Genies are an entirely unique race, or rather, a unique and independent tree of life. They are a form of life defined by two fundamental properties that distinguish them from their surroundings: first, they feed exclusively on magical energy or other specimens from the Genie animal kingdom. Human or Elven food, like any other source of nourishment known on Qurand, is indigestible to them. Second, they possess the extraordinary ability to condense and rarefy. In their most rarefied form, they are invisible, and their presence is noted only by sensitive individuals. It is only in this state that they are able to “graze” on magical energy and absorb it. In this form, they are also vast in scope; for example, a Genie who is human-sized in fully condensed form occupies the space of an entire house when fully rarefied. In a semi-condensed state, a Genie becomes visible—depending on the degree of density, they are either translucent or appear completely solid, but they still occupy more space than in their fully condensed form. In both rarefied and semi-condensed forms, a Genie can pass through solid matter, other Genies, and—with some effort—other living beings (though the subtle-matter bodies of living beings offer some resistance) and can also levitate. Genies possess a natural ability for levitation, which they lose only in their fully condensed form. Indeed, the fully condensed form is an extreme state for them; they must maintain it through sheer force of will and usually assume it only when they wish to blend into human society.
The act of permeating matter is a very specific experience for Genies—a sort of three-dimensional touching and tasting at once, something unimaginable to humans. It is effectively a sixth (or seventh) sense possessed only by Genies. The interpenetration of one Genie by another is a highly intimate affair and is also the manner in which they reproduce.
As stated, Genies constitute an entire independent animal kingdom, within which several distinct groups can be recognized, differing in the complexity of their existence, intelligence, and the power they wield:
Nerias: The Nerias are effectively the “plankton” of the Genie kingdom. They are small organisms, roughly the size of a palm or a ball (if condensed, they would be as small as a grain of sand), which a normal mortal never sees. They never condense and merely cluster and multiply in places with a strong source of magic, which they feed upon much like plants feed on sunlight. Occasionally, they can completely overwhelm and drain a magical source; consequently, at many well-known magical sites, there exist “magical pest control units” that keep the areas clear of Nerias. Fortunately, Nerias do not feed on all types of magic and require a specific synergy of elements for a location to be suitable; otherwise, they would have long since infested all of Qurand.
Janns: This species is similar to animals. They feed partly on magical energy, but a significant portion of their diet consists of consuming fattened Nerias. Smaller Janns are analogous to badgers or foxes, but there are numerous species that far exceed Genies in size—the “whales” of the Genie world—which, when rarefied, are literally the size of a mountain. Such creatures are rarely encountered in the civilized regions of Qurand, but they can be found at energy nodes in other worlds. It is also worth noting that, unlike other living creatures, Genies across their various species speak the same language. Only its complexity differs; thus, even Nerias babble simple words, and Janns are capable of simple sentences.
Genies: Similar to humans in size, power, and lifespan. Depending on the need and opportunity, they feed on Nerias and Janns or directly on pure magic. In ancient times, they lived in tribal societies surrounding specific magical sources, where they grazed tamed Janns and gathered Nerias. Through social evolution, they progressed to larger settlements: Genie Cities. These cities are typically located high upon inaccessible cliffs or suspended directly in the air through levitation or balloons. In this way, Genies ensure their safety, as no one from the ordinary animal kingdom—except for birds—can reach them.
Marids: Larger, more powerful, and longer-lived than ordinary Genies, the Marids are the Genie aristocracy. They are also known for their cunning and the nimbleness of their tongues. It is largely due to the intelligence of the Marids that Genies have rarely entered into open conflict with the other races of Qurand. The clear superiority of the Marids within Genie society also leaves little room for rebellion—no Genie could even dream of a Genie ruling the Marids, just as one cannot imagine a Jann ruling the Genies. Marids are the shepherds of Genies, just as Genies are the shepherds of Janns.
Ifrits: Even more powerful than the Marids are the Ifrits. They are legendary masters of magic, often archmages of several different schools at once. Their ability to control the condensation and rarefaction of their bodies goes beyond the limits available to lower species. While Marids can condense at most to the density of the surrounding matter—meaning that, given their larger-than-life size, even at maximum density they remain giants twice the size of a human—the Ifrits, though actually larger than Marids, can condense to the size of a human and pass for one. One only discovers they are not what they seem if they are placed on a scale or if one attempts to lift them. Ifrits can also permeate the interior of a human and then crush their internal organs by condensing. They are lethally dangerous opponents, and many of their abilities are entirely unpredictable to a human.
Divs: The highest form of the Genie animal kingdom. Powerful and wise semi-divine beings who generally care little for the affairs of Genie politics or communal life. Some live as permanent protectors of certain sacred sites; others exist mostly outside of Qurand, with only a small, meditating “pseudopod” found within the world. In times of crisis, however, they can hear the call of the Genies and come to their aid. Some also occasionally provide prophetic oracular statements in response to inquiries. Their number is always known as a specific figure—a number by which Genies swear and to which they turn in prayer. (Currently, that number is sixteen). Once in a great while, a Div dies or is born. When this happens, the number must be changed. In both cases, it is always a monumental event throughout the entire Genie world (or across all worlds).
