Difference between revisions of "Sha'ir (Apath)"

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{{Apath}}
 
{{Apath}}
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{{Apath}}
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''Sha'ir is a sorcerer variant that doesn't have a fixed list of known spells, instead rebuilding that list each day.''
−
The sha'ir is an arcane spellcaster with an Arabian Nights bent, a wise person and friend of the genies. Unlike a wizard, the sha'ir does not get spells from either innate talent or mysterious study and spell books but rather has a special familiar, called a gen, to fetch spells for her somewhat like a witch's familiar. However, unlike a witch, the gen does not have a limited repertoire of spells - instead it delves deep into the elemental planes to find any secrets its master may require.
 
  
−
Sha'ir are also friends and confidantes of the genies, and gain the ability to treat with and control genies as they progress in level. Not all sha'ir choose to use such abilities tough, for the genies are dangerous and quick to anger.  
+
== Class Background ==
 +
The sha'ir is an arcane spellcaster with an Arabian Nights bent, a wise person and friend of the genies. Unlike a wizard, the sha'ir does not get spells from either innate talent or mysterious study and spell books but rather has a special familiar, called a gen, to fetch spells for her somewhat like a witch's familiar. However, unlike a witch, the gen does not have a limited repertoire of spells - instead it delves deep into the elemental planes to find any secrets its master may require. The sha'ir is a self-educated class and uses the youngest starting age bracket.
 +
 
 +
Sha'ir are also friends and confidantes of the genies, and gain the ability to treat with and control genies as they progress in level. Not all sha'ir choose to use such abilities tough, for genies are dangerous and quick to anger.  
  
 
==== Alignment ====
 
==== Alignment ====
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==== Table: The sha'ir ====
 
==== Table: The sha'ir ====
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
−
|rowspan=2| ''' Level'''||rowspan=2| ''' Base Attack Bonus'''||rowspan=2| ''' Fort Save'''||rowspan=2| ''' Ref Save'''||rowspan=2| ''' Will Save'''||rowspan=2| ''' Special'''||colspan=10|'''Spells per Day'''
+
|rowspan=2 valign=bottom | ''' Level'''||rowspan=2 valign=bottom | ''' Base <br>Attack <br>Bonus'''||rowspan=2 valign=bottom | ''' Fort <br>Save'''||rowspan=2 valign=bottom | ''' Ref <br>Save'''||rowspan=2 valign=bottom | ''' Will <br>Save'''||rowspan=2 valign=bottom | ''' Special'''||colspan=10|'''Spells per Day'''
 
|-
 
|-
 
||0|||1st|||2nd|||3rd|||4th|||5th|||6th|||7th|||8th|||9th
 
||0|||1st|||2nd|||3rd|||4th|||5th|||6th|||7th|||8th|||9th
 
|-
 
|-
−
||1st|||+0|||+0|||+0|||+2|||Elemental horde, gen|||3|||1|||—|||—|||—|||—|||—|||—|||—|||—
+
||1st|||+0|||+0|||+0|||+2|||Zhyen |||3|||1|||—|||—|||—|||—|||—|||—|||—|||—
 
|-
 
|-
−
||2nd|||+1|||+0|||+0|||+3|||Detect genies |||4|||2|||—|||—|||—|||—|||—|||—|||—|||—
+
||2nd|||+1|||+0|||+0|||+3|||Detect genies |||4|||2|||—|||—|||—|||—|||—|||—|||—|||—
 
|-
 
|-
−
||3rd|||+1|||+1|||+1|||+3||| |||4|||2|||1|||—|||—|||—|||—|||—|||—|||—
+
||3rd|||+1|||+1|||+1|||+3||| |||4|||2|||1|||—|||—|||—|||—|||—|||—|||—
 
|-
 
|-
−
||4th|||+2|||+1|||+1|||+4|||Gen touch spells |||5|||3|||2|||—|||—|||—|||—|||—|||—|||—
+
||4th|||+2|||+1|||+1|||+4|||Gen touch spells |||5|||3|||2|||—|||—|||—|||—|||—|||—|||—
 
|-
 
|-
−
||5th|||+2|||+1|||+1|||+4||| |||5|||3|||2|||1|||—|||—|||—|||—|||—|||—
+
||5th|||+2|||+1|||+1|||+4||| |||5|||3|||2|||1|||—|||—|||—|||—|||—|||—
 
|-
 
|-
−
||6th|||+3|||+2|||+2|||+5|||Craft genie seal |||5|||3|||3|||2|||—|||—|||—|||—|||—|||—
+
||6th|||+3|||+2|||+2|||+5|||Craft genie seal |||5|||3|||3|||2|||—|||—|||—|||—|||—|||—
 
|-
 
|-
−
||7th|||+3|||+2|||+2|||+5||| |||6|||4|||3|||2|||1|||—|||—|||—|||—|||—
+
||7th|||+3|||+2|||+2|||+5||| |||6|||4|||3|||2|||1|||—|||—|||—|||—|||—
 
|-
 
|-
−
||8th|||+4|||+2|||+2|||+6|||Gen spell resistance  |||6|||4|||3|||3|||2|||—|||—|||—|||—|||—
+
||8th|||+4|||+2|||+2|||+6|||Gen spell resistance  |||6|||4|||3|||3|||2|||—|||—|||—|||—|||—
 
|-
 
|-
−
||9th|||+4|||+3|||+3|||+6||| |||6|||4|||4|||3|||2|||1|||—|||—|||—|||—
+
||9th|||+4|||+3|||+3|||+6||| |||6|||4|||4|||3|||2|||1|||—|||—|||—|||—
 
|-
 
|-
−
||10th|||+5|||+3|||+3|||+7|||Genie prison  |||6|||4|||4|||3|||3|||2|||—|||—|||—|||—
+
||10th|||+5|||+3|||+3|||+7|||Genie prison  |||6|||4|||4|||3|||3|||2|||—|||—|||—|||—
 
|-
 
|-
−
||11th|||+5|||+3|||+3|||+7||| |||6|||5|||4|||4|||3|||2|||1|||—|||—|||—
+
||11th|||+5|||+3|||+3|||+7||| |||6|||5|||4|||4|||3|||2|||1|||—|||—|||—
 
|-
 
|-
−
||12th|||+6/+1|||+4|||+4|||+8||| Task jann |||6|||5|||4|||4|||3|||3|||2|||—|||—|||—
+
||12th|||+6/+1|||+4|||+4|||+8||| Task jann |||6|||5|||4|||4|||3|||3|||2|||—|||—|||—
 
|-
 
|-
−
||13th|||+6/+1|||+4|||+4|||+8||| |||6|||5|||5|||4|||4|||3|||2|||1|||—|||—
+
||13th|||+6/+1|||+4|||+4|||+8||| |||6|||5|||5|||4|||4|||3|||2|||1|||—|||—
 
|-
 
|-
−
||14th|||+7/+2|||+4|||+4|||+9|||Task genie |||6|||5|||5|||4|||4|||3|||3|||2|||—|||—
+
||14th|||+7/+2|||+4|||+4|||+9|||Task genie |||6|||5|||5|||4|||4|||3|||3|||2|||—|||—
 
|-
 
|-
−
||15th|||+7/+2|||+5|||+5|||+9||| |||6|||5|||5|||5|||4|||4|||3|||2|||1|||—
+
||15th|||+7/+2|||+5|||+5|||+9||| |||6|||5|||5|||5|||4|||4|||3|||2|||1|||—
 
|-
 
|-
−
||16th|||+8/+3|||+5|||+5|||+10||| |||6|||5|||5|||5|||4|||4|||3|||3|||2|||—
+
||16th|||+8/+3|||+5|||+5|||+10|||Genie ruler audience |||6|||5|||5|||5|||4|||4|||3|||3|||2|||—
 
|-
 
|-
 
||17th|||+8/+3|||+5|||+5|||+10||| |||6|||5|||5|||5|||5|||4|||4|||3|||2|||1
 
||17th|||+8/+3|||+5|||+5|||+10||| |||6|||5|||5|||5|||5|||4|||4|||3|||2|||1
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== Class Features ==
 
== Class Features ==
−
All of the following are class features of the thaumaturge.
+
All of the following are class features of the sha'ir.
  
 
=== Weapon and Armor Proficiency ===
 
=== Weapon and Armor Proficiency ===
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Like other spellcasters, a sha'ir can cast only a certain number of spells of each spell level per day. His base daily spell allotment is given on Table: The sha'ir. In addition, he receives bonus spells per day if he has a high Charisma score.   
 
Like other spellcasters, a sha'ir can cast only a certain number of spells of each spell level per day. His base daily spell allotment is given on Table: The sha'ir. In addition, he receives bonus spells per day if he has a high Charisma score.   
  
−
A sha'ir has access to all spells on the sorcerer/wizard spell list and can prepare any of them. She must choose and prepare her spells ahead of time by getting 8 hours of sleep and spending 1 hour communing with her familiar. While communing, the sha'ir decides which spells to prepare.
+
A sha'ir has access to all spells on the sorcerer/wizard spell list and can prepare any of them that she knows of. She must choose and prepare her spells ahead of time by getting 8 hours of sleep and spending 1 hour communing with her gen. While communing, the sha'ir decides which spells to prepare and sends the gen to fetch these spells. A sha'ir is assumed to know about most spells, but for uncommon or esoteric spells, the [[GM]] may require a Spellcraft Check DC 5 + 3 per spell level, +5 for spells not on the sorcerer/wizard spell list. Some spells might be judged so secret that no roll is allowed, but this should only happen in special cases, such as when a secret order has created a new spell.
  
 
==== Cantrips ====
 
==== Cantrips ====
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A thaumaturge's bonus language options include auram, aquam, ignan, and terram (the languages of air, water, fire, and earth elementals respectively). These choices are in addition to the bonus languages available to the character because of his race.
 
A thaumaturge's bonus language options include auram, aquam, ignan, and terram (the languages of air, water, fire, and earth elementals respectively). These choices are in addition to the bonus languages available to the character because of his race.
  
−
=== Gen ===
+
=== Zhyen ===
−
All sha'ir can call upon an elemental familiar, known as a gen. See the appendix for the gen's statistics. Summoning a gen is a 1-hour process. if a gen is slain or dismissed, a new one can immediately be summoned, but a sha'ir must wait one week before summoning a gen of the same type as one who died. If several gens die in quick succession, it is possible for the sha'ir to run out of options.
+
All sha'ir can call upon elemental familiars, known as a [http://www.d20pfsrd.com/bestiary/monster-listings/outsiders/zhyen Zhyen]. Summoning a Zhyen is a 1-hour ritual and each sha'ir can only have one Zhyen at a time. If a Zhyen is slain or dismissed, a new one can immediately be summoned, but a sha'ir must wait one week before summoning a Zhyen of the same type as one who died. If several Zhyens die in quick succession, it is possible for the sha'ir to run out of options.
  
−
There are four kinds of gen, each tied to one of the classic four elements. Dinnlings (air gens) are playful and mischievous and tend towards chaos and good. Ifri (fire gens) are energetic and aggressive and tend toward law and evil. Maridans (water gens) are humorous and eloquent and tend towards chaos. Chit (earth gens) are artistic but greedy and tend towards law. Geno are gens composed of all four elements. They are proud and quick to insult and tend towards neutral alignments.  
+
There are four kinds of Zhyen, each tied to one of the classic four elements. Dinnlings (air Zhyens) are playful and mischievous and tend towards chaos and good. Ifri (fire Zhyens) are energetic and aggressive and tend toward law and evil. Maridans (water Zhyens) are humorous and eloquent and tend towards chaos. Chit (earth Zhyens) are artistic but greedy and tend towards law.  
  
−
While in contact with their master, gens provide a +2 bonus on saving throws of the gen's type and the save DC of the sha'irs own spells of the same type increase by +2. Geno (who lack an element) provide bonus on all Reflex saving throws but do not increase the saving throw DC of any of the sha'ir's spells. A Sha'ir gets a +2 bonus on Charisma skills and Charisma rolls to [http://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/outsider-categories Bind] genies tied to the same element as his gen.  
+
While in contact with their master, Zhyens provide a +2 bonus on saving throws of the Zhyen's type and the save DC of the sha'irs own spells of the same type increase by +2. Dinnlings give this bonus against spells of the air subtype or that deal electricity damage. Ifri provide this bonus against spells of the fire subtype or effects that deal fire damage. Madidans provide this bonus against spells of the water subtype or effects that deal cold damage. Chit provide this bonus against spells of the earth subtype or effects that deal acid damage. A Sha'ir gets a +2 bonus on Charisma skills and Charisma rolls to [http://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/outsider-categories Bind] Zhyenies tied to the same element as his Zhyen.  
  
−
Besides serving the sha'ir as a companion, messenger, spy, and pet, the gen also provides the sha'ir with spells. When preparing spells, the sha'ir sends the gen to scourge the elemental planes to find the effect sought. This is automatic during normal spell preparation. The spells the gen finds are packets of magical energy that it delivers to its master as spells when it comes back. The gen cannot use these spells itself, nor can it store them except as a part of spell preparation or as noted in other sha'ir abilities. Gen use their ''plane shift'' ability to track down spells and return to the sha'ir, returning in the masters square.
+
Besides serving the sha'ir as a companion, messenger, spy, and pet, the Zhyen also provides the sha'ir with spells. When preparing spells, the sha'ir sends the Zhyen to scourge the elemental planes to find the effect sought. This is automatic during normal spell preparation. The spells the Zhyen finds are packets of magical energy that it delivers to its master as spells when it comes back. The Zhyen cannot use these spells itself, nor can it store them except as a part of spell preparation or as noted in other sha'ir abilities. All Zhyen can use the ''plane shift'' ability on themselves, but solely to track down spells and return to the sha'ir, always returning in the masters square.
  
