Variant Traits
Genasi Variants
By @homebrewlesbian
Genasi stem from the Elemental Planes of air, earth, fire, and
water. They are the result of surges of elemental power, or the
union of humans and creatures of elemental lineage such as
genies.
Despite all children of an given elemental representing said
element, the way their powers manifest can vary from genasi
to genasi. Some Fire Genasi combust in radiant pyres, while
others have a natural affinity to flame magic. Some Water
Genasi may represent the fluidity of rivers, while others
represent the frozen ice of the tundra, etc.
Included are variants of traits to the existing four elemental
genasi, and splinter genasi types representing different
aspects associated with those elements.
Genasi Traits
All Genasi share the following traits:
Ability Score Increase. Your Constitution score can be
increased 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.
Air Genasi
Air Genasi find themselves to be as changeable as the skies
above. Their moods often shift, but they are quite often light-
hearted and go with the flow.
Their skin and hair is often found in shades of whites, light
blues, and occasionally grays. Breezes seem to flow around
them and they often smell like ozone.
Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity score can be
increased by 1.
Languages. You can speak Common and Auran.
Unending Breath. You can hold your breath indefinitely
while you’re not incapacitated.
Mingle with the Wind. You can cast Levitate once with
this trait, requiring no material components, and you regain
the ability to cast it this way when you finish a long rest.
Constitution is your spellcasting ability for this spell.
This is unofficial Fan Content permitted under the Fan Content Policy. Not approved/endorsed by Wizards. Portions of the materials used
are property of Wizards of the Coast. ©Wizards of the Coast LLC.
You may select one of the following traits to replace Mingle
with the Wind if you so choose:
Breezewalker. Once per short rest, you may fly up to half
your movement speed. If you end your turn in the air, you
drop, and take half of the falling damage.
Evasion. When you are subjected to an effect that allows
you to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half
damage, you may choose to take no damage if you succeed on
the saving throw, and only half damage if you fail.
You may use this ability once per long rest.
Vessel of Wind. You know the Gust cantrip. Once you
reach 3rd level, you can cast Gust of Wind once with this trait
and you regain the ability to cast it this way when you finish a
long rest. Constitution is your spellcasting ability for these
spells.
Variant: Storm Genasi
Storm Genasi are an offshoot of Air Genasi representing the
electricity, energy, and power of storms in the sky. They are
free-spirited and intense, their moods blowing over as quickly
as a thunderstorm.
They often have blue skin, with almost a bruised
appearance, and have a bad habit of shocking those who
touch them with the static electricity generated in their
movement.
Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity score can be
increased by 1.
Tempestborn. You have resistance to your choice of
Lightning Damage or Thunder Damage.
Swift like the Wind. Your base movement speed is 35 ft.
Embrace the Storm. You know the Shocking Grasp
cantrip. Once you reach 5th level, you can cast Call Lightning
once with this trait and you regain the ability to cast it this
way when you finish a long rest. Constitution is your
spellcasting ability for these spells.
Variant: Smoke Genasi
Smoke Genasi, contrary to the name, are not always smoke.
They represent the gaseous qualities of the element of air,
and have an easy-going disposition and penchant for
wandering.
Their skin and hair tends to be gray, white or light blue,
and they tend to look light enough to simply float away.
Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity score can be
increased by 1.
Light as a Feather. Your body is composed differently than
most humanoids. For the purposes of determining weight,
think of your character as Small. Additionally, you suffer half
damage from falling.
Whisp. At 3rd level, you may cast Gaseous Form once per
long rest.
Earth Genasi
Earth Genasi are strong and resolute, much like their
element. They are hardfast with their opinions and values.
Their skin tends to take on a more earthy pigment, in
shades of deep brown, even crossing to shades of clay red, or
resembling stone, or granite and marble. Often they have
eyes in gem shades.
Ability Score Increase. Your Strength score can be
increased by 1.
Languages. You can speak Common and Terran.
