in action. They do not hide their genasi heritage, which can show in skin tones of coal black, ash gray, or flaming red, and hair that is either fiery red or actual flames. In the throes of extreme emotion, their eyes may flare and their hair may writhe.[14]
Fire genasi are resistant to fire damage and have darkvision that extends to 60 feet, seeing poorly lit things in shades of red rather than grey. They can cast the Produce Flame cantrip, and if they reach 3rd level they can cast Burning Hands as a 1st-level spell once per day.[14]
Water genasi[]
Fan art of Babenon Dosal drinking acid, by GalacticJonah.[art 3]
Water genasi are descended from either marids[14] or humanoids exposed to the energies of the Elemental Plane of Water, and the most common humanoid race of parents of water genasi is humans.[3] They tend to be wiser than other genasi, and take pride in their independence. Most have large, blue-black eyes, and they often have blue or green skin that is persistently moist.[14]
These genasi have a swimming speed of 30 feet, can breathe both air and water, and innately know the Shape Water cantrip. If they reach 3rd level, they can cast Create or Destroy Water as a 2nd-level spell once per day. They are resistant to acid damage,[14] as famously demonstrated by Babenon Dosal.[19]
Titan of blood[]
In rare circumstances a fragment of a primordial titan's power marks a humanoid, transforming them with that power similar to how an elemental's influence would transform a genasi.[20] The only known case is Ashton Greymoore, presumably acquiring the fragment of primordial magic during the accident that killed their family in Hishari. Keyleth of the Air Ashari identified this power, calling the barbarian a "titan of blood".[21]
Genasi in society[]
Official art of an air genasi skydancer, by Anna Grinenko from Tal'Dorei Campaign Setting Reborn, p. 227.[art 4]
Genasi are exceedingly rare across Exandria. Most live among the Ashari of Tal'Dorei or in the Elemental Planes.[22]
Tal'Dorei[]
Genasi are rare in Tal'Dorei, and they are most common among the Ashari—presumably air genasi in Zephrah, earth genasi in Terrah, and fire genasi at Flamereach Outpost—and near other sources of elemental power. In common society they are treated somewhat rudely,[3] at least outside of Niirdal-Poc, where there is a sizable genasi population.[5]
Menagerie Coast[]
Both sailors and pirates on the Menagerie Coast are interested in using a genasi's elemental abilities on the ocean.[2]
Xhorhas[]
In the plains of Xhorhas outside of the Kryn Dynasty, there are air, fire, and water genasi born to those who pray for Kord, the Stormlord's blessings. These genasi typically serve as shamans. Xhorhassian earth genasi, on the other hand, are typically born and live in the Vermaloc Wildwood.
Very few if any genasi are born within the Kryn Dynasty, and as such the Kryn do not know much about them. Therefore Kryn scouts received orders to bring any genasi they find to Rosohna to learn about them.[2]
Dwendalian Empire[]
Those high up in the Cerberus Assembly are fascinated with genasi, to the extent that a genasi may be press-ganged into joining the Assembly or face death or exile. Most genasi accept the offer; however, those who do not often join the Myriad.[22] Oremid Hass is an earth genasi and among the highest-ranking members of the Assembly.[23] One water genasi entertains guests of the Lodge of the Eclipse in Zadash as part of a burlesque show.[24]
Marquet[]
The Wyvernwind family is native to Marquet,[25][26] leading the air genasi people who are fractured and scattered across Exandria.[27][28] As of the end of 842 to the middle of 843 PD,[29] the family resides in a nomadic floating city called the Silken Squall, last known to be located near Aeshanadoor.[30]
Notable genasi[]
Air genasi
- Cyrus Wyvernwind, late brother of Dorian Storm and former member of the Hubatt Corsairs
- Dorian Storm (Brontë Wyvernwind), a bard and member of the Crown Keepers and Bells Hells
- Farriwen Breeze, a monk who joined the Darrington Brigade
Earth genasi
Fan art of Ashton Greymoore, by Nathaniel Himawan (ninesicks).[art 7]
- Ashton Greymoore, a barbarian and member of the Bells Hells
- Foredwarf Daz (earthkin), authority figure in Reaching Bluff who protects the village's Luxon beacon[31]
- Elam Genar, a friend of Fy'ra Rai in Niirdal-Poc in 843 PD
- The Emissary, a herald of a goddess at the Fall of Aeor
- Oremid Hass, a wizard, Archmage of Cultivation for the Cerberus Assembly, and Headmaster of the Hall of Erudition in Zadash
Fire genasi
- Fy'ra Kai, a criminal from the Elemental Plane of Fire, twin of Fy'ra Rai, and member of the Nameless Ones
- Fy'ra Rai, a monk from the Elemental Plane of Fire, twin of Fy'ra Kai, member of the Crown Keepers and champion of Melora
- Ornna, a presumed fire genasi who performed in the Fletching and Moondrop Traveling Carnival of Curiosities
- Senokir, a jeweler in the City of Brass in the Elemental Plane of Fire
Water genasi
- Ayo Jabe, leader of the rival adventuring party in Critical Role: Call of the Netherdeep.[32][33]
- Babenon Dosal (alias "The Gentleman"), long a prominent figure in the Zadash cell of the Myriad, father of Jester Lavorre
Trivia[]
- Unlike in the original sourcebook, in the Tal'Dorei Campaign Setting Reborn the word "genasi" does not appear. These humanoids are instead referred to as people of elemental ancestry.[34] The word genasi continued to be used occasionally in live play after the release of the new book, but the word "earthkin" began to be used in "For The Tempest" (3x68).