−
The sha'ir can send his gen to fetch additional spells besides normal spell preparation. This takes 1 round  for a spell the Sha'ir could normally prepare, 1d6 + spell level rounds for spells the sha'ir could not normally prepare (due to class and/or level). At the end of this period, make a Concentration check (normally d20 + class level + Cha modifier) against a DC depending on the spell sought.
+
The sha'ir can send his Zhyen to fetch additional spells besides normal spell preparation. This takes 1 round  for a spell the Sha'ir could normally prepare, 1d6 + spell level rounds for spells the sha'ir could not normally prepare (due to class and/or level). At the end of this period, make a Concentration check (normally d20 + class level + Cha modifier) against a DC depending on the spell sought.
  
 
{|
 
{|
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||Base Difficulty ||| 5
 
||Base Difficulty ||| 5
 
|-
 
|-
−
||Each level of spell |||+2
+
||Each level of spell |||+3
 +
|-
 +
||Spell is of the Zyhen's element or damage type|||-2
 
|-
 
|-
 
||Each earlier attempt since the last spell preparation |||+2
 
||Each earlier attempt since the last spell preparation |||+2
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|}
 
|}
  
−
If the roll succeeds, the gen returns with the desired spell, which must be cast within the next minute, or it is lost. If this roll fails, the gen returns empty-handed. If this roll fails by a margin of 10, the gen is killed looking for the spell, and never returns.
+
If the roll succeeds, the Zhyen returns with the desired spell, which must be cast within the next minute, or it is lost. Casting this spell does not use up any spell slots. If this roll fails, the Zhyen returns empty-handed. If this roll fails by a margin of 10, the Zhyen is killed looking for the spell, and never returns.
−
 
 
−
=== Elemental Horde (su) ===
 
−
When a sha'ir summons elementals using ''summon monster'' spells, 1d2 elementals appear if using the highest possible ''summon monster''' table, 1d3+1 appear if using the table one level lower, and 1d4+3 if using the table 2 levels lower.
 
  
−
===Detect genies (sp) ===
+
===Detect Genies (sp) ===
 
The sha'ir can detect genies and the works of genies at will. This works like ''detect undead'' except that it detects genies or the lingering area of places they have been or had an effect on. A sha'ir can, as a move action, concentrate on a single item or individual within 60 feet and determine if it is a genie or has been in contact with genies, learning the strength of its aura as if having studied it for 3 rounds. While focusing on one individual or object, the sha'ir does not detect genies in any other object or individual within range.
 
The sha'ir can detect genies and the works of genies at will. This works like ''detect undead'' except that it detects genies or the lingering area of places they have been or had an effect on. A sha'ir can, as a move action, concentrate on a single item or individual within 60 feet and determine if it is a genie or has been in contact with genies, learning the strength of its aura as if having studied it for 3 rounds. While focusing on one individual or object, the sha'ir does not detect genies in any other object or individual within range.
  
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=== Gen Spell Resistance (Ex) ===  
 
=== Gen Spell Resistance (Ex) ===  
 
If the master is 8thlevel or higher, a gen gains spell resistance equal to the master's level + 5. To affect the familiar with a spell, another spellcaster must get a result on a caster level check (1d20 + caster level) that equals or exceeds the gen's spell resistance.
 
If the master is 8thlevel or higher, a gen gains spell resistance equal to the master's level + 5. To affect the familiar with a spell, another spellcaster must get a result on a caster level check (1d20 + caster level) that equals or exceeds the gen's spell resistance.
 +
 +
=== Genie Prison (sp) ===
 +
This is the signature ability of the sha'ir, upon which much of their control of genies is based. At level 10, sha'ir can use ''binding'' at will, but only against genies. Each attempt is a full-round action and the save DC is 10 + ½ the sha'ir's class level + the sha'ir's Charisma modifier. Note that this save DC is reduced for the more portable kinds of binding. A genie the sha'ir attempts to bind automatically becomes hostile, but once its willingness to serve increases; add +4 to the sha'ir's Charisma checks to [http://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/outsider-categories negotiate] with a bound genie. A genie prison also eliminates the genie's daily chance to escape inherent in a ''planar binding''-type spell.
 +
 +
Using this power affects your standing among genies; for each genie of a particular element you have ever imprisoned this way, you suffer a -1 modifier on Charisma rolls to [http://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/outsider-categories bind] all other genies tied to that element. This modifier does not apply to imprisoned genies, who are desperate for release and anyway cut off from the rumor mill. The count of bound genies can only be reset by using the [[#Genie Ruler Audience |genie ruler audience]] ability.
  
 
=== Task Jann ===
 
=== Task Jann ===
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=== Task Genie ===
 
=== Task Genie ===
−
At 14th level, when using ''planar binding'' to compel the services of a genie, the service can last up to one week per level. When using ''lesser planar binding'' to compel the services of a genie, the service can be permanent.
+
At 14th level, when using ''planar binding'' to compel the services of a genie, the service can last up to one week per level. When using ''lesser planar binding'' to compel the services of a genie, the service can be permanent. A genie in permanent service must always have an escape clause, but this can be something that never happens, like "when the sun sets in the east". Genies are very good at ferreting out situations where such impossible conditions come to pass, and enjoy this kind of challenge.
  
 
=== Genie Ruler Audience ===  
 
=== Genie Ruler Audience ===  
−
At 16th level, a sha’ir can seek and receive an audience with the rulers of djinn, shaitan, marid, or efreet — truly a great honor. A sha’ir can seek an audience only once per month, whether the reason is great or small. Only one type of genie can be contacted at a time. A sha’ir who wishes to speak with genie rulers must journey to the plane of choice. Within 1 to 10 days, a procession of genies will appear and automatically grant the sha’ir an audience. A genie procession comprises 1 to 3 noble genie rulers, and 10 to 100 ordinary genies. Genies will not appear at the scene of a battle. If the procession is attacked, they will attempt to destroy the attacker(s) for 10 rounds, then vanish. Sometime later, the same genies or their agents will return to deal with the characters who affronted them.  
+
At 16th level, a sha’ir can seek and receive an audience with the rulers of jann, djinn, shaitan, marid, or efreet — truly a great honor. A sha’ir can seek an audience only once per month, whether the reason is great or small. Only one type of genie can be contacted at a time. A sha’ir who wishes to speak with genie rulers must journey to the plane of choice. Within 1 to 10 hours, a procession of genies will appear and automatically grant the sha’ir an audience. A genie procession comprises 1 to 3 noble genies and 10 to 100 ordinary genies. Genies will not appear at the scene of a battle. If the procession is attacked, they will attempt to destroy the attacker(s) for 10 rounds, then vanish. Sometime later, the same genies or their agents will return to deal with the characters who affronted them.
 +
 
 +
Genie rulers can answer questions with a Knowledge (Planes) bonus of +30, focused on their elemental plane and are glad to advise those who are seeking to deal with genies. They can issue rulings on the actions of other genies of their element. If the sha’ir reports a crime committed by a lesser genie, a genie ruler can summon that creature for immediate judgment, provided the lesser genie’s name or description is known.
 +
 
 +
Characters who stand before the noble genies and make an appeal should note that they, too, will be judged — especially in regard to their other dealings with genies. A noble genie will generally forgive characters who have slain genies in the heat of combat and those who have imprisoned a malicious spirit; such applicants will be granted a chance to explain their actions. Applicants who have ambushed genies, imprisoned genies, violated agreements, slain genie-kind without quarter, behaved ignobly to genies — or simply have been party to any of these actions — will find themselves in great danger and suffer a negative modifier on the negotiation equal to the number of such transgressions.
  
−
Noble genies can answer questions with a Knowledge (Planes) bonus of +30, focused on their elemental plane. They can issue rulings on the actions of other genies or their race. And they can advise those who are seeking to deal with genies or other races. If the sha’ir reports a crime committed by a lesser genie, a noble genie can summon that creature for immediate judgment, provided the lesser genie’s name or description is known. Characters who stand before the noble genies and make an appeal should note that they, too, will be judged—especially in regard to their other dealings with genies. A noble genie may forgive characters who have slain genies in the heat of combat, and those who have imprisoned a malicious spirit; such applicants will be granted a chance to explain their actions. Applicants who have ambushed genies, violated agreements, slain genie-kind without quarter, behaved ignobly to genies — or simply have been party to any of these actions — will find themselves in great danger. A character so accused needs to roll a DC 20 Fortitude save. If the saving throw fails, the noble genie passes judgment: the guilty one is slain and justice is served. If the saving throw succeeds, the noble is merciful: the applicant is stripped of all earthly belongings, and promptly returned to the Prime Material Plane. (There is no Fate but the Fate which is given us.) While great, the power to receive an audience is used sparingly, especially by sha’irs who have entrapped or slain their share of genies over the years.
+
If the sha'ir risks judgement, this is handled as a [http://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/outsider-categories negotiation]. Subtract one from the sha'ir's Charisma roll for each serious transgression or genie imprisoned of the ruler's element. Add +0 to +6 depending on how well the Sha'ir pleads his case. Additional modifiers can be gained for the right kind of gen, services rendered, bribes offered, impressive accouterments or companions, and impressive threats or promises made. Each such tactic successfully employed gives a +2 bonus. Genie rulers have a Charisma modifier of +10. On a success, all crimes are forgotten - the sha'ir's slate is wiped clean and all modifiers for past transgressions or imprisonments are cancelled. Of a failure, the sha'ir is imprisoned for a day, and may then plead his case again. A sha'ir who fails to be exonerated after three days is condemned to death and executed - most sha'ir prefer to escape after the second day and try their luck, but this is as bad as having imprisoned a genie in the eyes of genies of this element..
  
 
=== Task Noble Genie ===
 
=== Task Noble Genie ===
−
At 18th level, when using ''greater planar binding'' to compel the services of a genie, the service can last up to one week per level. When using ''planar binding'' or ''lesser planar binding'' to compel the services of a genie, the service be permanent.
+
At 18th level, when using ''greater planar binding'' to compel the services of a genie, the service can last up to one week per level. When using ''planar binding'' or ''lesser planar binding'' to compel the services of a genie, the service can be permanent.
  
 
=== Ultimate Task ===
 
=== Ultimate Task ===
 
At 20th level, any ''planar binding'' spell can be used to compel a genie to permanent service.
 
At 20th level, any ''planar binding'' spell can be used to compel a genie to permanent service.
  
−
=== Genie Prison (su) ===
+
== Gen Attributes ==
−
At level 10, sha'ir can use ''binding'' at will, but only against genies. Each attempt is a full-round action and the save DC is 10 + ½ the sha'ir's class level + the sha'ir's Charisma modifier. Note that this save DC is reduced for the more portable kinds of binding. A genie the sha'ir attempts to bind automatically becomes hostile, but once bound its willingness to serve increases; add +4 to the sha'ir's Charisma checks to [http://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/outsider-categories negotiate] with a bound genie. Using this power affects your standing among genies; for each genie of a particular element you have bound this way, you suffer a -1 modifier on all Charisma-based skills and on Charisma rolls to [http://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/outsider-categories bind] all other genies tied to that element. This modifier does not apply to imprisoned genies, who are desperate for release and cut off from the rumor mill.
+
Unlike familiars, that are creatures in their own right, gens are more like reinfections of the caster trough the lens of the elemental planes. All gens are elementals and have attributes identical to their master except as noted here. They have half their master's hit points and have an ability similar but superior to evasion; when attacked by an area attack that allows any type of saving throw for reduced damage, they take half damage on a failed save and no damage on a successful save. They are of Tiny size (but this does not influence their attributes except as outlined here), have a carrying capacity 1/10 of that of their master, suffer a -5 modifier on Strength checks and melee damage, and gain a +8 size modifier to stealth. They make a ranged touch attack that does 1d6 damage of a type appropriate for their element (Geno do piercing damage), using the same touch attack modifier as their master. All gens can use ''plane shift'' as a swift action to travel to other planes to look for spells for their master, and when they return to the master they appear in his square. They can also remain in the elemental planes, seeking shelter there. If they ever end up more than 100 ft. from their master, they automatically ''plane shift'' to an elemental plane. All gens also have unlimited range telepathy with their masters, which is so complete that the gen can barely be said to have a mind of its own at all.
−
 
 
−
=== Old Gen Text ===
 
−
Gens are officially of neutral alignment, but they tend to take on their masters’ attitudes, tinged by their own natural tendencies. Elemental familiars with good tendencies tend to be most comfortable with good aligned characters, while those with tendencies toward evil acts are more comfortable with evil characters. Gens attached to characters of similar alignment or tendencies gain a +1 bonus to rolls for loyalty (but not morale). Unless otherwise noted, all gens stand between 8 and 12 inches tall, are of Low intelligence, AC 5, and have a movement rate of 9. Each has a number of hit points equaling half its master’s current maximum, Hit Dice equaling half its master’s level, and the THAC0 of a monster that’s half their master’s level in Hit Dice. Gens inflict 1d6 points of damage, and are of small size.
 
−
 
 
−
When summoning a gen, sha’irs can choose from among four different varieties: Air gens, or djinnlings, are small air sprites with bluish skin and white hair. They can fly at MV 12 (maneuverability class B), but have no other djinni-like powers, and cannot become invisible or create objects. Djinnlings are usually aloof and moralistic. They tend toward good and lawful. Fire gens, or efreetikin, are miniature fire spirits with ebony skin and long, flame-red hair. They move normally, and can produce flame at will. Fire gens are usually malicious and judgmental. They tend toward evil and lawful behavior. Water gens, also called maridans, are small water spirits with greenish skin and bluish eyes and hair. They can swim at MV 12, and can breathe underwater. Maridans are usually capricious and playful. They tend toward good and chaotic behavior. Earth gens, or daolanin (day-oh-LAH-neen), are small earth elementals with tan skin and jet black hair. They are the strongest of the gens, and can inflict double damage (2d6 points). Earth gen are usually tactless and direct. They tend toward evil and chaos.
 