Earth Walk. You can move across difficult terrain made of
earth or stone without expending extra movement.
Merge with Stone. You can cast Pass without Trace once
with this trait, requiring no material components, and you
regain the ability to cast it this way when you finish a long
rest. Constitution is your spellcasting ability for this spell.
Variant Traits
You may select one of the following traits to replace Merge
with Stone if you so choose:
Earth Sculptor. You know the Mold Earth cantrip. Once
you reach 3rd level, you can cast Earth Tremor once with this
trait and you regain the ability to cast it this way when you
finish a long rest. Constitution is your spellcasting ability for
these spells.
Rock Solid. You have a base AC of 13 + your Constitution
or Dexterity modifier if you aren't wearing armor.
Stone Fists. You may use a bonus action to harden your
fists into natural weapons. When you make melee attacks
with your fists, you may deal 1d6 + your strength modifier
bludgeoning damage.
Variant: Crystal Genasi
Crystal Genasi are colorful, often patrons of the arts and
inclined to enjoy the finer things.
Their skin is jacket and crystal-like, white and opalescent
in the light. Some Crystal Genasi also take on base hues
other than white such a light pinks, purples, blues, and
yellows.
Ability Score Increase. Your Charisma score can be
increased by 1.
Solid Form. You have a base AC of 12 + your Constitution
modifier if you aren't wearing armor.
Chromatic Crystal. You may cast Chromatic Orb once per
long rest, with your body as the material component.
This is unofficial Fan Content permitted under the Fan Content Policy. Not approved/endorsed by Wizards. Portions of the materials used
are property of Wizards of the Coast. ©Wizards of the Coast LLC.
Variant: Sand Genasi
Sand Genasi are commonly found in arid regions. They tend
to be fairly amiable but also tricksters.
They often have a dusty, freckled complexion, tan skin,
dark eyes, and blond or brown hair.
Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity score can be
increased by 1.
Desert Adept. You have resistance to fire damage and are
immune to the effects of extreme heat.
Gift of the Dunes. You know the Sand Spray cantrip
(detailed below). Once you reach 3rd level, you can cast Dust
Devil once with this trait and you regain the ability to cast it
this way when you finish a long rest. Constitution is your
spellcasting ability for these spells.
Sand Spray
Conjuration Cantrip
Casting Time: Reaction
Range: 5 ft.
Components: V, S
Duration: One round
When an opponent within 5 ft. of you attempts to hit you with
a melee attack you may lash out, spraying sand in their eyes.
The creature must succeed on a Constitution saving throw or
make their attack at disadvantage.
Fire Genasi
Fire Genasi burn bright and vibrant. They are often the life of
the party with their ardent energy.
Their skin commonly takes on shades of a pyre, whether
that is oranges and reds while the flame's alight, or the gray
and black of the ashes once burnt out. Their eyes tend to be
pits of warm colors, windows to their fiery souls.
Ability Score Increase. Your Intelligence score can be
increased by 1.
Languages. You can speak Common and Ignan
Darkvision. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you
as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim
light. Your ties to the Elemental Plane of Fire make your
darkvision unusual: everything you see in darkness is in a
shade of red.
Fire Resistance. You have resistance to fire damage.
Reach to the Blaze. You know the Produce Flame cantrip.
Once you reach 3rd level, you can cast Burning Hands once
with this trait and you regain the ability to cast it this way
when you finish a long rest. Constitution is your spellcasting
ability for these spells.

Variant Traits
You may select one of the following traits to replace Reach to
the Blaze if you so choose:
Flare. Your body burns with fire, yearning to protect you in
the face of danger. You may cast Hellish Rebuke once per
short rest. Constitution is your spellcasting ability.
Internal Spark. You know the Fire Bolt cantrip. Once you
reach 3rd level, you can cast Dragon's Breath once with this
trait and you regain the ability to cast it this way when you
finish a long rest. You may only use Fire Damage.
Constitution is your spellcasting ability for these spells.
