Julia Alfaro asked Kendare Blake:

For non-queens, are gifts generally inherited genetically? For example, can two giftless parents have a poisoner child, or can two elementals have a naturalist, or even a child born to the Arrons be giftless? Also, how common is being giftless on Fennbirn, and are they considered less than people with gifts because of it?

Kendare Blake Gifts typically run through families. Two elementals do not generally have a naturalist child, but odd things do occur from time to time. It is increasingly common for children to be born giftless, however, and that can happen in any family. Heck, it’s even happening to the queens!

And yes, while they’re not shunned, giftless people are sometimes looked down upon. But that doesn’t mean they can’t do great things. Renata Hargrove was giftless and served on the Black Council.

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