−
 
 
−
An elemental familiar makes saving throws at twice the current level of its master; otherwise magic can affect it normally. Any gen can enter the elemental planes and move through them at will, but all must stay within 100 yards of their masters while on the Prime Material Plane. If a gen is forced to move beyond that radius (for example, is moved by someone), it automatically goes to the elemental planes, attempting to return to its master in 1d6 turns. If the master moves to another plane, the gen follows in 1d6 days (1d6 rounds for elemental planes). Gens can spy, perform errands, and carry messages for their masters in other planes, but they risk being discovered and even destroyed by those hostile to the sha’irs. A gen always appears within 10 feet of its master. If this is not possible (for example, the master is encased in a wall of force or a solid rock wall), the gen will not reappear, but instead waits until the first opportunity. The gen appears wherever it is safest (on the far side of enemies, with the sha’ir between it and them). The behavior. appearance is random, however, so it’s impossible for a gen to enter the elemental plane, move a short distance, and then reappear in the Prime Material, thereby circumventing walls and doors. If threatened while on the Prime Material Plane and more than 10 feet from its master, the elemental familiar will pop back into its home plane to hide, returning to its master (if possible) in 1d6 turns. When a gen dies, its master feels the loss immediately—and literally. The sha’ir’s hit points drop by half. If this loss reduces a sha’ir to 0 or fewer hit points, the wizard must make a saving throw vs. death magic. Success means that the sha’ir remains alive, with 1 hit point, while failure indicates death. Damage caused by the death of a gen can be healed normally. A gen that has died and is later brought back to life suffers a permanent 1-point penalty in morale and loyalty. A sha’ir cannot have more than one gen at a time, so the summoning of a new gen precludes the recovery of a former elemental familiar. The death of the caster also frees the gen of its obligations, and the elemental familiar immediately returns to its native elemental plane. If the sha’ir is raised, he or she can regain the same gen by the act of summoning and binding the familiar. A gen can be ensnared by charm or similar spells, but it won’t turn against its master.
 
−
 
 
−
=== New Ability ===
 
−
 
 
−
= Old text to Cut From =
 
−
 
 
−
The sha'ir is an arcane spellcaster with an ''Arabian Nights'' bent, a wise person and friend of the genies. Unlike a wizard, the sha'ir does not get spells from either innate talent or mysterious study and spell books but rather has a special familiar, called a gen, to fetch spells for her somewhat like a witch's familiar. However, unlike a witch, the gen does not have a limited repertoire of spells - instead it delves deep into the elemental planes to find any secrets its master may require.
 
−
 
 
−
Sha'ir are also friends and confidantes of the genies, and gain the ability to treat with and control genies as they progress in level. Not all sha'ir choose to use such abilities tough, for the genies are dangerous and quick to anger.
 
−
 
 
−
= Cut from Al Qadim =
 
−
 
 
−
Sha’ir Abilities
 
−
Sha’irs are male and female wizards whose magic is tied to the genies.
 
−
(Their kit is described in Chapter 3.) These wizards do not learn or
 
−
cast spells in the usual fashion. In fact, they have no spellbooks at all.
 
−
Instead, they boast a number of spell-like abilities that increase in power as
 
−
they increase in experience level. This chapter describes those abilities.
 
−
Summary of Powers
 
−
With experience comes power:
 
−
* At 1st level, a sha’ir can summon a small elemental familiar, which will
 
−
provide spells, including magics that other 1st-level wizards cannot cast.
 
−
* At 3rd level, a sha’ir gains the ability to recognize the works of
 
−
geniekind, including their magics and the items they’ve created.
 
−
* At 5th level, a sha’ir can call upon the jann for aid.
 
−
* At 7th level, a sha’ir gains additional protection against elemental
 
−
attacks.
 
−
* At 9th level, a sha’ir can call upon one of the more powerful genies for aid.
 
−
* At 11th level, a sha’ir can bind one of the true genies (dao, marid, djinn,
 
−
or efreet) as a personal servant.
 
−
* At 13th level, a sha’ir can create a prison to entrap a genie.
 
−
* At 15th level, a sha’ir can enter the elemental planes at will.
 
−
* At 17th level, a sha’ir can receive an audience with a great ruler of the
 
−
genies.
 
−
Each of these powers is described below.
 
−
Summoning a Familiar
 
−
This power allows a sha’ir to summon a small elemental familiar, called a
 
−
gen, which becomes a permanent and willing servant. The sha’ir is
 
−
allowed to choose which type of gen appears (air, fire, water, or earth).
 
−
97
 
−
Whatever its origin, the gen happily becomes an agent
 
−
for its master in all the elemental planes, seeking out
 
−
and retrieving magic that its master would otherwise
 
−
be unable to cast.
 
−
The act of summoning and binding a gen lasts 1d20
 
−
hours. If a sha’ir spends the required time fasting and
 
−
communing with the “nature” of the elemental
 
−
planes—while uninterrupted—then no proficiency
 
−
check is required. Success is automatic.
 
−
Gens can tap into a network of other geniekind,
 
−
conferring with creatures of any element. This allows
 
−
gens to retrieve spells for their masters. A sha’ir simply
 
−
states the spell which he or she desires, and the loyal
 
−
gen rushes off to the appropriate elemental plane to
 
−
find it (locating even spells in the universal province).
 
−
Sha’irs can only request spells which they know
 
−
exist. All 1st- and 2nd-level wizard spells shown in
 
−
Appendix A are considered common knowledge; any
 
−
sha’ir can request them. Otherwise, sha’irs must have
 
−
actually seen a spell. If a sha’ir sees an ajami casting a
 
−
strange spell (or sees its effects), then that spell can be
 
−
requested, too. Priest spells are also available. Spelllike
 
−
abilities of other creatures and characters cannot
 
−
be gained in this fashion, however.
 
−
Gens require time and effort to find spells for their
 
−
masters. The higher the spell’s level, the longer a gen
 
−
must search, and the greater the chance that its efforts
 
−
will be for naught. In fact, for more powerful spells, the
 
−
gen may not return at all—or perhaps worse, may
 
−
return with a powerful personage in tow, who is very
 
−
curious to see who is seeking such magic.
 
−
Requesting a Spell
 
−
When requesting a spell from his or her gen, a
 
−
sha’ir must specify which spell it is, and
 
−
whether it’s a wizard or priest spell. The gen
 
−
immediately sets out to find it on the outer planes.
 
−
The length of time that a gen searches for a spell
 
−
depends on the type of magic sought:
 
−
l If a sha’ir requests a spell that a native wizard of
 
−
the same experience level could normally cast, then
 
−
the gen searches for 1d6 rounds plus 1 round per level
 
−
of the spell. (All “native” spells are listed in Appendix
 
−
A. Anything not on that list is considered foreign to
 
−
the Land of Fate.)
 
−
l If a native wizard of the same experience level
 
−
could not normally cast the desired spell, then the gen
 
−
searches for 1d6 turns + 1 turn per level of the spell.
 
−
l If the spell is not native to the Land of Fate—or
 
−
is a priest spell—the gen searches for 1d6 hours plus 1
 
−
hour per level of the spell.
 
−
Even if the gen doesn’t find the spell (or has no
 
−
chance of doing so), it expends the full amount of time
 
−
searching. Once the request for a spell is made, the gen
 
−
cannot be recalled until its search is done.
 
−
To determine whether a gen’s search is successful,
 
−
the DM makes a percentage roll. A roll of 90 or more
 
−
always indicates failure. Otherwise, all gens have a 50
 
−
percent base chance of finding a spell. The following
 
−
modifiers apply:
 
−
l Each level of sha’ir: +5 percent
 
−
l Each level of spell being sought: -10 percent
 
−
l Spell is “general knowledge” (by the definition
 
−
above): +10 percent
 
−
l Spell is priestly magic, or does not appear in
 
−
Appendix A: -30 percent
 
−
l Gen repeats search for spell on same day after
 
−
initial failure: -10 percent per attempt
 
−
If the modified chance is 0 or less, the gen always
 
−
returns “empty-handed.” A gen’s failure to gather a
 
−
spell never harms its master (beyond disappointment).
 
−
The gen simply returns after the usual period of search,
 
−
extremely apologetic for its failure. If the sha’ir
 
−
requests the same spell again, the gen immediately
 
−
repeats the search. As noted above, however, its
 
−
chance of success drops an additional 10 percent for
 
−
each attempt within a given 24-hour period. (The
 
−
penalty applies only if the gen is seeking the same spell
 
−
again.)
 
−
If the elemental spirit succeeds, it returns at the end
 
−
of its search, appearing within 10 feet of its master.
 
−
The sha’ir can cast the spell within three turns;
 
−
thereafter the magic is lost. Damage and other effects
 
−
for the spell reflect the sha’ir’s experience level. The
 
−
gen cannot set out to retrieve another spell for its
 
−
98
 
−
master until the previous magic has been cast or has
 
−
expired.
 
−
The sha’ir gains the spell because the gen “shares”
 
−
the verbal and somatic components immediately upon
 
−
returning. Their link is mental, not verbal. Hence, the
 
−
gen can describe any material components needed, but
 
−
it’s still up to the sha’ir to supply them. (As in standard
 
−
AD&D® game play, material components are optional
 
−
in the AL-QADIMTM campaign. The DM may or may
 
−
not require them.)
 
−
00 Results: If the DM rolls “00” when checking for
 
−
success, the gen is automatically delayed 1d10
 
−
additional rounds, turns, or hours (as indicated by the
 
−
spell requested). The link between the gen and its
 
−
master remains intact; the sha’ir knows the gen has
 
−
been delayed, and can sense that it’s still alive.
 
−
Examples
 
−
The examples below illustrate how sha’irs request and
 
−
receive spells.
 
−
Example One: Fatima, a 5th-level sha’ir, wants to
 
−
cast burning hands, a 1st-level spell in the province of
 
−
flame. She asks her gen to look for it. The gen
 
−
immediately disappears for 1d6 + 1 rounds (if Fatima
 
−
needs the spell immediately, she’s in trouble). While
 
−
away, the gen has a 50 percent base chance to find the
 
−
spell, plus 25 percent for Fatima’s experience level,
 
−
minus 10 percent for the spell level, plus 10 percent
 
−
because the spell is considered “common knowledge.”
 
−
In summary, the gen has a 75 percent chance of success
 
−
(50 + 25 - 10 + 10 = 75). If the DM rolls 75 or less
 
−
when making a percentile check, the gen returns with
 
−
the spell.
 
−
Example Two: Hatim, a 3rd-level sha’ir, wants to
 
−
cast legend lore, a 6th-level spell of the universal
 
−
province. Hatim’s gen will be gone for 1d6 + 6 turns.
 
−
The gen has a 50 percent chance to locate the spell,
 
−
plus 15 percent for Hatim’s level, minus 60 percent for
 
−
the spell, leaving only a 5 percent chance of success. If
 
−
Hatim were one level lower, he would have no chance
 
−
at all of gaining this spell.
 
−
Example Three: Hazam, a 9th-level sha’ir, is in
 
−
desperate need of a raise dead spell, a 5th-level priest
 
−
spell. His gen has a 50 percent chance to locate the
 
−
spell, plus 45 percent for Hazam’s level, minus 50
 
−
percent for the spell level, minus another 30 percent
 
−
for seeking a priest spell. The long and short of it: the
 
−
gen has a 15 percent chance of success and will search
 
−
for 1d6 + 5 hours. If the gen fails to recover the spell
 
−
and Hazam immediately sends it out to try again, the
 
−
gen’s chance of success drops to 5 percent.
 
−
The Perils of Priest Spells
 
−
Sha’irs who send their gens after priest spells do so at
 
−
their own risk. Priest spells are granted by the gods (or
 
−
other powerful forces), and a gen who retrieves such a
 
−
spell may take more than magic back to its master.
 
−
There is a 10 percent chance per level of the desired
 
−
spell that a god or higher being observes the gen’s
 
−
activity. The DM makes the percentage roll. If the gen
 
−
is noticed, nothing happens until the sha’ir casts the
 
−
spell. When the spell is cast, “divine retribution”
 
−
occurs. The DM determines which god (or being) is
 
−
offended. The exact punishment varies according to
 
−
the level of the spell being cast:
 
−
l 1st to 2nd Level: The sha’ir suffers an immediate
 
−
case of the evil eye (see attract evil eye, reverse of avert
 
−
evil eye, in Chapter 8). No saving throw is allowed.
 
−
l 3rd to 4th Level: The hand of Fate turns against
 
−
the caster. The next opponent to attack the sha’ir
 
−
gains a +1 bonus to attack and damage rolls for the
 
−
duration of the encounter. If the sha’ir happens to cast
 
−
multiple priest spells of this level before the next
 
−
encounter, the results are cumulative (+1 per spell).
 
−
l 5th to 6th Level: The god (or offended planar
 
−
creature) sends a “messenger” to teach the sha’ir a
 
−
lesson about appropriating magic. The DM should
 
−
bring in the monster of his or her choice, which
 
−
appears 1d6 rounds after the offending spell is cast.
 
−
The creature is teleported magically to the sha’ir’s
 
−
location. As noted, the DM chooses the offended god
 
−
(though it’s probably an underling performing the
 
−
task). The monster should be at least one Hit Die
 
−
greater than the sha’ir’s experience level. The
 
−
summoned creature attacks the sha’ir with fanatical
 
−
morale, and disappears upon completion of its task (or
 
−
upon its death). The sha’ir gains no experience for
 
−
defeating this monster, nor does anyone who helps.
 
