Angelborn, sometimes called aasimar, were a rare lineage of Planetouched Mortalkind in Somnum. They could be born as "purebred" to a male and female angelborn parent, but just as often appeared in the households of non-Celestial families without any warning. No consistent cause had ever been found for their births; some scholars claimed they were the result of dormant Angelic bloodlines resurfacing after many generations, while others suspected the lingering mark of a divine blessing or the effect of a bargain made by an ancestor. Such theories remained unproven, and no record or testimony had ever fully explained which pattern persisted.
Physically, most angelborn were similar in stature to Humans, standing between five to seven feet tall and weighing between 100 to 250 pounds, but would resemble the structure of their parents if born of another lineage. They tended to live somewhat longer lives than their parentage, and those born to true aasimar parents often outlived a century. Their skin could be of typical human tones, but could also appear pearly or range from ivory-white to ebony-black; similarly, their hair could range from ordinary browns and blacks to gem-like or metallic hues. Their eyes often glowed a with metallic or gem-like qualities, without visible pupils. Many had a light covering of feathers on their shoulders, where an angel's wings might sprout, and nearly all angelborn were uncommonly beautiful. These traits varied greatly depending on the strength and nature of their angelic heritage, with some looking only faintly touched by the Upper Realms while others appeared wholly otherworldly.
In Somnum, angelborn were treated with a mixture of curiosity and adulation, though their reception varied widely depending on local custom. Even among cultures familiar with their kind, the arrival of an angelborn child to unsuspecting parents was often seen as a good omen, but with the acknowledgement that the child was meant for higher purpose. This prompted many families to send the child away to distant relatives or to the care of a temple, where their divine nature would be better understood. Their marked childhoods shaped much of their upbringing; many grew into adulthood with an intrinsic sense of conflict in relation to the expectations placed on them.
They formed close bonds with others like them when chance allowed, finding kinship in their physical marking. In larger towns and cities, such groups often gathered into charitable organizations or religious wards, intent on fulfilling divine purpose by stamping out criminality and evil. As a result, the perception of angelborn in most societies was positive; whether by nature or nurture, they were considered trustworthy by many, especially if their appearance was noticeably different than the surrounding smallfolk.
Angelborn inherited certain abilities that reflected their connection to the upper planes, possessing a darkvision that let them see without light. Their bodies could be unusually resilient to extremes of Positive Energy and Negative Energy, allowing them to survive some conditions that would quickly reduce others. Each angelborn carried a spark of innate magic, often manifesting as minor Spellcraft or harmless display of power that reflected the temperament or nature of their heritage. Those who trained these gifts could deepen their connection to the upper planes, unlocking greater magical abilities and learning to wield powers beyond those they had possessed in childhood.
In language, angelborn spoke whatever local tongues were most typical in their place of upbringing. They had no language that was truly their own, yet many made an effort to learn Celestial, the language of angels. Mastery of this tongue allowed them to speak with others who shared their heritage, to commune with beings from the upper planes, and to claim a cultural connection to the forces that had shaped their bloodlines. For some, learning such a language was a matter of pride and self-definition, while for others it was a practical skill born of necessity; some could access the words of Devas in their sleep, guiding them through their dreams.
Names among angelborn reflected their personal histories. Those who were accepted and raised within non-aasimar families often kept their given names and surnames, carrying them as a sign of connection to their kin. Ones with angelborn parentage were often given names reflecting their celestial heritage, such as Seraphina, Galladia, or Tadriel. These names places a further burden of expectation on the child to champion their ordained path.
Pushed by their society to become heroes, angelborn were commonly found as adventurers than most other lineages. The power within them shaped their choice of Adventuring Classes, with many drawn naturally to becoming a Paladin or Cleric, where their divine charisma could be fully realized into healing powers. Some angelborn, seeking to express their celestial spark in a freer manner, became Bards, while others had the natural arcane or physical gifts needed to become Sorcerers or Fighters. While these paths were most common, angelborn could be found across all classes, as their radiant heritage lent them presence, resilience, and purpose well-suited to any calling.