GENOTYPES & LINEAGES
A Genotype, or Base Genotype (BG), is the genetic foundation of an individual's inherited traits and characteristics. While it determines attributes like Hit Points, vision, and innate powers, it does not influence a character's background, culture, or skills.
Players begin their journey by selecting a BG from options like Elves, Humans, Vampires, and more. Each choice offers unique strengths and weaknesses. As a result of generations of mingling, players can also customize their characters further by selecting from a wide range of inherited traits through "Lineage". This feature allows characters to tap into shared genetics, introducing diverse genotypes such as Variant and Half Elves.
Note: Orisha and Enigma Machines, being non-organic, follow distinct character creation rules.
Genotypes
Human
The Human Genotype is a diverse and adaptable biological composition that thrives in various environments across the world. Characterized by their exceptional versatility, humans possess a wide spectrum of physical traits and attributes. Their bodies come in varying sizes, shapes, and shades, reflecting their capacity to adapt to different habitats and climates.
Humans are known for their unparalleled cognitive abilities, making them adept at problem-solving, creativity, and social interactions. Their potential for learning and mastering a broad range of skills is unmatched, and they often forge deep connections with other beings due to their empathetic nature. This genotype's biology is marked by its dynamic flexibility, granting humans the capacity to thrive across a multitude of landscapes and cultures.
Elves
In the aftermath of the Great Fissure, a profound schism among the Elves caused them to splinter into groups scattered across the realm of Adamah. Over the course of countless millennia of isolation, these Elves underwent a process of evolutionary adaptation in response to the varied environmental pressures they encountered.
This intricate process gave rise to four distinct and exceptional Elven Genotypes: Jìnhuà, Dōngtiān, Yasei, and Tahata. Despite their shared origins as lithe, agile humanoids with pointed ears, extended lifespans, and an innate affinity for magic and nature, these Genotypes have now evolved with distinct traits and capabilities that mirror the unique surroundings they inhabit and the trials they have confronted.
Dwôrves
The Dwôrves were said to be formed from the Pure Will of the Ohros and given the power to create new universes within their forges. Dwôrves are short, broad-shouldered mortals with deep resounding voices that shake the very earth they walk and have a genetic makeup that has remained all but unaltered through the eons of diversity within the city walls of the European Dwôrven Republic.
Gnomes
During the Sundering War, the Gnomes' home of Bialbor was destroyed and its population was forced to scatter across Adamah. Although Gnomes share the same ancestry, with small and agile frames and a natural affinity for technology, over the last century, two distinct genotypes have emerged.
One genotype consists of Gnomes who wander the Wastes, while the other genotype includes Gnomes who have settled in the various mortal City-States.
Halflings
Halflings are small, agile humanoids known for their quick reflexes and resourcefulness. Legend tells that the Ohros created them to encompass the joy of creation. Often confused as being half Human, Halflings are in fact descendants of an original line of Halflings created in the beginning by the Ohros. They often have distinct Feats such as a large nose, long curly hair, large feet, pointed ears, or a child-like appearance.
Vampires
Originally named Shaarib Malakut by the Ohros, although Vampires have long forgotten this name. Although lore would have many believe that Vampires are descendants of Asura (Demons) and Mortals, they were in fact created by the Ohros to be the defenders of the faithful. Vampires are humanoid in appearance yet possess an essence of imbued magical energy which can be felt whenever one is present.
Their tall and slender forms seem to move effortlessly through the world as if they exist between the Material and the Ethereal itself.
Orisha
The Orisha are radiant beings, formed from the very essence of the cosmos and bound by Ethereal energy. Though resembling humans, their forms glow and shift, reflecting the universe's heartbeat. Unlike most creatures, their life cycle mirrors the cosmic dance of evolution and decay, not bound by biology. Unconstrained by gender norms, the Orisha's appearance stems from their inner energy, adapting as they deem fit.
Inherently magical, they don't learn or borrow their powers; it's an essence of their existence. With this magic, they sculpt reality, harnessing the universe's fabric. Their enhanced senses offer a crystal-clear worldview, detecting even the subtlest energy shifts. With a vision piercing into the Ethereal Plane and swift, precise movements, they stand as unparalleled entities in the vast multiverse, epitomizing the universe's boundless magic and wonder.