−
99
 
−
l 7th Level: The sha’ir is plucked from his or her
 
−
current position and drawn into the outer planar home
 
−
of the offended god, where a full explanation and
 
−
apology are expected. The deity’s underlings are most
 
−
likely to hear (and demand) the sha’ir’s report. The
 
−
player is encouraged to come up with as many good
 
−
reasons as possible for appropriating the spell. (It helps
 
−
if the use of the spell in some way aids that particular
 
−
god’s ethos.) The deity (or a minion) then assigns the
 
−
offending mage a quest and sends the offender home
 
−
within 1d6 rounds. The nature of this quest will not
 
−
violate the individual’s stated ethos, and may range
 
−
from minor (spend six months in the bazaar, preaching
 
−
the word of Tyr) to severe (return the ruby of Mystra,
 
−
currently held by an evil wizard in the Cursed
 
−
Quarter).
 
−
Gens
 
−
Gens are officially of neutral alignment, but they tend
 
−
to take on their masters’ attitudes, tinged by their own
 
−
natural tendencies. Elemental familiars with good
 
−
tendencies tend to be most comfortable with goodaligned
 
−
characters, while those with tendencies toward
 
−
evil acts are more comfortable with evil characters.
 
−
Gens attached to characters of similar alignment or
 
−
tendencies gain a +1 bonus to rolls for loyalty (but not
 
−
morale).
 
−
Unless otherwise noted, all gens stand between 8
 
−
and 12 inches tall, are of Low intelligence, AC 5, and
 
−
have a movement rate of 9. Each has a number of hit
 
−
points equaling half its master’s current maximum, Hit
 
−
Dice equaling half its master’s level, and the THAC0
 
−
of a monster that’s half their master’s level in Hit Dice.
 
−
Gens inflict 1d6 points of damage, and are of small
 
−
size.
 
−
When summoning a gen, sha’irs can choose from
 
−
among four different varieties:
 
−
Air gens, or djinnlings, are small air sprites with
 
−
bluish skin and white hair. They can fly at MV 12
 
−
(maneuverability class B), but have no other
 
−
djinni-like powers, and cannot become invisible or
 
−
create objects. Djinnlings are usually aloof and
 
−
moralistic. They tend toward good and lawful
 
−
Fire gens, or efreetikin, are miniature fire spirits with
 
−
ebony skin and long, flame-red hair. They move
 
−
normally, and can produce flame at will. Fire gens are
 
−
usually malicious and judgmental. They tend toward
 
−
evil and lawful behavior.
 
−
Water gens, also called maridans, are small water
 
−
spirits with greenish skin and bluish eyes and hair.
 
−
They can swim at MV 12, and can breathe underwater.
 
−
Maridans are usually capricious and playful. They tend
 
−
toward good and chaotic behavior.
 
−
Earth gens, or daolanin (day-oh-LAH-neen), are
 
−
small earth elementals with tan skin and jet black hair.
 
−
They are the strongest of the gens, and can inflict
 
−
double damage (2d6 points). Earth gen are usually
 
−
tactless and direct. They tend toward evil and chaos.
 
−
Besides fetching spells, a gen helps protect its
 
−
master against its native element. All attacks of the
 
−
proper element are at -2 to hit, all saving throws
 
−
against that element are at +2, and all damage from
 
−
that form of attack are at -2 per die (minimum damage
 
−
of 1 point per die). This magical protection applies to
 
−
the gen at all times. The sha’ir enjoys these benefits
 
−
when the gen is within 10 feet. An elemental familiar
 
−
makes saving throws at twice the current level of its
 
−
master; otherwise magic can affect it normally.
 
−
Any gen can enter the elemental planes and move
 
−
through them at will, but all must stay within 100
 
−
yards of their masters while on the Prime Material
 
−
Plane. If a gen is forced to move beyond that radius
 
−
(for example, is moved by someone), it automatically
 
−
goes to the elemental planes, attempting to return to
 
−
its master in 1d6 turns. If the master moves to another
 
−
plane, the gen follows in 1d6 days (1d6 rounds for
 
−
elemental planes). Gens can spy, perform errands, and
 
−
carry messages for their masters in other planes, but
 
−
they risk being discovered and even destroyed by those
 
−
hostile to the sha’irs.
 
−
A gen always appears within 10 feet of its master. If
 
−
this is not possible (for example, the master is encased
 
−
in a wall of force or a solid rock wall), the gen will not
 
−
reappear, but instead waits until the first opportunity.
 
−
The gen appears wherever it is safest (on the far side of
 
−
enemies, with the sha’ir between it and them). The
 
−
behavior. appearance is random, however, so it’s impossible for a
 
−
100
 
−
 
 
−
gen to enter the elemental plane, move a short
 
−
distance, and then reappear in the Prime Material,
 
−
thereby circumventing walls and doors. If threatened
 
−
while on the Prime Material Plane and more than 10
 
−
feet from its master, the elemental familiar will pop
 
−
back into its home plane to hide, returning to its
 
−
master (if possible) in 1d6 turns.
 
−
When a gen dies, its master feels the loss
 
−
immediately—and literally. The sha’ir’s hit points drop
 
−
by half. If this loss reduces a sha’ir to 0 or fewer hit
 
−
points, the wizard must make a saving throw vs. death
 
−
magic. Success means that the sha’ir remains alive,
 
−
with 1 hit point, while failure indicates death. Damage
 
−
caused by the death of a gen can be healed normally.
 
−
A gen that has died and is later brought back to life
 
−
suffers a permanent 1-point penalty in morale and
 
−
loyalty. A sha’ir cannot have more than one gen at a
 
−
time, so the summoning of a new gen precludes the
 
−
recovery of a former elemental familiar.
 
−
A new gen can be summoned upon the loss (for
 
−
whatever reason) of an old gen, but the loyalty of such
 
−
a replacement is always less than the original. The first
 
−
gen summoned is of fanatical morale and loyalty (18)—
 
−
almost immune to temptation and willing to lay down
 
−
its life for its master. For each successive gen, the
 
−
loyalty drops 1 point, to a minimum of 5. Hence, the
 
−
last in a long line of gens is untrustworthy and easily
 
−
spooked or distracted. Such a gen is also less successful;
 
−
time to recover spells increases by one increment
 
−
(round, turn, or hour, depending on the spell) with
 
−
each replacement, too.
 
−
A sha’ir can dismiss a gen at any time, with the
 
−
same negative effect to a future gen’s loyalty, but no
 
−
loss to the sha’ir’s hit points. A successful dispel magic
 
−
or similar spell also can break the link. The latter does
 
−
not harm the sha’ir, who can reforge the link with that
 
−
particular gen by summoning it again. The death of
 
−
the caster also frees the gen of its obligations, and the
 
−
elemental familiar immediately returns to its native
 
−
elemental plane. If the sha’ir is raised, he or she can
 
−
regain the same gen by the act of summoning and
 
−
binding the familiar.
 
−
A gen can be ensnared by charm or similar spells,
 
−
but it won’t turn against its master unless a morale
 
−
check is failed.
 
−
Recognizing Genie Work
 
−
At 3rd level, sha’irs can recognize the workings of
 
−
djinn, jann, and other members of the genie
 
−
races. These wizards can recognize items that have
 
−
been created by genies, as well as spells cast by genies
 
−
or provided by gen for other sha’irs. Further, this
 
−
ability enables sha’irs to detect genies that are
 
−
invisible, disguised, or polymorphed.
 
−
A sha’ir’s chance to recognize genie work is 5
 
−
percent per experience level. The sha’ir must declare
 
−
that he or she is checking for the work of genies in a
 
−
particular situation. Success requires full
 
−
concentration; the sha’ir can perform no other action
 
−
for a round. If multiple genie-works are at hand, only
 
−
the most powerful or most recent are revealed.
 
−
Calling Upon the Jann
 
−
At 5th level, sha’irs can call upon the jann for aid
 
−
and protection once each day. Jann are lesser
 
−
genies. They haunt the desert and other lonely, forlorn
 
−
places, and sha’irs must be in such a location to use
 
−
this ability.
 
−
A sha’ir must give a great yell for help to capture
 
−
the jann’s attention. The chance that a janni is located
 
−
within 10 miles equals 5 percent per level of the sha’ir.
 
−
(Beyond that distance, no janni will respond.) If the
 
−
call fails, then no sha’ir can call upon the jann
 
−
successfully in the same 10-mile radius for the next 48
 
−
hours. If a janni is within that area, it arrives within
 
−
102
 
−
two to eight turns. No proficiency or ability check is
 
−
required. Only a janni can hear the sha’ir’s call up to
 
−
10 miles away; to others, it is merely a normal shout.
 
−
A single janni answers the call (though others may
 
−
have heard it, too). Usually, the creature arrives by
 
−
flight and is invisible. In areas of relative peace,
 
−
however, a janni may ride a camel. The janni responds
 
−
in a friendly fashion to the caller and any other sha’irs
 
−
who are present. A janni will aid those lost in the
 
−
desert, even to the point of bringing them back to its
 
−
own camp, celebrating their arrival with a feast in
 
−
their honor.
 
−
A summoned janni is not charmed or otherwise
 
−
enchanted by a sha’ir’s call. If the wizard behaves
 
−
hostilely, or the sha’ir’s companions similarly
 
−
misbehave, the janni abandons them—only to return
 
−
later with enough reinforcements to destroy those who
 
−
would take advantage of a janni’s hospitality. If slain,
 
−
jann that are summoned or encountered as a result of
 
−
this power do not provide experience points.
 
−
If a sha’ir is party to an attack on a janni after
 
−
summoning it, this special ability ceases to work. All
 
−
jann shun the sha’ir. Future attempts to call upon the
 
−
jann automatically fail until restitution is made. To do
 
−
so, the offending sha’ir must contact the jann in a
 
−
more traditional fashion (seeking them out in the high
 
−
desert) and then offer gifts. Usually, a large diyya, or
 
−
wergild, for the slain janni plus a few magical items are
 
−
enough to repair relations.
 
−
A janni that answers a sha’ir’s call does not fight for
 
−
the sha’ir unless the wizard is attacked. Nor does the
 
−
janni act as a servant, messenger, or load-bearer. Only
 
−
grudgingly does it perform actions beyond the basic
 
−
giving of shelter and protection, though gifts of jewels
 
−
and magic may persuade it to provide more help.
 
−
If two rival sha’irs both call upon the jann, each
 
−
requesting protection from the other, the jann who
 
−
arrive try to mediate between them to resolve the
 
−
conflict. If such mediation fails, both jann depart,
 
−
leaving the sha’irs to their fate. While jann may be
 
−
rivals, they rarely battle each other over such petty
 
−
things as mortals.
 
−
Jann never forget a kindness, including those which
 
−
they perform for sha’irs. Each time a PC sha’ir attains a
 
−
level over 10th, there is a 30 percent noncumulative
 
−
chance that a janni who once aided the PC
 
−
reappears—and insists that the sha’ir (and allies)
 
−
perform a certain quest or mission. Failing to comply is
 
−
enough to destroy one’s reputation in the eyes of jann,
 
−
forbidding all further kindness. The mission may
 
−
involve the protection of an item or person for a short
 
−
time, the location of an item, or some other task with
 
−
which they are encharged by greater genies. Jann
 
−
never request a mission that would violate a sha’ir’s
 
−
natural alignment, however.
 
−
Elemental Protection
 
−
At 7th level, a sha’ir gains additional protection
 
−
against elemental attacks. All saving throws
 
−
against elemental attacks are made with a +2 bonus.
 
−
Further, all elemental attacks suffer a -2 attack
 
−
penalty. And all damage from such attacks is reduced
 
−
by 2 points per die, to a minimum 1 point per die. If
 
−
the sha’ir has an elemental familiar, all of these
 
−
benefits are doubled, for attacks linked to the familiar’s
 
−
elemental type (-4, +4, and -4 respectively).
 
−
Finally, this ability enables a sha’ir to survive on the
 
−
elemental planes without other protection for a
 
−
number of turns equal to his or her level.
 
−
At 9th level, a sha’ir can call upon the services of a
 
−
genie—either a djinni, dao, efreeti, or marid.
 
−
The wizard decides which type of genie to call. Sha’irs
 
−
usually call genies of the same type as their elemental
 
−
familiar. Any type of genie is allowed, but relationships
 
−
are often strained when an elemental familiar and
 
−
genie stem from different elements.
 
−
A sha’ir can call upon a genie no more than once a
 
−
week. The chance for success is 5 percent per level. If
 
−
the call is successful, a genie responds in 1d6 rounds.
 
−
Failure means nothing happens, and the sha’ir cannot
 
−
use this ability for a week.
 
−
The genie who responds to this call is not
 
−
necessarily friendly. If any force or character attacks
 
−
the genie, it will be hostile to both the attacker and
 
−
Calling a Genie
 
−
103
 
−
the sha’ir who called it in the first place. Furthermore,
 
−
the creature won’t perform a service for the sha’ir
 
−
unless bribed, cajoled, threatened, or otherwise
 
−
persuaded.
 
−
The “service” performed by a genie may involve
 
−
labor, transport, active protection, or use of genie
 
−
abilities. Wishes are an exception. Genies summoned
 
−
in this manner won’t fulfill wishes unless they can
 
−
figure out a way to use them to their own advantage.
 
−
For example, good or neutral genies might try to
 
−
enrich themselves, while evil genies might try to
 
−
pervert wishes to their own ends.
 
−
To determine whether a genie performs the action
 
−
requested, the DM may either role-play the
 
−
negotiating process or use Table 59 (Encounter
 
−
Reactions) in Chapter 11 of the Dungeon Master’s
 
−
Guide. The modifiers below indicate a typical genie’s
 
−
response to efforts by the sha’ir. (Bonuses are actually
 
−
subtracted from the die roll for the Encounter
 
−
Reaction table, yielding a favorable result for the PC.)
 
