Today we’d like to talk about aasimars – mortals blessed by the denizens of the outer planes. Aasimars appeared in our games thanks to the backers who supported Pathfinder: Kingmaker during the Kickstarter campaign and then voted for that race in a special poll. Back then, aasimars had to compete against dhampirs and descendants of creatures from the elemental planes – and aasimars won. Dhampirs and oreads eventually joined them in Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous, also thanks to our wonderful backers.
The popularity of aasimars is not surprising, as they are blessed with otherworldly beauty, grace, wisdom, and other celestial gifts. At least, that’s how most people perceive them. In reality, though, their heritage can be both a blessing and a heavy burden. Ordinary people see them as a source of extraplanar wisdom and incredible deeds, or may, on the contrary, oppress them out of envy.
It’s commonly thought that aasimars come into this world as the result of a romantic affair between a mortal woman and a good outsider. However, the offspring of such unions are different creatures, called half-celestials. Aasimars are still mortals, whose bodies are much more mundane. Celestial heritage can lie dormant in a family for generations before manifesting itself in an aasimar child, whose parents may not even be aware that they had a celestial being in their family. Additionally, aasimars can be born as the result of divine intervention, or when a woman who is already expecting a baby visits another plane or an area full of strong positive energy.
Aasimars are quite common in Mendev due to the presence of angels, who previously fought the demonic invasion alongside mortal crusaders. But not all aasimars are descended from angels.
Idyllkin (Agathion-Blooded)
Agathions are a race of beast-like celestials native to the plane of Nirvana. Agathion-blooded aasimars may inherit some bestial features, such as scales, fur, and furry ears, claws, etc. They also possess agathions’ inclination to do good, unconcerned with the conventionality of law and impetuosity of chaos. Idyllkin often choose to become servants of nature, and prefer rural areas and wilderness to cities. Agathion-blooded aasimars are quite rare in Mendev.
Angelkin (Angel-Blooded)
Angels are beautiful and righteous celestials who typically dwell on the planes of Heaven, Elysium, and Nirvana. Angel-blooded aasimars inherit both their radiant beauty and the compulsion to do good and to serve various good deities. Arsinoe, Sir Allfrey, and Ramien of Edme are good examples of such devotion.
Lawbringer (Archon-Blooded)
Archons are winged denizens from the plane of Heaven who embody the ideals of goodness and law. Their descendants frequently demonstrate similar inclinations and may pursue a path of good and justice. They become defenders of innocents and the bane of evildoers. In Mendev, you can meet lawbringers among the crusaders and paladins.
Musetouched (Azata-Blooded)
Azatas are celestial beings native to the plane of Elysium, champions of freedom and the embodiment of joy. Azata-blooded aasimars can be as capricious and restless as their forebears. They enjoy travel and adventures, seeing new places, and meeting new people. Many of them become freedom fighters, while others use their natural charm and musical talents to become famous bards. In Mendev, musetouched aasimars are uncommon. However, Count Daeran Arendae is a typical example of this aasimar type, even though he shows no passion to do good, which one might expect from a person with azata blood in their veins.
Plumekith (Garuda-Blooded)
Garudas are feathered descendants of the goddess Janasini, mother of birds. Plumekith aasimars inherit their impetuous nature, wings, and beautiful colorful feathers. When they see a manifestation of evil, they will most likely strike it first and ask questions later. Plumekith often bear an extreme hatred for nagas and other snakelike creatures, because, according to the legends, the goddess Janasini was once tricked and enslaved by the naga goddess Ravithra. You are highly unlikely to meet a garuda-blooded aasimar in Mendev, especially because the inquisition is very suspicious of all individuals with an unusual appearance.
Emberkin (Peri-Blooded)
Peris are a race of celestials believed to be descended from fallen angels. Some peris travel all over Golarion, looking to atone for the evil deeds of their ancestors, and their unions with mortals may result in emberkin children. Peri-blooded aasimars may suffer from nightmares and compulsions to do acts of evil, or they may be driven towards good deeds and assisting others in redeeming their sins. Emberkin usually have an igneous appearance, with bright red hair and golden eyes, and they have a unique affinity for fire magic.
We hope this information was useful to you. And if you’ve already tried playing as an aasimar, tell us about your character!