Phoenix Flame. When you take damage, you may use your
reaction to lash out with a burst of flames that deals 2d6 fire
damage to every creature within 5 ft. of you. You regain a
number of hit points equal to half the fire damage dealt. You
may use this once per short rest.
Variant: Lava Genasi
Lava Genasi are often solemn, with an easier time concealing
their emotions than Fire Genasi, although their temper is just
as hot.
They often have cracked, coal-like skin, burning red eyes
and tend to be bulkier.
Ability Score Increase. Your Strength score can be
increased by 1.
Darkvision. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you
as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim
light. Your ties to the Elemental Plane of Fire make your
darkvision unusual: everything you see in darkness is in a
shade of red.
Fire Resistance. You have resistance to fire damage.
Ember. In darkness you emit 20 ft. of dim light. You may
dismiss or ignite this with a bonus action.
Hot-blooded. When a creature hits with a melee attack,
you may use your reaction to cause your blood to boil,
splattering onto them and dealing 1d6 fire damage. You
regain use of this ability after a short rest. The damage
increases by 1d6 when you reach 5th level, 11th level, and
17th level.
Water Genasi
Water Genasi are just as just as different as oceans and
rivers. They tend to be on the calmer side, following the path
of least resistance, however this does not mean to say that
they cannot be stubborn.
Their skin is often in shades of blue and green, anywhere
from the shade of turquoise ocean water to the dark verdant
green of a swamp. Their eyes often follow the same scheme
or are oddly fish-like. Water Genasi also occasionally have
sharp teeth or always damp hair and skin.
Ability Score Increase. Your Wisdom score can be
increased by 1.
Languages. You can speak Common and Aquan.
Acid Resistance. You have resistance to acid damage.
Amphibious. You can breathe air and water.
Swim. You have a swimming speed of 30 feet.
This is unofficial Fan Content permitted under the Fan Content Policy. Not approved/endorsed by Wizards. Portions of the materials used
are property of Wizards of the Coast. ©Wizards of the Coast LLC.
Call to the Wave. You know the Shape Water cantrip.
When you reach 3rd level, you can cast Create or Destroy
Water as a 2nd level spell once with this trait, and you regain
the ability to cast it this way when you finish a long rest.
Constitution is your spellcasting ability for these spells.
Variant Traits
You may select one of the following traits to replace Call to
the Wave if you so choose:
Ally of the Ocean. You may communicate to and
understand any marine plants or animals. At 3rd level, you
additionally gain the Water Breathing spell.
Flow like Water. You have a graceful, fluid way of moving,
light on your feet and perceptive to things around you. You
gain proficiency in Acrobatics.
Liquid Form. When attacked, you may use your reaction to
transform your form into water causing the attack to pass
through you, halving the damage. You may use this ability
once per short rest.
Variant: Ice Genasi
Ice Genasi are an anomaly among Water Genasi, often the
result of cold climate birth.
They tend to be cold to the touch, with light blue or white
skin, and fair frozen hair. You can often see their breath, even
if the climate is hot.
Ability Score Increase. Your Intelligence score can be
increased by 1.
Languages. You can speak Common and Aquan.
Cold Resistance. You have resistance to cold damage.
Arctic Acclimated. Accustomed to the blizzards and
extreme cold, you ignore the difficulties of traversing ice and
snow and are not affected by cold weather.
Chill to the Bone. You know the Frostbite cantrip. Once
you reach 3rd level can cast Snilloc's Snowball Swarm once
with this trait and you regain the ability to cast it this way
when you finish a long rest. Constitution is your spellcasting
ability for these spells.
Author's Notes
This document is mainly to add flavor to the
existing elemental genasi and add more
customization to the race as a whole. Some of the
variant traits are stronger than others because I was
considering flavor as well as strength.
I additionally made this partially to make the
other canon Genasi just as powerful as Fire Genasi
if you choose them to be.
Overall, I hope you have fun and enjoy!