−
l Payment of 1,000 gp in gems: The sha’ir gains a
 
−
reaction check bonus of +1 to +6 (DM rolls 1d6
 
−
secretly). The genie does not tell the PC at what point
 
−
he or she is merely gilding the lily, and gladly accepts
 
−
all that the PC has to offer.
 
−
l Payment of a magical item: +1 for a potion or
 
−
scroll, +2 otherwise, +3 for an item the genie can use
 
−
(including rings of djinni summoning and other genie
 
−
prisons, which are taken back to the elemental planes
 
−
and destroyed).
 
−
Reaction adjustment for sha’ir’s Charisma: (See
 
−
Table 6 in Chapter 1 of the Player’s Handbook.) The
 
−
adjustment ranges from a -7 penalty to a +7 bonus if
 
−
the character compliments or otherwise cajoles the
 
−
genie. (A high Charisma modifies results in the PC’s
 
−
favor.)
 
−
l Promise of future gold deliveries: +1 for each
 
−
2,000 gp to be delivered, with a time limit and
 
−
established location. Failure to deliver indicates that
 
−
the genie in question will come looking for the debtor.
 
−
(It is a bad idea to cheat a genie.)
 
−
l Nature of the task:
 
−
+1
 
−
-1
 
−
-5
 
−
-2
 
−
-2
 
−
-1
 
−
-5
 
−
-10
 
−
Task is easily performed and takes less than
 
−
one round.
 
−
Task involves invoking the genie’s spelllike
 
−
abilities.
 
−
Task involves combat or other
 
−
immediate personal danger to the genie.
 
−
Task involves the potential of danger to
 
−
the genie.
 
−
Task involves working longer than one day.
 
−
For each additional day the task will take
 
−
(beyond the first).
 
−
Task is contrary to the ethics, beliefs, or
 
−
alignment of the genie.
 
−
Task is to the detriment of geniekind.
 
−
l Threats: The sha’ir gains a +4 bonus by
 
−
threatening the genie with an imposing force as
 
−
backup. The bonus increases to +6 if the sha’ir’s allies
 
−
include another genie (even of another elemental
 
−
group), but drops to a -2 penalty if the genie has
 
−
reason to believe that the sha’ir is undermanned or
 
−
bluffing.
 
−
104
 
−
l Elemental familiar: The sha’ir gains a +2 bonus
 
−
for having a gen familiar of the same elemental type as
 
−
the genie summoned. If the familiar is of a different
 
−
type, the wizard suffers a -2 penalty. (Genies feel they
 
−
may judge the worth of mortals by the company they
 
−
keep, and consorting with “lesser” elementals is a sign
 
−
of poor breeding.)
 
−
After three to six rounds (1d4 + 2) of negotiation
 
−
have occurred, the DM should tally up the modifiers
 
−
that apply, and then consult the Encounter Reaction
 
−
table in the DMG. The sha’ir is presumed “friendly”
 
−
unless threats are involved, in which case the column
 
−
labeled “threatening” applies. After all modifications
 
−
have been made to the 2d10 roll, if the result is
 
−
Upon attaining the 11th level, a sha’ir can entice
 
−
one of the standard forms of genies (dao, djinn, efreet,
 
−
or marid) to act as his or her long-term servant. The
 
−
genie is summoned as noted under “Calling a Genie,”
 
−
with the standard limitations. Further, the genie is free
 
−
to accept or reject the offer, or to place additional
 
−
conditions upon the agreement. Once an agreement is
 
−
reached, the genie is bound to the sha’ir for a period of
 
−
not more than 101 days.
 
−
To determine whether a genie accepts the offer of
 
−
servitude, make a saving throw vs. spells for the
 
−
particular genie, with the following modifications:
 
−
-7 to +7 Reaction Adjustment for PC’s Charisma
 
−
“indifferent” or “friendly,” the genie agrees to aid the
 
−
sha’ir. If the result is “threatening” or “hostile,” the
 
−
genie leaves (or attacks, if attacked). If the result is
 
−
“cautious,” the genie accepts all that has been offered
 
−
so far, and begins again with the negotiation—forcing
 
−
the sha’ir to offer more gold, magical items, and the
 
−
like in order to persuade the genie to help.
 
−
Calling upon genies from time to time does not
 
−
+1
 
−
-1
 
−
+1
 
−
-1
 
−
(see Table 6 in the Player’s Handbook).
 
−
For every level above 15th the sha’ir
 
−
has achieved.
 
−
For every level below 15th.
 
−
For every condition that the sha’ir
 
−
agrees to as a basis for the servitude.
 
−
For every condition that the sha’ir turns
 
−
down in discussion.
 
−
obligate a sha’ir to reciprocate in some way. However,
 
−
if a PC sha’ir calls upon the genies regularly for
 
−
mundane tasks, a group of genies may appear one day
 
−
and “volunteer” the PC for a job of their own (DM’s
 
−
option). Sha’irs are free to turn away a genie who
 
−
requests aid, but they do so at the risk of alienating all
 
−
members of that genie’s race. (Word travels fast.) If a
 
−
genie is refused, none of that type of genie will respond
 
−
to the PC until an entire year of boycotting the PC has
 
−
passed.
 
−
+1
 
−
-5
 
−
In exchange for servitude, the genie can demand
 
−
any number conditions, though some negotiation
 
−
For every genie that has previously been
 
−
in the sha’ir’s service, whether through
 
−
ability or use of a genie prison, provided
 
−
the genie lived to the end of that
 
−
service without being dismissed.
 
−
If the sha’ir has ever used a genie prison
 
−
to entrap a genie of the same elemental
 
−
race as the one asked to serve now.
 
−
Bindiing a Genie in Servitude between the sha’ir and the genie (that is, PC’s player
 
−
and DM) is possible. A genie that is hostile or
 
−
Part of the existence of genies depends on their
 
−
ability to serve mortals as well as greater powers.
 
−
Genies often enter a long-term arrangement with
 
−
sha’irs. By doing so, they increase their standing
 
−
among others genies of their kind. While genies enter
 
−
into such servitude willingly, they know they are
 
−
bound to remain with their masters for the duration.
 
−
Therefore, genies choose their sha’irs very carefully.
 
−
(From their viewpoint, the sha’irs don’t choose them.)
 
−
uninterested in aiding the caster on a permanent basis
 
−
may make one or two outlandish demands. However, if
 
−
the sha’ir accepts them, and the genie fails a saving
 
−
throw versus spells, the genie is bound.
 
−
Genies usually insist upon 5 to 10 (1d6 + 4)
 
−
conditions before agreeing to servitude; binding them
 
−
can be as tricky as establishing a business contract
 
−
between two enemies. Typical demands include the
 
−
following:
 
−
105
 
−
l The sha’ir will be allowed to release the genie
 
−
from servitude at any time, but release will occur
 
−
immediately if any other agreed-upon condition is
 
−
violated. In return, the genie agrees not to bother the
 
−
sha’ir (or allies) for 101 days after release, provided the
 
−
sha’ir agrees to the reverse.
 
−
This is usually the first condition called for by a
 
−
genie. A sha’ir who is serious about their future
 
−
relationship will agree to it. (Agreement to other
 
−
conditions is not implied; the genie will agree that
 
−
further conditions remain to be settled.)
 
−
l The genie will not be entrapped by a genie prison
 
−
during its period of servitude.
 
−
l The genie will be allowed to flee a combat if it
 
−
has lost more than half its hit points.
 
−
l The genie will be provided with a large amount of
 
−
its natural element in a permanent base of operation.
 
−
(Djinn demand a settlement in a windy spot; efreet,
 
−
continual bonfires; dao, a regular diet of ornamental
 
−
stone seasoned with uncut, semiprecious gems; marids,
 
−
a special complex of pools and fountains.)
 
−
l The genie will receive a share of all treasure
 
−
gained by the sha’ir, ranging from 50 to 70 percent, or
 
−
40 + (1d3 x 10). As a result, this treasure will not be
 
−
available for experience or training of the sha’ir.
 
−
l The genie will be maintained in a style “to which
 
−
it is accustomed”—that is, in the style of the sha’ir and
 
−
nothing less. All general living costs will be doubled
 
−
for the sha’ir.
 
−
l The genie will be free from all tasks one day in
 
−
every ten. (Even genies deserve time off, for good
 
−
behavior or not.)
 
−
l The sha’ir will not ask for wishes.
 
−
l The genie will be freed of its servitude upon the
 
−
death of the sha’ir. Before returning to its elemental
 
−
plane, the genie will deliver the sha’ir’s body to a
 
−
particular location, if that is requested.
 
−
l The sha’ir will bark like a dog whenever someone
 
−
mentions the name of a particular god or ruler. (This is
 
−
a favorite of marids and capricious genies who care not
 
−
for servitude in any form. If they are to be servants,
 
−
they might as well enjoy themselves.)
 
−
Given such stipulations, many might ask who
 
−
becomes the servant—the sha’ir or the genie?
 
−
However, once the genie has agreed to the matters (by
 
−
failing the saving throw), the sha’ir is lord and master.
 
−
At the DM’s option, if a sha’ir is making too good an
 
−
offer to pass up, the genie may accept the offer even if
 
−
the saving throw succeeds.
 
−
Once a genie has agreed to serve, it must defer to its
 
−
master in all things, following the sha’ir’s orders to the
 
−
best of its abilities, and casting spells as ordered.
 
−
Again, wish spells are excluded, as noted under
 
−
“Calling a Genie.” The servant is forbidden by the
 
−
leaders of the genie peoples to fulfill most wishes, and
 
−
demanding wishes of a genie servant immediately
 
−
voids the agreement.
 
−
The genie will act as the sha’ir’s personal
 
−
bodyguard, food-taster, and servant. If the sha’ir
 
−
commands it, the genie will stand watch over its
 
−
sleeping master—with a 10 percent chance per 24-
 
−
hour period that a genie dozes off on his post. The
 
−
genie will create things as it is capable, to the
 
−
requirements of its master.
 
−
The sha’ir may call upon the genie for advice as
 
−
well. A genie’s chance of responding correctly about a
 
−
given matter equals that listed for contact other plane (a
 
−
5th-level wizard spell in the Player’s Handbook), with
 
−
no chance of insanity. A genie is not omniscient,
 
−
however. Nor will it share information unless asked. A
 
−
genie will remind the sha’ir seeking information that
 
−
rumors may be worthless, and that it should not be
 
−
held responsible if scuttlebutt proves to be incorrect.
 
−
A genie’s basic nature does not change in servitude,
 
−
and a sha’ir who enslaves one should make allowances
 
−
accordingly. Good-aligned genies bridle at performing
 
−
evil acts, and evil genies hate being forced into acts of
 
−
goodness. For example, a djinni commanded to steal a
 
−
magical item will do so, but also will leave behind a bit
 
−
of payment, along with an apologetic note that
 
−
explains the situation—and reveals where the sha’ir
 
−
might be found after the genie’s term of indenture
 
−
expires. Similarly, evil-aligned genies seek to twist
 
−
their masters’ orders to their own aims. For example,
 
−
an efreeti told to go into a village to fetch hot food
 
−
might set fire to an inn so that it all cooks at once.
 
−
Genies in servitude are subject to the standard
 
−
effects of morale and loyalty. They never attack their
 
−
106
 
−
107
 
−
masters, but evil genies (and good genies that are
 
−
maltreated) are not above letting the hand of Fate
 
−
move their masters into dangerous situations, or
 
−
fleeing if their morale is broken in combat. Genie
 
−
loyalty equals the morale listed in the appropriate
 
−
Monstrous Compendium entry. The DM may raise the
 
−
morale for well-treated genies by 1 to 4 points, and
 
−
lower that of poorly treated genies by 1 to 6 points.
 
−
If a genie perishes while serving a particular sha’ir,
 
−
that sha’ir cannot summon (much less bind) another
 
−
genie for 100 days. During that time the genies assume
 
−
that the sha’ir is fasting. Further, they assume that the
 
−
sha’ir is meditating on the folly that caused the loss of
 
−
so valuable a companion. (This is not required, and
 
−
the sha’ir may not even know about it, but the genies
 
−
assume it’s true anyway.) At the end of that time,
 
−
genies of the same type gain a +3 modifier against
 
−
further entreaties to servitude for the next year, though
 
−
other races are not affected.
 
−
Creating a Genie Prison
 
−
At 13th level, a sha’ir gains the ability to create a
 
−
genie prison. This useful device can entrap a
 
−
genie and force it to work for the sha’ir upon its
 
−
release—with no room for negotiation. The genie
 
−
even can be forced to do things it otherwise would
 
−
not, such as granting wishes. Further, a genie prison
 
−
enables a sha’ir to ensnare evil, mischievous, or rival
 
−
genies, removing them from the scene for a
 
−
generation or two.
 
−
A sha’ir must create a genie prison before
 
−
summoning (or otherwise locating) the intended
 
−
prisoner. The device can be fashioned from any
 
−
material, regardless of quality, but most sha’irs favor
 
−
metal for its resilience. Common prisons include rings,
 
−
lamps, bottles, icons, geodes, vials, shells, and gems.
 
−
(The wizard Al-Fatat favors soup tureens.) If a prison is
 
−
shattered before a genie is entrapped, its magic is
 
−
useless. And if a genie is inside when the prison is
 
−
broken, the genie is completely free, with no
 
−
restriction on its actions.
 