- According to Matthew Mercer, the Ashari are usually more tolerant towards the genasi lineages than most of the other societies.[35]
- If Cyrillia, the navigator of the Crimson Abyss, can be used as an example, genasi skeletons manifest traces of their elemental power: hers, for example, looks blackened with veins of reddish light showing through.[36]
References[]
- ↑
Genasi on D&D Beyond
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 See Explorer's Guide to Wildemount, p. 171.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 See Tal'Dorei Campaign Setting, p. 28.
- ↑ See Explorer's Guide to Wildemount, pp. 170–172.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Though the transcript says "the planes touched", it is likely she is describing the genasi as "the planes-touched [people]" rather than describing an event. See "The Gift Among the Green" (E1x06) at 1:06:47.
- ↑ See "Trial by Firelight" (3x02) at 1:05:14.
- ↑ See "The Oh No Plateau" (E1x02) at 1:08:05.
- ↑ See "Fleeting Memories" (2x14) at 47:24. The Gentleman states that he's lived and worked in Zadash for fifteen years. The episode takes place in 835 PD.
- ↑ See "Critical Role Campaign 2 Wrap Up" (Sx56) at 4:03:58.
- ↑ Ashton, in his mid-twenties in 843 PD, recounted how he began to change around age 10 or 12. See "Heart-to-Heartmoor" (3x17) at 3:00:53.
- ↑ Ashton vaguely remembered being 7 or 8 years old. See "Bloody Flowers" (3x67) at 0:28:11.
- ↑ See Explorer's Guide to Wildemount, pp. 171–172.
- ↑ See "The Nameless Ones" (E1x01) at 10:17.
- ↑ 14.00 14.01 14.02 14.03 14.04 14.05 14.06 14.07 14.08 14.09 14.10 14.11 See Explorer's Guide to Wildemount, p. 172.
- ↑ See "The Adventures of the Darrington Brigade" (Sx49) at 24:41.
- ↑ See Tal'Dorei Campaign Setting Reborn, p. 227.
- ↑ See "For The Tempest" (3x68) at 2:33:54.
- ↑ See "Embattled in Bassuras" (3x70) at 1:53:12.
- ↑ See "Fleeting Memories" (2x14) at 48:26.
- ↑ See "For The Tempest" (3x68) at 2:33:54.
- ↑ See "For The Tempest" (3x68) at 2:34:12.
- ↑ 22.0 22.1 See Explorer's Guide to Wildemount, p. 170.
- ↑ See Explorer's Guide to Wildemount, p. 43.
- ↑ See "Gathering of Needs" (3x95) at 2:37:24.
- ↑ Dorian first set out on his adventuring from Marquet. See "The Draw of Destiny" (3x01) at 1:17:12. Also note that Dorian speaks Marquesian, per "On the Trail of a Killer" (3x04) at 3:35:40.
- ↑ See "A Woodworker's Quandary" (3x08) at 1:45:43. When the group made History checks on the Wyvernwind family, Matt remarked that Chetney would not know anyway as he is not from Marquet.
- ↑ See "A Woodworker's Quandary" (3x08) at 1:39:11.
- ↑ See "A Woodworker's Quandary" (3x08) at 1:39:16.
- ↑ See "A Woodworker's Quandary" (3x08) at 1:46:54. In the summer of 843 PD, Cyrus was last informed of its location seven month ago
- ↑ See "A Woodworker's Quandary" (3x08) at 1:46:54.
- ↑ See Tal'Dorei Campaign Setting Reborn, p. 106.
- ↑ See Call of the Netherdeep, p. 11.
- ↑
Take a dive into the new dynamic character building for Rival NPCs in Call of the Netherdeep. Watch as both the leader Ayo Jabe and her party change and adapt to every crucial moment in your campaign. (@Wizards_DnD) on Twitter: "Feb 10, 2022".
- ↑ See Tal'Dorei Campaign Setting Reborn, p. 154.
- ↑ https://www.reddit.com/r/criticalrole/comments/6q59bj/comment/dkv7r6x/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3
- ↑ See "Phantasmal Parley" (3x72) at 1:13:54.
Art:
- ↑ Fan art of Farriwen Breeze, an air genasi, by Stephanie Brown (source). Used with permission.
- ↑ Fan art of Fy'ra Rai, a fire genasi, by HeartofPack (source). Used with permission.
- ↑ Fan art of Babenon Dosal drinking acid, by GalacticJonah (source). Used with permission.
- ↑ Official art of an air genasi skydancer, by Anna Grinenko from Tal'Dorei Campaign Setting Reborn, p. 227. This file is a copyrighted work. Its use in this article is asserted to qualify as fair use of the material under United States copyright law.
- ↑ Fan art of Oremid Hass, by @tshortik (source). Used with permission.
- ↑ Fan art of Dorian, by LornArt (source). Used with permission.
- ↑ Fan art of Ashton Greymoore, by Nathaniel Himawan (ninesicks) (source). Used with permission.
External links[]
Genasi on D&D Beyond- Genasi on the Forgotten Realms Wikia (Forgotten Realms lore is not canon to Critical Role)
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||