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Genasi are a race in the tabletop role-playing game Dungeons and Dragons. They were first introduced into the game as a player race in the second edition of Dungeons and Dragons in The Planewalker's Handbook. Since then, different incarnations of the genasi have appeared in the third, fourth, and fifth editions of Dungeons and Dragons. The genasi have their own individual subspecies, race history, and lifestyle within the game, expanded upon largely in the fourth edition.

Publication History

Second Edition (2e)

Genasi were first introduced as planetouched creatures in the second-edition Planescape campaign setting in 1994.

Third Edition (3e/3.5e)

Genasi appeared in the third edition of Dungeons and Dragons in the Forgotten Realms setting in Monsters of Faerûn, under the planetouched entry.

Fourth Edition (4e)

In fourth edition, genasi appear in Monster Manual II and in Forgotten Realms Players' Guide as a player race. During this edition, an article was written about the particulars of genasi.

Fifth Edition (5e)

In the fifth edition of Dungeons and Dragons, genasi were introduced in the Elemental Evil Player's Companion. They were also featured in the Princes of Apocalypse adventure module published in the same year. This iteration of genasi is the current one.

Racial Features

Genasi are generally considered to be the product of humans and elemental beings, such as genies, heavily interacting. They are considered planetouched creatures. There are four major subraces of genasi based off the four primordial elements: the air genasi, the earth genasi, the fire genasi, and the water genasi. In some editions of Dungeons and Dragons, the subraces divide even further into para-elemental genasi (dust para-genasi, ice para-genasi, magma para-genasi, ooze para-genasi, smoke para-genasi, and steam para-genasi). Genasi generally resemble humans in stature and live slightly longer, aging up to an average of 120 years. In-game, their constitution score increases by two and they speak the languages Common and Primordial. Their base walking speed is 30 feet and they are considered medium creatures.

Subraces

The current iteration of genasi in fifth edition feature four subraces of genasi, each with individual traits and skills.

Air Genasi

Air genasi are descended from the djinn, the air genies. They are often changeable in nature, much like the wind. These genasi typically have light blue skin, hair, and eyes and have a light breeze about them that tousles their hair and clothing. In terms of in-game abilities, their dexterity score increases by one, they can hold their breath indefinitely, and can cast the spell levitate once per long rest.

Earth Genasi

Earth genasi are descended from the dao, the earth genies. Their ancestors were cruel and greedy, but this does not necessarily carry over to their descendants. Earth genasi, like their element, tend not to make rash decisions and take their time before acting. Earth genasi can range from constantly dusty in appearance to having smooth and metallic skin. In-game, their strength score increases by one, they can walk across difficult earthen terrain without impediment, and can cast pass without a trace once per long rest.

Fire Genasi

Fire genasi are descended from the efreet, the fire genies. They tend to have volatile mood swings and make snap decisions. Nearly all fire genasi are feverishly hot and often sport red, black, or ashen grey skin tones. Some fire genasi actually have flames for hair. Others have voices that crackle like fire. In-game, their Intelligence score increases by one, they gain darkvision, they have fire resistance, and can cast the cantrip produce flame at will.

Water Genasi

Water genasi are descended from marid, the water genies. They tend to wander freely and take pride in their independence, though others may consider them selfish. Most water genasi have a look of permanent wetness about them, as though they just got out of the water. Blue or green skin is the most common amongst water genasi, and many have oversized eyes that are blue-black. Some have hair that floats freely as though in water and others have voices that almost seem to imitate whale song. In-game, their wisdom score increases by one, they have resistance to acid damage, they are amphibious, and can cast the cantrip shape water at will.