−
A wizard must labor for 1d20 days to complete a
 
−
genie prison. After that period, the DM makes a secret
 
−
Dexterity check with a -3 penalty for the character. If
 
−
the sha’ir has an appropriate proficiency (e.g., gemcutting,
 
−
pottery, artistic ability, metalworking, or even
 
−
blacksmithing or armoring if the DM allows it), a
 
−
proficiency check may suffice instead. In any case, if
 
−
the check fails, so does the prison, and the sha’ir must
 
−
begin anew. If the check succeeds, the sha’ir has 10
 
−
days in which to trap a genie; thereafter the magic
 
−
fades due to lack of use.
 
−
To trap a genie, a sha’ir can carry the prison to the
 
−
location of a known genie, or summon one using the
 
−
“call genie” power. The former allows the sha’ir to trap
 
−
a specific creature; the latter does not. At any time
 
−
when within 100 yards of a djinni, efreeti, marid, or
 
−
dao, the sha’ir can attempt to trap it. (Other types of
 
−
genie cannot be imprisoned.)
 
−
The genie receives a saving throw vs. spells to avoid
 
−
being captured. Success means that the genie remains
 
−
free, and knows who is attempting to imprison it.
 
−
Genies attack those who try to trap them, so if the
 
−
attempt fails, the sha’ir had better be prepared to fight,
 
−
flee, or flatter the genie (giving up a sizeable chunk of
 
−
treasure) to escape the creature’s wrath.
 
−
If the genie fails its saving throw, it is drawn into
 
−
the prison. There it remains until the prison is
 
−
shattered, or until it is freed in the manner chosen by
 
−
the sha’ir (upon its imprisonment). The following are
 
−
acceptable conditions for a genie’s release:
 
−
l The genie will become an indentured servant to
 
−
whomever next summons it from the device—without
 
−
agreement or negotiation—for a period of not less
 
−
than 100 days and not more than 1,001 days. The
 
−
sha’ir determines the words and/or actions that call the
 
−
genie forth (such as rubbing the lamp while speaking a
 
−
verse that contains the genie’s name, or simply by
 
−
opening the container).
 
−
l The genie will grant three wishes to the one who
 
−
next summons the genie forth, assuming the genie is
 
−
capable of granting the wishes. (This will be against
 
−
the genie’s will, yet it still must comply.)
 
−
l The genie will remain imprisoned until a chosen
 
−
period elapses, which may not exceed 100 years.
 
−
l The genie will remain imprisoned until something
 
−
specified by the sha’ir occurs— such as the rise of a
 
−
108
 
−
beggar to become vizier, or the fall of a particular star
 
−
from the sky. (Sha’irs should be creative but cautious,
 
−
for odd occurrences may bring about the conditions
 
−
unexpectedly, and the hand of Fate is everywhere.)
 
−
l The genie will remain imprisoned until a certain
 
−
type of individual touches it—a poor boy, perhaps, or
 
−
an honest thief, or a foolish wise man. The sha’ir
 
−
cannot name a particular individual (“Kasim Al-
 
−
Hadad”); otherwise there are no limitations.
 
−
No matter what the formal conditions are, the
 
−
sha’ir may also free the genie whenever he or she
 
−
chooses, and immediately demand up to three
 
−
wishes, or demand its other services for a time
 
−
(within the limits noted above). Wishes had best be
 
−
worded carefully, since the genie is forced to act
 
−
against its better judgment, and will seek to turn
 
−
wishes against the sha’ir (as well as against the
 
−
wizard’s allies).
 
−
A sha’ir can trap up to five genies at a time with this
 
−
power, although a separate prison is required for each.
 
−
No experience can be gained by defeating genies in this
 
−
fashion. After a sha’ir has trapped the fifth genie, no
 
−
other genie will answer that wizard’s summons.
 
−
Furthermore, in any audience with a greater genie, such
 
−
a sha’ir will first have to justify his or her actions.
 
−
Using a genie prison is a hostile act. While it may
 
−
be justified at times, in general, imprisoning a genie
 
−
harms the sha’ir’s abilities to deal with other genies of
 
−
the same type. After five imprisonments, simultaneous
 
−
or not, no genie whatsoever will deal willingly with
 
−
the sha’ir. Genies cannot use their powers and abilities
 
−
while imprisoned. They are not harmed—for they do
 
−
not age, hunger, or thirst—but they are aware of their
 
−
predicament, and no genie feels a mortal truly deserves
 
−
this power.
 
−
If a sha’ir makes a prison in the presence of another
 
−
genie, the genie will attempt to thwart the wizard.
 
−
Only in one instance will the genie fail to interfere:
 
−
when the wizard promises (convincingly) that the
 
−
prison is intended for a particular target, and that
 
−
target is a traditional foe of the genie in question. As
 
−
noted under “Binding a Genie in Servitude,” sha’irs
 
−
who make genie prisons may void their agreements
 
−
with the genies who serve them.
 
−
Elemental Travel
 
−
Upon attaining 15th level, a sha’ir can cross the
 
−
Ethereal Plane to any elemental plane. To
 
−
determine success, the sha’ir must make an
 
−
Intelligence check. Failure indicates “bad timing”; the
 
−
sha’ir cannot make another attempt for six turns.
 
−
Success means the wizard can automatically cross the
 
−
Ethereal Plane without stopping, go to the elemental
 
−
plane of choice, and remain there safely for a number
 
−
of days equaling his or her experience level.
 
−
The wizard’s experience level also equals the
 
−
number of passengers within 100 yards that he or she
 
−
can take along. Unwilling travelers are allowed a
 
−
saving throw vs. spells to avoid being drawn into
 
−
another plane. Upon returning to the Prime Material
 
−
Plane, the sha’ir and any passengers reappear in
 
−
whatever position they were before, or in the nearest
 
−
open area should that location be unavailable.
 
−
Characters who are shanghaied to an elemental
 
−
plane are protected from the ill effects of that plane for
 
−
as many days as the sha’ir. If the sha’ir abandons them
 
−
before that period expires, they’re allowed the
 
−
remaining time to find a way back (often dealing with
 
−
local geniekind in the process).
 
−
For details on the elemental planes, consult the
 
−
DMG or the AD&D® Manual of the Planes.
 
−
Receiving an Audience
 
−
At 17th level, a sha’ir can seek and receive an
 
−
audience with the rulers of djinn, dao, marid,
 
−
and efreet—truly a great honor. A sha’ir can seek an
 
−
audience only once per month, whether the reason is
 
−
great or small.
 
−
Only one type of genie can be contacted at a time.
 
−
A sha’ir who wishes to speak with genie rulers must
 
−
journey to the plane of choice. Within 1 to 10 days, a
 
−
procession of genies will appear and automatically
 
−
grant the sha’ir an audience.
 
−
This power also enables a sha’ir to choose a willing
 
−
spokesperson who then seeks the audience instead.
 
−
Assuming the spokesperson is not a sha’ir, he or she
 
−
must go to a desolate area such as a great desert, then
 
−
109
 
−
wait. In 1 to 10 days, a procession will appear as
 
−
described above, automatically granting an audience.
 
−
The Procession. In the Land of Fate, a genie
 
−
procession comprises 1 to 3 noble genie rulers, 50 to
 
−
300 jann, and 10 to 100 ordinary genies. In the genies’
 
−
native plane, those numbers are doubled. Genies will
 
−
not appear at the scene of a battle. If the procession is
 
−
attacked, they will attempt to destroy the attacker(s)
 
−
for 10 rounds, then vanish. Sometime later, the same
 
−
genies or their agents will return to deal with the
 
−
characters who affronted them.
 
−
The Audience. Noble genies can answer questions
 
−
with the ability of an outer planar being whose
 
−
Intelligence is 25 (see contact other plane in Appendix 3
 
−
of the Player’s Handbook). They can issue rulings on the
 
−
actions of other genies or their race. And they can advise
 
−
those who are seeking to deal with genies or other races.
 
−
If the sha’ir (or spokesperson) reports a crime committed
 
−
by a lesser genie, a noble genie can summon that
 
−
creature for immediate judgment, provided the lesser
 
−
genie’s name or description is known.
 
−
Characters who stand before the noble genies and
 
−
make an appeal should note that they, too, will be
 
−
judged—especially in regard to their other dealings with
 
−
genies. A noble genie may forgive characters who have
 
−
slain genies and jann in the heat of combat, and those
 
−
who have imprisoned a malicious spirit; such applicants
 
−
will be granted a chance to explain their actions.
 
−
Applicants who have ambushed genies, violated
 
−
agreements, slain geniekind without quarter, behaved
 
−
ignobly to genies—or simply have been party to any of
 
−
these actions—will find themselves in great danger. The
 
−
DM makes a saving throw vs. death magic for a character
 
−
so accused. If the saving throw fails, the noble genie
 
−
passes judgment: the guilty one is slain and justice is
 
−
served. If the saving throw succeeds, the noble is
 
−
merciful: the applicant is stripped of all earthly
 
−
belongings, and promptly returned to the Prime Material
 
−
Plane. (There is no Fate but the Fate which is given us.)
 
−
While great, the power to receive an audience is
 
−
used sparingly, especially by sha’irs who have
 
−
entrapped or slain their share of genies over the years.
 
−
Sha’irs and Tasked Genies
 
−
The AL-QADIMTM Monstrous Compendium
 
−
introduces many new creatures, including tasked
 
−
genies and noble dao, marids, and efreet. Sha’irs have
 
−
no power over genies other than those listed above.
 
−
For example, a sha’ir cannot bind a noble genie into
 
−
servitude, nor can a sha’ir use a genie prison to snare a
 
−
janni or a gen.
 
−
The tasked genie is an exception, however. At one
 
−
time these strange creatures were ordinary dao, marids,
 
−
efreet, and djinn. Each has performed a given task so
 
−
long that its form has changed to match. For example,
 
−
the warmonger, who encourages strife between men,
 
−
has blood oozing from every pore. And the winemaker,
 
−
who nurtures grape vines, has a long trunk with which
 
−
it can crush the fruit.
 
−
A sha’ir who intends to call forth a tasked genie
 
−
must first know how to call forth an ordinary genie.
 
−
The sha’ir also needs another bit of knowledge: the
 
−
proper ritual for calling forth the tasked genie. Such
 
−
rituals are beautiful, esoteric blends of whispered
 
−
poetry and gestures. Each type of tasked genie responds
 
−
to a different ritual.
 
−
Learning a ritual is like researching a spell, with
 
−
the same cost and chance for success. A tasked genie’s
 
−
Hit Dice define the ritual to which it responds.
 
−
Consider each ritual to be a spell whose level equals
 
−
half the affected creature’s Hit Dice, rounded up. (For
 
−
example, to call upon a 7 HD tasked genie is as
 
−
difficult as researching a 4th-level spell.) A successful
 
−
check indicates that the wizard has learned enough to
 
−
call upon that particular type of tasked genie. Failure
 
−
means additional research is required. (The effort must
 
−
be repeated.)
 
−
If a sha’ir intends to bind a tasked genie, the same
 
−
steps apply: (1) the wizard must first know how to bind
 
−
an ordinary genie, and (2) the wizard must research
 
−
the tasked genie’s habits to learn the proper ritual. The
 
−
same is true when a sha’ir intends to imprison a tasked
 
−
genie. In short, each ritual is specific to one action as
 
−
well as to one type of genie.
 
−
 
 
−
= Cut File =
 
−
{{Apath}}
 
−
The sha'ir is an arcane spellcaster with an Arabian Nights bent, a wise person and friend of the genies. Unlike a wizard, the sha'ir does not get spells from either innate talent or mysterious study and spell books but rather has a special familiar, called a gen, to fetch spells for her somewhat like a witch's familiar. However, unlike a witch, the gen does not have a limited repertoire of spells - instead it delves deep into the elemental planes to find any secrets its master may require.
 
−
 
 
−
Sha'ir are also friends and confidantes of the genies, and gain the ability to treat with and control genies as they progress in level. Not all sha'ir choose to use such abilities tough, for the genies are dangerous and quick to anger.
 
−
 
 
−
==== Alignment ====
 
−
The sha'ir can be of any alignment. They tend to have an alignment either in agreement or opposition to the genies they work with. If the sha'ir is opposed to the genie's alignment, he tends to bind them and use them mercilessly. If he is in agreement with them, he has less direct power but also can expect more voluntary cooperation.
 
−
 
 
−
==== Hit Die ====
 
−
d6.
 
−
 
 
−
==== Class Skills ====
 
−
The sha'ir's class skills (and the key ability for each skill) are
 
−
Acrobatics (Dex),
 
−
Appraise (Int),
 
−
Bluff (Cha),
 
−
Craft (Int),
 
−
Fly (Dex),
 
−
Heal (Wis),
 
−
Intimidate (Cha),
 
−
Knowledge (Any) (Int),
 
−
Linguistics (Int),
 
−
Perform (Cha),
 
−
Profession (Wis),
 
−
Ride (Dex),
 
−
Sense Motive (Wis),
 
−
Spellcraft (Int),
 
−
Survial (Wis), and
 
−
Swim (Str).
 
−
 
 
−
'''Skill Points per Level''':  4 + Int modifier.
 
