Page 142 - D&D Bestiary

GENIES 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 The Power of Worship. Genies acknowledge the
they rule from lavish palaces and are attended by gods as powerful entities but have no desire to c9urt
worshipful slaves. or worship them. They find the endless fawning and
Genies are as brilliant as they are mighty, as proud mew ling of religious devotees tiresome-except a;> 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 deii-tand
the soul of a sentient living creature melds with the that mortals of other realms- even whole contin'ents 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
Dao are greedy, malicious genies from the Elemental
that gave it form. That life force is a building block that
Plane of Earth. They adorn themselves with jewelry
determines the genie's form and apparent gender, as
crafted from precious gems and rare metals, and when
well as one or two key personality traits. Although they
they fly, their lower bodies become columns of swirling
resemble humanoid beings, genies are elemental spirits
sand. A dao isn't happy unless it is the envy of other dao.
given physical form. They don't mate with other genies
All That Glitters. The dao dwell in complexes of
or produce genie offspring, as all new genies are born
twisting tunnels and glittering ore-veined caverns
out of the same mysterious fusion of spirit energy and
on the Elemental Plane of Earth. These mazeworks
elemental power. A genie with a stronger connection
are continually expanding as the dao delve into and
to its mortal soul might choose to sire a child with a
reshape the rock around them. Dao care nothing for
mortal, although such offspring are rare.
the poverty or misfortune of others. A dao might grind
When a genie perishes, it leaves nothing behind
powdered gems and gold dust over its food to heighten
except what it was wearing or carrying, along with
the experience of eating, devouring its wealth as mortals
a small trace of its native element: a pile of dust, a
consume a precious spice.
gust of wind, a flash of fire and smoke, or a burst of
Lords of the Earth. A dao never assists a mortal
water and foam. unless the genie has something to gain, preferably
Rule or Be Ruled. Mortal slaves serve to validate treasure. Among the genies, dao are on speaking and
a genie's power and high self-opinion. A hundred 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
Proud Slavers. The dao trade for the finest slaves
genies treasure their slaves, treating them as honored
that money can buy, forcing them to work in dangerous
members of their households. Evil genies freely threaten
subterranean realms that rumble with earthquakes.
and abuse their slaves, but never to the extent that the
As much as they enjoy enslaving others, the dao
slaves are no longer of use.
hate being enslaved. Powerful wizards have been
In contrast to their love of slaves, most genies loathe
known to lure dao to the Material Plane and trap them
being bound to service themselves. A genie obeys the
in the confines of magic gemstones or iron flasks.
will of another only when bribed or compelled by magic.
Unfortunately for the dao, their greed makes it relatively
All genies command the power of their native element,
easy for mages to cozen them into service.
but a rare few also possess the power to grant wishes.
For both these reasons, mortal mages often seek to bind
DJINNI
genies into service.
Decadent Nobility. 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 clouds tuff 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
Other genies respect the influence of the noble genies, beautiful music.