Enigma Machines
Enigma Machines, or EniMacs, are sophisticated entities that blend both AI and Constructs. Born from a collaboration of Elven, Orishian, and Gnome innovation, they bridge the gap between magic and technology. Initially war tools, they now play a pivotal role in many City-States, especially among the Dwôrves, owing to their resistance to extreme heat and impeccable work ethic. Crafted by the Dwôrves but brought to life in SEDA, their creation remains a closely guarded Elven secret.
Equipped with advanced vision capabilities, they can perceive diverse spectrums, including infrared. Beyond their robust physical attributes—strength, speed, and agility—they wield a unique magic, channeling it for various purposes from boosting their strength to self-repair.
While nearly invincible to many forms of harm, they have Achilles' heels: hacking vulnerabilities, some magics, and potent electrical attacks. Their intelligence is unparalleled, adept in numerous technical domains, making them invaluable in multiple contexts. In essence, EniMacs are state-of-the-art magical robots with vast potential. Despite their prowess, they grapple with societal prejudice, seeking their rightful space in the world.
Lineages
Genetic Variant
Depending on your ancestral lineage sometimes there is a random mutation or change in the DNA sequence that makes up a character's genome. It can refer to a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), a small variation in a single base pair, or a larger change such as a deletion or insertion. These Genetic Variants can occur naturally within a genotype and can give rise to differences in physical traits, susceptibility to disease, and response to medications. Some variants can be benign, while others can have a significant impact on an individual's health.
Greantos
Emerging from the age-old fusion of Asura (Demonic) and mortal bloodlines, Greantos are exceptional beings that appear sporadically across various mortal populations. This rarity is due to their recessive genetic traits, which exclude them from the Orisha and Enigma Machines genotypes.
Physically, Greantos are striking: towering and robust with extended features, their hands and feet end in sharp claws. Their skin tones range from dark red to deep purple, and they may bear horns or other distinct Asura attributes.
Unfortunately, their imposing appearance, coupled with superstitions, deems them as ill omens, leading to many being slain at birth. The few who reach adulthood often grapple with societal isolation and distrust. However, their innate strength, Asura powers, and magical prowess have earned them respect, making them sought-after allies, especially in roles like mercenaries. Despite their might, their journey is one of seeking belonging in a world wary of their origins.
Nephilim
Nephilim, rare as the Greantos, emerge from the ancient union between celestial Mal'akh and mortals, carrying a divine spark within them. Contrary to the Greantos, Nephilim are heralded as blessings and their blood, believed to have magical properties, is in high demand on the black market.
Physically captivating, Nephilim stand tall with notable features that mark their celestial lineage. Their innate charisma and magnetism make them natural leaders and diplomats. Yet, beneath this charm lies formidable strength, positioning them as powerful warriors, respected and feared.
Gifted with an inherent magic, they can manipulate elements and possess an impressive resistance to magical threats. Despite their revered status, they're not immune to prejudice. Their formidable abilities have birthed mistrust and persecution, leading many Nephilim to conceal their identity, only sharing their truth with the trusted few.
Half-Elf
In the neon-lit streets of the world, Half-Elves are a common sight within every City State. Born from the union of an elf and any other mortal genotype, Half-Elves possess the adaptability and ambition of their parents, combined with the refined senses, evolutionary prowess and innate magic of their elven heritage. Overall, Half-Elves are diverse and adaptable, able to thrive in a variety of environments and cultures. They are skilled at building relationships, using their charms and abilities to their Advantage , and are valued for their ability to bridge different worlds and cultures.
Dhampir
Dhampir are a hybrid genotype born from the union of a Mortal and a Vampire. They possess the strength and agility of their Vampire parent, combined with the adaptability of their Mortal heritage. Dhampir are often found working as mercenaries, assassins, and enforcers. These abilities may vary, but common traits include enhanced strength, improved speed, and heightened senses.
Dhampirs are often seen as outcasts and may face discrimination from both Vampires and Humans due to their Lineage. As a result, many Dhampirs tend to ally themselves with organizations that are more accepting of their unique Lineage.