−
 
 
−
==== Table: The sha'ir ====
 
−
{| class="wikitable"
 
−
|rowspan=2| ''' Level'''||rowspan=2| ''' Base Attack Bonus'''||rowspan=2| ''' Fort Save'''||rowspan=2| ''' Ref Save'''||rowspan=2| ''' Will Save'''||rowspan=2| ''' Special'''||colspan=10|'''Spells per Day'''
 
−
|-
 
−
||0|||1st|||2nd|||3rd|||4th|||5th|||6th|||7th|||8th|||9th
 
−
|-
 
−
||1st|||+0|||+0|||+0|||+2|||Channel energy, domain powers|||3|||1|||—|||—|||—|||—|||—|||—|||—|||—
 
−
|-
 
−
||2nd|||+1|||+0|||+0|||+3||| |||4|||2|||—|||—|||—|||—|||—|||—|||—|||—
 
−
|-
 
−
||3rd|||+2|||+1|||+1|||+3||| |||4|||2|||1|||—|||—|||—|||—|||—|||—|||—
 
−
|-
 
−
||4th|||+2|||+1|||+1|||+4|||Bonus feat |||5|||3|||2|||—|||—|||—|||—|||—|||—|||—
 
−
|-
 
−
||5th|||+3|||+1|||+1|||+4||| |||5|||3|||2|||1|||—|||—|||—|||—|||—|||—
 
−
|-
 
−
||6th|||+3|||+2|||+2|||+5||| |||5|||3|||3|||2|||—|||—|||—|||—|||—|||—
 
−
|-
 
−
||7th|||+4|||+2|||+2|||+5||| |||6|||4|||3|||2|||1|||—|||—|||—|||—|||—
 
−
|-
 
−
||8th|||+4|||+2|||+2|||+6||| Bonus feat |||6|||4|||3|||3|||2|||—|||—|||—|||—|||—
 
−
|-
 
−
||9th|||+5|||+3|||+3|||+6||| |||6|||4|||4|||3|||2|||1|||—|||—|||—|||—
 
−
|-
 
−
||10th|||+5|||+3|||+3|||+7||| |||6|||4|||4|||3|||3|||2|||—|||—|||—|||—
 
−
|-
 
−
||11th|||+6/+1|||+3|||+3|||+7||| |||6|||5|||4|||4|||3|||2|||1|||—|||—|||—
 
−
|-
 
−
||12th|||+6/+1|||+4|||+4|||+8||| Bonus feat |||6|||5|||4|||4|||3|||3|||2|||—|||—|||—
 
−
|-
 
−
||13th|||+7/+2|||+4|||+4|||+8||| |||6|||5|||5|||4|||4|||3|||2|||1|||—|||—
 
−
|-
 
−
||14th|||+7/+2|||+4|||+4|||+9||| |||6|||5|||5|||4|||4|||3|||3|||2|||—|||—
 
−
|-
 
−
||15th|||+8/+3|||+5|||+5|||+9||| |||6|||5|||5|||5|||4|||4|||3|||2|||1|||—
 
−
|-
 
−
||16th|||+8/+3|||+5|||+5|||+10||| Bonus feat |||6|||5|||5|||5|||4|||4|||3|||3|||2|||—
 
−
|-
 
−
||17th|||+9/+4|||+5|||+5|||+10||| |||6|||5|||5|||5|||5|||4|||4|||3|||2|||1
 
−
|-
 
−
||18th|||+9/+4|||+6|||+6|||+11||| |||6|||5|||5|||5|||5|||4|||4|||3|||3|||2
 
−
|-
 
−
||19th|||+10/+5|||+6|||+6|||+11||| |||6|||5|||5|||5|||5|||5|||4|||4|||3|||3
 
−
|-
 
−
||20th|||+10/+5|||+6|||+6|||+12||| Bonus feat |||6|||5|||5|||5|||5|||5|||4|||4|||4|||4
 
−
|}
 
−
 
 
−
== Class Features ==
 
−
All of the following are class features of the thaumaturge.
 
−
 
 
−
=== Weapon and Armor Proficiency ===
 
−
Sha'ir are proficient with the
 
−
dagger,
 
−
dart, and
 
−
whip. They do not have proficiency with any armor or shields.
 
−
 
 
−
=== Spells ===
 
−
A sha'ir prepares and casts arcane spells, which are drawn from the sorcerer/wizard spell list. To prepare a spell, the sha'ir must have a Charisma score equal to at least 10 + the spell level. The Difficulty Class for a saving throw against a sha'ir's spell is 10 + the spell level + the sha'ir's Wisdom modifier. A sha'ir must choose and prepare his spells in advance (see below).
 
−
 
 
−
Like other spellcasters, a sha'ir can cast only a certain number of spells of each spell level per day. His base daily spell allotment is given on Table: The sha'ir. In addition, he receives bonus spells per day if he has a high Charisma score. 
 
−
 
 
−
A sha'ir has access to all spells on the sorcerer/wizard spell list and can prepare any of them. She must choose and prepare her spells ahead of time by getting 8 hours of sleep and spending 1 hour communing with her familiar. While communing, the sha'ir decides which spells to prepare.
 
−
 
 
−
==== Cantrips ====
 
−
Sha'ir can prepare a number of cantrips, or 0-level spells, each day, as noted on Table: Sha'ir under "Spells per day". These spells are treated like any other spell, but they are not expended when cast and may be used again.
 
−
 
 
−
=== Bonus Languages ===
 
−
A thaumaturge's bonus language options include auram, aquam, ignan, and terram (the languages of air, water, fire, and earth elementals respectively). These choices are in addition to the bonus languages available to the character because of his race.
 
−
 
 
−
=== Gen ===
 
−
All sha'ir can call upon an elemental familiar, known as a gen. See the appendix for the gen's statistics. Summoning a gen is a 1-hour process. if a gen is slain or dismissed, a new one can immediately be summoned, but a sha'ir must wait one week before summoning a gen of the same type as one who died. If several gens die in quick succession, it is possible for the sha'ir to run out of options.
 
−
 
 
−
There are four kinds of gen, each tied to one of the classic four elements. Dinnlings (air gens) are playful and mischievous and tend towards chaos and good. Ifri (fire gens) are energetic and aggressive and tend toward law and evil. Maridans (water gens) are humorous and eloquent and tend towards chaos. Dao (earth gens) are artistic and greedy and tend towards law. Geno are gens composed of all four elements. They are proud and quick to insult and tend towards neutral alignments.
 
−
 
 
−
While in contact with their master, gens provide a +2 bonus on saving throws of the gen's type and the save DC of the sha'irs own spells of the same type increase by +2. Geno (who lack an element) provide bonus on all Reflex saving throws but do not increase the saving throw DC of any of the sha'ir's spells.
 
−
 
 
−
Besides serving the sha'ir as a companion, messenger, spy, and pet, the gen also provides the sha'ir with spells. When preparing spells, the sha'ir sends the gen to scourge the elemental planes to find the effect sought. This is automatic during normal spell preparation. The spells the gen finds are packets of magical energy that it delivers to its master as spells when it comes back. The gen cannot use these spells itself, nor can it store them except as a part of spell preparation or as noted in other sha'ir abilities. Gen use their ''plane shift'''ability to track down spells and return to the sha'ir, returning in the masters square.
 
−
 
 
−
The sha'ir can send his gen to fetch additional spells besides normal spell preparation. This takes 1 round  for a spell the Sha'ir could normally prepare, 1d6 + spell level rounds for spells the sha'ir could not normally prepare (due to class and/or level). At the end of this period, make a Concentration check (d20 + class level + Cha modifier) against a DC depening on the spell sought.
 
−
 
 
−
{|
 
−
||'''Condition'''|||'''DC Modifier'''
 
−
|-
 
−
||Base Difficulty ||| 10
 
−
|-
 
−
||Each level of spell |||+2
 
−
|-
 
−
||Each earlier attempt since the last spell preparation |||+2
 
−
|-
 
−
||Spell is higher level that the Sha'ir can normally prepare |||+10
 
−
|-
 
−
||Spell is not on the sorcerer/wizard spell list, but is on the cleric, druid, or witch spell list|||+10
 
−
|}
 
−
 
 
−
If this roll fails, the gen returns empty-handed. If this roll fails by a margin of 10, the gen is killed looking for the spell, and never returns.
 
−
 
 
−
==== Old Gen Text ====
 
−
Gens are officially of neutral alignment, but they tend to take on their masters’ attitudes, tinged by their own natural tendencies. Elemental familiars with good tendencies tend to be most comfortable with good aligned characters, while those with tendencies toward evil acts are more comfortable with evil characters. Gens attached to characters of similar alignment or tendencies gain a +1 bonus to rolls for loyalty (but not morale). Unless otherwise noted, all gens stand between 8 and 12 inches tall, are of Low intelligence, AC 5, and have a movement rate of 9. Each has a number of hit points equaling half its master’s current maximum, Hit Dice equaling half its master’s level, and the THAC0 of a monster that’s half their master’s level in Hit Dice. Gens inflict 1d6 points of damage, and are of small size.  
 
  
−
When summoning a gen, sha’irs can choose from among four different varieties: Air gens, or djinnlings, are small air sprites with bluish skin and white hair. They can fly at MV 12 (maneuverability class B), but have no other djinni-like powers, and cannot become invisible or create objects. Djinnlings are usually aloof and moralistic. They tend toward good and lawful. Fire gens, or efreetikin, are miniature fire spirits with ebony skin and long, flame-red hair. They move normally, and can produce flame at will. Fire gens are usually malicious and judgmental. They tend toward evil and lawful behavior. Water gens, also called maridans, are small water spirits with greenish skin and bluish eyes and hair. They can swim at MV 12, and can breathe underwater. Maridans are usually capricious and playful. They tend toward good and chaotic behavior. Earth gens, or daolanin (day-oh-LAH-neen), are small earth elementals with tan skin and jet black hair. They are the strongest of the gens, and can inflict double damage (2d6 points). Earth gen are usually tactless and direct. They tend toward evil and chaos.  
+
In addition to these common features, each type of gen has its own features. Dinnlings fly at a speed of 60 ft. Ifri  have a climb speed of 30 ft. Maridans have a swim speed of 60 ft and can breathe water or air. Chit can use ''meld into stone'' at will as a move action - this is a supernatural ability. Geno have a land speed of 60 ft.  
  
−
An elemental familiar makes saving throws at twice the current level of its master; otherwise magic can affect it normally. Any gen can enter the elemental planes and move through them at will, but all must stay within 100 yards of their masters while on the Prime Material Plane. If a gen is forced to move beyond that radius (for example, is moved by someone), it automatically goes to the elemental planes, attempting to return to its master in 1d6 turns. If the master moves to another plane, the gen follows in 1d6 days (1d6 rounds for elemental planes). Gens can spy, perform errands, and carry messages for their masters in other planes, but they risk being discovered and even destroyed by those hostile to the sha’irs. A gen always appears within 10 feet of its master. If this is not possible (for example, the master is encased in a wall of force or a solid rock wall), the gen will not reappear, but instead waits until the first opportunity. The gen appears wherever it is safest (on the far side of enemies, with the sha’ir between it and them). The behavior. appearance is random, however, so it’s impossible for a gen to enter the elemental plane, move a short distance, and then reappear in the Prime Material, thereby circumventing walls and doors. If threatened while on the Prime Material Plane and more than 10 feet from its master, the elemental familiar will pop back into its home plane to hide, returning to its master (if possible) in 1d6 turns. When a gen dies, its master feels the loss immediately—and literally. The sha’ir’s hit points drop by half. If this loss reduces a sha’ir to 0 or fewer hit points, the wizard must make a saving throw vs. death magic. Success means that the sha’ir remains alive, with 1 hit point, while failure indicates death. Damage caused by the death of a gen can be healed normally. A gen that has died and is later brought back to life suffers a permanent 1-point penalty in morale and loyalty. A sha’ir cannot have more than one gen at a time, so the summoning of a new gen precludes the recovery of a former elemental familiar. The death of the caster also frees the gen of its obligations, and the elemental familiar immediately returns to its native elemental plane. If the sha’ir is raised, he or she can regain the same gen by the act of summoning and binding the familiar. A gen can be ensnared by charm or similar spells, but it won’t turn against its master.
+
Gens appear as miniature humanoids, animals, genies, or dragons with a colors scheme appropriate to their element. Djinnlings are pale blue and white. Ifri are reddish, brick red to bright orange. Maridans are deep sea greens and blues, with dark green or white details. Chit have earth colors, ranging from pale dun sand to various gayly colored semiprecious stones. Geno have naturalistic colors, but glitter and reflect light.
  
−
=== New Ability ===
+
== Changed Class Abilities ==
 +
These abilities are removed or changed from the base sorcerer.
 +
* Class Skills
 +
** Skill points per level
 +
* Spells known
 +
* Bloodline
 +
<!-- OGL -->
 +
<noinclude>{{OGL}}</noinclude>

Latest revision as of 12:02, 12 August 2016

ApathApath Logo
Unofficial rules compendium

Sha'ir is a sorcerer variant that doesn't have a fixed list of known spells, instead rebuilding that list each day.

Class Background

The sha'ir is an arcane spellcaster with an Arabian Nights bent, a wise person and friend of the genies. Unlike a wizard, the sha'ir does not get spells from either innate talent or mysterious study and spell books but rather has a special familiar, called a gen, to fetch spells for her somewhat like a witch's familiar. However, unlike a witch, the gen does not have a limited repertoire of spells - instead it delves deep into the elemental planes to find any secrets its master may require. The sha'ir is a self-educated class and uses the youngest starting age bracket.

Sha'ir are also friends and confidantes of the genies, and gain the ability to treat with and control genies as they progress in level. Not all sha'ir choose to use such abilities tough, for genies are dangerous and quick to anger.

Alignment

The sha'ir can be of any alignment. They tend to have an alignment either in agreement or opposition to the genies they work with. If the sha'ir is opposed to the genie's alignment, he tends to bind them and use them mercilessly. If he is in agreement with them, he has less direct power but also can expect more voluntary cooperation.

Hit Die

d6.

Class Skills

The sha'ir's class skills (and the key ability for each skill) are Acrobatics (Dex), Appraise (Int), Bluff (Cha), Craft (Int), Fly (Dex), Heal (Wis), Intimidate (Cha), Knowledge (Any) (Int), Linguistics (Int), Perform (Cha), Profession (Wis), Ride (Dex), Sense Motive (Wis), Spellcraft (Int), Survial (Wis), and Swim (Str).

Skill Points per Level: 4 + Int modifier.

