Homebrew Umbra Genasi Species Details

 

Born from the primal releases of the Godwaves the Genasi are manifested elemental beings that call Mernith their home. Their bodies are each distinctly adapted to the harsh environments of the region and as such their elemental prowess translates in a great many abilities that make them experts in the fields of elemental magic. Driven by the temper of their elements they'll show the world the power that shaped the world. 

Umbra Genasi are known as the Lighteater tribe in the old days. The Umbra genasi are the rarest of the genasi race mostly because of their constant struggle of survival on the remote isles of Inmaskar. They are seen as omens, seers and bearers of both good and bad news thanks to their sacred relics that give them great insight and visions of what's to come and what has been. An umbra genasi are a sight to behold as their body is so dark that it only gives of the silhouette of the person while 2 white glowing eyes protrude from their heads as wisps of darkness swirl around their body. Only in daylight are their features barely visible.  The umbra Genasi have the inherent ability to blend with shadows and anything dark making it so they can travel unseen into the darkest of ruins below the island. An Umbra genasi is known for being reserved and shut of from society only to later reveal an immense love for the social aspects of life. They are a people that has chosen to not partake in any mainland matters unless deemed necessary as they are in constant meditation of the secrets that lie in the tunnels of their ancestors.

Heirs to Elemental Power

Genasi inherit something from both sides of their dual nature. They resemble humans but have unusual skin color (red, green, blue, black, brown, purple, whjte), and there is something odd about them. The elemental blood flowing through their veins manifests differently in each genasi, often as magical power.

Seen in silhouette, a genasi can usually pass for human. Those of earth or water descent tend to be heavier, while those of air or fire tend to be lighter. A given genasi might have some features reminiscent of the mortal parent (pointed ears from an elf, a stockier frame and thick hair from a dwarf, small hands and feet from a halfling, exceedingly large eyes from a gnome, and so on).

When it comes to interspecies meddling the mother has the ability to decide what element the child will carry from either herself or the father. 

Wild and Confident

Genasi rarely lack confidence, seeing themselves as equal to almost any challenge in their path. This certainty might manifest as graceful self-assurance in one genasi and as arrogance in another. Such self- confidence can sometimes blind genasi to risk, and their great plans often get them and others into trouble.

Too much failure can chip away at even a genasi’s sense of self, so they constantly push themselves to improve, honing their talents and perfecting their craft.

Genasi Subtypes

A Genasi can be one of the 8th elements water, fire, earth, wind, nature, magic, Life, Death. Depending on the choice their abilities vary greatly. 

 

Umbra Genasi Traits

Your genasi character has certain characteristics in common with all other genasi.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and Primordial. Primordial is a guttural language, filled with harsh syllables and hard consonants.

Umbral Shift

Once a day you can focus the darkness around and within to blend in with your environment. Using a bonus action you are able to become invisible in dark areas. Anyone still attempting to find you must make a perception check DC 16 with disadvantage. This effect lasts 1 minute or until you disable the ability. 

When you are in a bright area the ability will be disabled until you are able to find another spot of darkness to hide in at which point the effect will resume until the minute is over. 

Umbral Ancestry

You gain 60ft of Darkvision

Ability Score Increase

Your Intelligence or Dexterity score increases by 2.

Age

Genasi mature at about the same rate as humans and reach adulthood in their late teens. They live somewhat longer than humans do, up to 120 years.

Alignment

Independent and self-reliant, genasi tend toward a neutral alignment.

Size

Genasi are as varied as their mortal parents but are generally built like humans, standing anywhere from 5 feet to over 6 feet tall. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.