Gen

Gen were small elemental genies who served as familiars to sha'irs in Zakhara. All sha’irs needed them to work their magic. As powerful as an individual sha'ir may be, they were utterly helpless without their loyal gen.

Some sha'irs even believed that gen were the children of genies. Other sha'irs were convinced that gen were extensions of the sha'ir's hama, or spirit. Not surprisingly, when asked about the true nature of gen, genies would not speak of the matter.

Various kinds of gen existed including: wind gen (djinnlings), sand gen (daolani), sea gen (maridans), and flame gen (efreetikin). The names air gen, earth gen, water gen and fire gen were also used, respectively.

Appearance
The size of a gen varied greatly depending on which plane their were on. Gen on their native elemental plane were slightly smaller than an average human. In stark contrast, gen visiting the opposing elemental plane of their inherent element shrunk to a fraction of their regulary size. Gen found on the Prime Material Plane were usually around a foot tall.

Aspects of their native elemental plane were evident in a gen's composition.

Wind gen had white hair and bluish skin that was almost transparent in bright light. They were unusually skinny. Their skin color could change depending on the weather. An approaching storm would cause a wind gen’s skin to turn grey.

Flame gen had long red hair and ebony skin. Their fingers had long claws and were constantly wiggling. It was nearly impossible for a flame gen to remain still. All flame gen needed to be closely monitored to keep them from starting random fires.

Water gen had greenish skin and blue eyes and hair. Their hair was usually wet and matted with seaweed. They enjoyed wearing jewelry comprised of pearls and shells.

Sand gen had tan skin and black hair. Their bodies were globular, making their appendages appear small.

Combat
Gen were weak fighters but could use their elemental abilities to their advantage.

Habitat/Society
A gen's general confidence and moral followed the same patterns as their physical size when visiting other planes.

Gen returned to their elemental plane if their master died. Gen who perished could be brought back by a sha’ir.

Ecology
Gen were fanatically loyal to their masters who provided everything needed for their survival.