Table: The sha'ir

Level Base
Attack
Bonus		 Fort
Save		 Ref
Save		 Will
Save		 Special Spells per Day
0 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th
1st +0 +0 +0 +2 Zhyen 3 1 — — — — — — — —
2nd +1 +0 +0 +3 Detect genies 4 2 — — — — — — — —
3rd +1 +1 +1 +3 4 2 1 — — — — — — —
4th +2 +1 +1 +4 Gen touch spells 5 3 2 — — — — — — —
5th +2 +1 +1 +4 5 3 2 1 — — — — — —
6th +3 +2 +2 +5 Craft genie seal 5 3 3 2 — — — — — —
7th +3 +2 +2 +5 6 4 3 2 1 — — — — —
8th +4 +2 +2 +6 Gen spell resistance 6 4 3 3 2 — — — — —
9th +4 +3 +3 +6 6 4 4 3 2 1 — — — —
10th +5 +3 +3 +7 Genie prison 6 4 4 3 3 2 — — — —
11th +5 +3 +3 +7 6 5 4 4 3 2 1 — — —
12th +6/+1 +4 +4 +8 Task jann 6 5 4 4 3 3 2 — — —
13th +6/+1 +4 +4 +8 6 5 5 4 4 3 2 1 — —
14th +7/+2 +4 +4 +9 Task genie 6 5 5 4 4 3 3 2 — —
15th +7/+2 +5 +5 +9 6 5 5 5 4 4 3 2 1 —
16th +8/+3 +5 +5 +10 Genie ruler audience 6 5 5 5 4 4 3 3 2 —
17th +8/+3 +5 +5 +10 6 5 5 5 5 4 4 3 2 1
18th +9/+4 +6 +6 +11 Task noble genie 6 5 5 5 5 4 4 3 3 2
19th +9/+4 +6 +6 +11 6 5 5 5 5 5 4 4 3 3
20th +10/+5 +6 +6 +12 Ultimate task 6 5 5 5 5 5 4 4 4 4

Class Features

All of the following are class features of the sha'ir.

Weapon and Armor Proficiency

Sha'ir are proficient with the dagger, dart, and whip. They do not have proficiency with any armor or shields.

Spells

A sha'ir prepares and casts arcane spells, which are drawn from the sorcerer/wizard spell list. To prepare a spell, the sha'ir must have a Charisma score equal to at least 10 + the spell level. The Difficulty Class for a saving throw against a sha'ir's spell is 10 + the spell level + the sha'ir's Charisma modifier. A sha'ir must choose and prepare his spells in advance (see below).

Like other spellcasters, a sha'ir can cast only a certain number of spells of each spell level per day. His base daily spell allotment is given on Table: The sha'ir. In addition, he receives bonus spells per day if he has a high Charisma score.

A sha'ir has access to all spells on the sorcerer/wizard spell list and can prepare any of them that she knows of. She must choose and prepare her spells ahead of time by getting 8 hours of sleep and spending 1 hour communing with her gen. While communing, the sha'ir decides which spells to prepare and sends the gen to fetch these spells. A sha'ir is assumed to know about most spells, but for uncommon or esoteric spells, the GM may require a Spellcraft Check DC 5 + 3 per spell level, +5 for spells not on the sorcerer/wizard spell list. Some spells might be judged so secret that no roll is allowed, but this should only happen in special cases, such as when a secret order has created a new spell.

Cantrips

Sha'ir can prepare a number of cantrips, or 0-level spells, each day, as noted on Table: Sha'ir under "Spells per day". These spells are treated like any other spell, but they are not expended when cast and may be used again.

Bonus Languages

A thaumaturge's bonus language options include auram, aquam, ignan, and terram (the languages of air, water, fire, and earth elementals respectively). These choices are in addition to the bonus languages available to the character because of his race.

Zhyen

All sha'ir can call upon elemental familiars, known as a Zhyen. Summoning a Zhyen is a 1-hour ritual and each sha'ir can only have one Zhyen at a time. If a Zhyen is slain or dismissed, a new one can immediately be summoned, but a sha'ir must wait one week before summoning a Zhyen of the same type as one who died. If several Zhyens die in quick succession, it is possible for the sha'ir to run out of options.

There are four kinds of Zhyen, each tied to one of the classic four elements. Dinnlings (air Zhyens) are playful and mischievous and tend towards chaos and good. Ifri (fire Zhyens) are energetic and aggressive and tend toward law and evil. Maridans (water Zhyens) are humorous and eloquent and tend towards chaos. Chit (earth Zhyens) are artistic but greedy and tend towards law.

While in contact with their master, Zhyens provide a +2 bonus on saving throws of the Zhyen's type and the save DC of the sha'irs own spells of the same type increase by +2. Dinnlings give this bonus against spells of the air subtype or that deal electricity damage. Ifri provide this bonus against spells of the fire subtype or effects that deal fire damage. Madidans provide this bonus against spells of the water subtype or effects that deal cold damage. Chit provide this bonus against spells of the earth subtype or effects that deal acid damage. A Sha'ir gets a +2 bonus on Charisma skills and Charisma rolls to Bind Zhyenies tied to the same element as his Zhyen.

Besides serving the sha'ir as a companion, messenger, spy, and pet, the Zhyen also provides the sha'ir with spells. When preparing spells, the sha'ir sends the Zhyen to scourge the elemental planes to find the effect sought. This is automatic during normal spell preparation. The spells the Zhyen finds are packets of magical energy that it delivers to its master as spells when it comes back. The Zhyen cannot use these spells itself, nor can it store them except as a part of spell preparation or as noted in other sha'ir abilities. All Zhyen can use the plane shift ability on themselves, but solely to track down spells and return to the sha'ir, always returning in the masters square.

The sha'ir can send his Zhyen to fetch additional spells besides normal spell preparation. This takes 1 round for a spell the Sha'ir could normally prepare, 1d6 + spell level rounds for spells the sha'ir could not normally prepare (due to class and/or level). At the end of this period, make a Concentration check (normally d20 + class level + Cha modifier) against a DC depending on the spell sought.

Condition DC Modifier
Base Difficulty 5
Each level of spell +3
Spell is of the Zyhen's element or damage type -2
Each earlier attempt since the last spell preparation +2
Spell is higher level that the Sha'ir can normally prepare +10
Spell is not on the sorcerer/wizard spell list, but is on the cleric, druid, or witch spell list +10

If the roll succeeds, the Zhyen returns with the desired spell, which must be cast within the next minute, or it is lost. Casting this spell does not use up any spell slots. If this roll fails, the Zhyen returns empty-handed. If this roll fails by a margin of 10, the Zhyen is killed looking for the spell, and never returns.

Detect Genies (sp)

The sha'ir can detect genies and the works of genies at will. This works like detect undead except that it detects genies or the lingering area of places they have been or had an effect on. A sha'ir can, as a move action, concentrate on a single item or individual within 60 feet and determine if it is a genie or has been in contact with genies, learning the strength of its aura as if having studied it for 3 rounds. While focusing on one individual or object, the sha'ir does not detect genies in any other object or individual within range.

Gen Touch Spells

If the master is 4th level or higher, a gen can deliver touch spells for him. If the master and the gen are in contact at the time the master casts a touch spell, he can designate his gen as the "toucher". The gen can then deliver the touch spell just as the master would. As usual, if the master casts another spell before the touch is delivered, the touch spell dissipates.

Craft Genie Seal

At 6th level, the sha'ir learns to create genie seals. This is a limited version of the Craft Wondrous Item feat. The sha'ir can craft any item that fits in the genie seal item slot as if she had the Craft Wondrous Item feat. Other prerequisites may still need to be fulfilled before a specific seal can be crafted.

Gen Spell Resistance (Ex)

If the master is 8thlevel or higher, a gen gains spell resistance equal to the master's level + 5. To affect the familiar with a spell, another spellcaster must get a result on a caster level check (1d20 + caster level) that equals or exceeds the gen's spell resistance.

Genie Prison (sp)

This is the signature ability of the sha'ir, upon which much of their control of genies is based. At level 10, sha'ir can use binding at will, but only against genies. Each attempt is a full-round action and the save DC is 10 + ½ the sha'ir's class level + the sha'ir's Charisma modifier. Note that this save DC is reduced for the more portable kinds of binding. A genie the sha'ir attempts to bind automatically becomes hostile, but once its willingness to serve increases; add +4 to the sha'ir's Charisma checks to negotiate with a bound genie. A genie prison also eliminates the genie's daily chance to escape inherent in a planar binding-type spell.

Using this power affects your standing among genies; for each genie of a particular element you have ever imprisoned this way, you suffer a -1 modifier on Charisma rolls to bind all other genies tied to that element. This modifier does not apply to imprisoned genies, who are desperate for release and anyway cut off from the rumor mill. The count of bound genies can only be reset by using the genie ruler audience ability.

Task Jann

At 12 level, when using lesser planar binding to compel the services of a genie, the service can last up to one week per level.

Task Genie

At 14th level, when using planar binding to compel the services of a genie, the service can last up to one week per level. When using lesser planar binding to compel the services of a genie, the service can be permanent. A genie in permanent service must always have an escape clause, but this can be something that never happens, like "when the sun sets in the east". Genies are very good at ferreting out situations where such impossible conditions come to pass, and enjoy this kind of challenge.

Genie Ruler Audience

At 16th level, a sha’ir can seek and receive an audience with the rulers of jann, djinn, shaitan, marid, or efreet — truly a great honor. A sha’ir can seek an audience only once per month, whether the reason is great or small. Only one type of genie can be contacted at a time. A sha’ir who wishes to speak with genie rulers must journey to the plane of choice. Within 1 to 10 hours, a procession of genies will appear and automatically grant the sha’ir an audience. A genie procession comprises 1 to 3 noble genies and 10 to 100 ordinary genies. Genies will not appear at the scene of a battle. If the procession is attacked, they will attempt to destroy the attacker(s) for 10 rounds, then vanish. Sometime later, the same genies or their agents will return to deal with the characters who affronted them.

Genie rulers can answer questions with a Knowledge (Planes) bonus of +30, focused on their elemental plane and are glad to advise those who are seeking to deal with genies. They can issue rulings on the actions of other genies of their element. If the sha’ir reports a crime committed by a lesser genie, a genie ruler can summon that creature for immediate judgment, provided the lesser genie’s name or description is known.

Characters who stand before the noble genies and make an appeal should note that they, too, will be judged — especially in regard to their other dealings with genies. A noble genie will generally forgive characters who have slain genies in the heat of combat and those who have imprisoned a malicious spirit; such applicants will be granted a chance to explain their actions. Applicants who have ambushed genies, imprisoned genies, violated agreements, slain genie-kind without quarter, behaved ignobly to genies — or simply have been party to any of these actions — will find themselves in great danger and suffer a negative modifier on the negotiation equal to the number of such transgressions.

If the sha'ir risks judgement, this is handled as a negotiation. Subtract one from the sha'ir's Charisma roll for each serious transgression or genie imprisoned of the ruler's element. Add +0 to +6 depending on how well the Sha'ir pleads his case. Additional modifiers can be gained for the right kind of gen, services rendered, bribes offered, impressive accouterments or companions, and impressive threats or promises made. Each such tactic successfully employed gives a +2 bonus. Genie rulers have a Charisma modifier of +10. On a success, all crimes are forgotten - the sha'ir's slate is wiped clean and all modifiers for past transgressions or imprisonments are cancelled. Of a failure, the sha'ir is imprisoned for a day, and may then plead his case again. A sha'ir who fails to be exonerated after three days is condemned to death and executed - most sha'ir prefer to escape after the second day and try their luck, but this is as bad as having imprisoned a genie in the eyes of genies of this element..

Task Noble Genie

At 18th level, when using greater planar binding to compel the services of a genie, the service can last up to one week per level. When using planar binding or lesser planar binding to compel the services of a genie, the service can be permanent.

Ultimate Task

At 20th level, any planar binding spell can be used to compel a genie to permanent service.

Gen Attributes

Unlike familiars, that are creatures in their own right, gens are more like reinfections of the caster trough the lens of the elemental planes. All gens are elementals and have attributes identical to their master except as noted here. They have half their master's hit points and have an ability similar but superior to evasion; when attacked by an area attack that allows any type of saving throw for reduced damage, they take half damage on a failed save and no damage on a successful save. They are of Tiny size (but this does not influence their attributes except as outlined here), have a carrying capacity 1/10 of that of their master, suffer a -5 modifier on Strength checks and melee damage, and gain a +8 size modifier to stealth. They make a ranged touch attack that does 1d6 damage of a type appropriate for their element (Geno do piercing damage), using the same touch attack modifier as their master. All gens can use plane shift as a swift action to travel to other planes to look for spells for their master, and when they return to the master they appear in his square. They can also remain in the elemental planes, seeking shelter there. If they ever end up more than 100 ft. from their master, they automatically plane shift to an elemental plane. All gens also have unlimited range telepathy with their masters, which is so complete that the gen can barely be said to have a mind of its own at all.

In addition to these common features, each type of gen has its own features. Dinnlings fly at a speed of 60 ft. Ifri have a climb speed of 30 ft. Maridans have a swim speed of 60 ft and can breathe water or air. Chit can use meld into stone at will as a move action - this is a supernatural ability. Geno have a land speed of 60 ft.

Gens appear as miniature humanoids, animals, genies, or dragons with a colors scheme appropriate to their element. Djinnlings are pale blue and white. Ifri are reddish, brick red to bright orange. Maridans are deep sea greens and blues, with dark green or white details. Chit have earth colors, ranging from pale dun sand to various gayly colored semiprecious stones. Geno have naturalistic colors, but glitter and reflect light.

Changed Class Abilities

These abilities are removed or changed from the base sorcerer.

  • Class Skills
    • Skill points per level
  • Spells known
  • Bloodline
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