Gens (CShaH)

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The most important thing in a sha'ir's life is his gen. Without this creature, there is no way for the sha'ir to gain spells, and the connection with geniekind becomes very strained. Sha'irs are, therefore, highly protective of their gens and liable to aid them before helping out a friend or relative. Such behavior is not necessarily honorable in the Zakharan sense but does not result in a loss of honor to the sha'ir. All know the importance of the gen and its relation to the sha'ir.
Gens are as different as the sha'irs who call them, and their attitudes do not always coincide with those of the sha'ir with whom they work. Gens often have an agenda of their own, though it may seem inconsequential to their masters. Still, the gens regard their private goals as nearly sacred, and sha'irs must pay attention to the requests of their gens. While a gen cannot leave a sha'ir, it may certainly become difficult to deal with if it is not allowed to see to its own affairs. If a gen deems it necessary that his master go and retrieve a magical item the gen has heard of, the master most often will go simply to avoid a conflict with the gen. Even gens know their bounds, however, and are not likely to force an issue with which their master has voiced his extreme displeasure.
DMs should spend a good deal of time working out the particulars of each sha'ir's gen. These little creatures can make for interesting plot hooks that might not otherwise present themselves.
Gen quests can add excitement to any campaign. A gen quest is simply a task handed down from geniekind for a gen to complete. These tasks must be completed as soon as possible, and the gen will only be able to retrieve spells for his sha'ir once this quest has begun.
Gen quests may be of almost any nature but will always have something to do with genies. The quest might involve removing a janni's artifact from a temple consecrated to yak-men, or the releasing of a djinni bound in a djinni prison by another sha'ir. As the character's level increases, so does the difficulty of a quest, Such quests are given to a particular gen no more than once a year. Also, geniekind will look favorably upon those who undertake a gen quest without griping or complaining and will always reward a sha'ir who completes the quest. Such rewards vary according to the difficulty of the quest but will usually consist of a magical item or a few scrolls. Monetary treasure is also available, and geniekind will transport this treasure wherever the sha'ir requires. In matters of a gen quest, geniekind act as truthfully as they can and will always honor the intention of any agreements rather than the letter. Genies are rarely so honest and helpful when not dealing with those on a gen quest.