Page 142 - Monster Manual [11th Print]

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GE I E S knowing how unwise it is to defy a creature that can
alter reality at a whim. A genie isn't beholden to any
Genies are rare elemental creatures out of story noble genie, however, and will sometimes choose to defy
and legend. Only a few can be found on the Material a noble genie's will and risk the consequences.
Plane. The rest reside on the Elemental Planes, where T h e Power of o rship. Genies acknowledge the
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they rule from lavish palaces and are attended by gods as powerful entities but have no desire to court
worshipful slaves. or worship them. They find the endless fawning and
Genies are as brilliant as they are mighty, as proud mewling of religious devotees tiresome-except as it is
as they are majestic. Haughty and decadent, they have directed toward them by their worshipful slaves.
a profound sense of entitlement that stems from the Their miraculous powers, the grandeur of their
knowledge that few creatures except the gods and other abodes, and the numbers of their slaves allow some
genies can challenge their power. genies to deceive themselves into believing they are
Creatures of the Elements. A genie is born when as powerful as the gods. Some go so far as to demand
the soul of a sentient living creature melds with the that mortals of other realms-even whole continents or
primordial matter of an elemental plane. Only under worlds-bow down before them.
rare circumstances does such an elemental-infused soul
coalesce into a manifest form and create a genie. DAO
A genie usually retains no connection to the soul
that gave it form. That life force is a building block that Dao are greedy, malicious genies from the Elemental
determines the genie's form and apparent gender, as Plane of Earth. They adorn themselves with jewelry
well as one or two key personality traits. Although they crafted from precious gems and rare metals, and when
resemble humanoid beings, genies are elemental spirits they fly, their lower bodies become columns of swirling
given physical form. They don't mate with other genies sand. A dao isn't happy unless it is the envy of other dao.
or produce genie offspring, as all new genies are born All T h at Glitters. The dao dwell in complexes of
out of the same mysterious fusion of spirit energy and twisting tunnels and glittering ore-veined caverns
elemental power. A genie with a stronger connection on the Elemental Plane of Earth. These mazeworks
to its mortal soul might choose to sire a child with a are continually expanding as the dao delve into and
mortal, although such offspring are rare. reshape the rock around them. Dao care nothing for
When a genie perishes, it leaves nothing behind the poverty or misfortune of others. A dao might grind
except what it was wearing or carrying, along with powdered gems and gold dust over its food to heighten
a small trace of its native element: a pile of dust, a the experience of eating, devouring its wealth as mortals
gust of wind, a flash of fire and smoke, or a burst of consume a precious spice.
water and foam. Lords of the Earth. A dao never assists a mortal
Rule or Be Ruled. Mortal slaves serve to validate unless the genie has something to gain, preferably
a genie's power and high self-opinion. A hundred treasure. Among the genies, dao are on speaking and
trading terms with the efreet, but they have nothing
flattering voices are music to a genie's ears, while but scorn for djinn and marids. Other races native to
two hundred mortal slaves prostrated at its feet are the Elemental Plane of Earth avoid the dao, which are
proof that it is lord and master. Genies view slaves as always seeking new slaves to mine the mazeworks of
living property, and a genie without property amounts their floating earth islands.
to nothing among its own kind. As a result, many P r oud Slavers. The dao trade for the finest slaves
genies treasure their slaves, treating them as honored
members of their households. Evil genies freely threaten that money can buy, forcing them to work in dangerous
and abuse their slaves, but never to the extent that the subterranean realms that rumble with earthquakes.
slaves are no longer of use. As much as they enjoy enslaving others, the dao
In contrast to their love of slaves, most genies loathe hate being enslaved. Powerful wizards have been
being bound to service themselves. A genie obeys the known to lure dao to the Material Plane and trap them
will of another only when bribed or compelled by magic. in the confines of magic gemstones or iron flasks.
All genies command the power of their native element, Unfortunately for the dao, their greed makes it relatively
but a rare few also possess the power to grant wishes. easy for mages to cozen them into service.
For both these reasons, mortal mages often seek to bind DJ N N I
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genies into service.
y
Decadent N o bilit . Noble genies are the rarest of Proud, sensuous genies from the Elemental Plane
their kind. They are used to getting what they want, of Air, the djinn are attractive, tall, well-muscled
and have learned to trade their ability to grant wishes humanoids with blue skin and dark eyes. They dress in
to attain the objects of their desire. This constant airy, shimmering silks, designed as much for comfort as
indulgence has made them decadent, while their to flaunt their musculature.
.
supreme power over reality makes them haughty and Airy Aesthetes. Djinn rule floating islands of
arrogant. Their vast palaces overflow with wonders and cloudstuff covered with enormous pavilions, or topped
sensory delights beyond imagination. with wondrous buildings, courtyards, fountains, and
Noble genies cultivate the jealousy and envy of other gardens. Creatures of comfort and ease, djinn enjoy
genies, asserting their superiority at every opportunity. succulent fruits, pungent wines, fine perfumes, and �
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Other genies respect the influence of the noble genies, beautiful music.

GEN I E S
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