Djinn: The Smokeless Fire
The Hidden People
The universe is populated by three distinct classes of sentient beings: Angels (made of light), Humans (made of clay), and Djinn (made of smokeless fire). The Djinn are known as Al-Ghaib (The Unseen). They inhabit a parallel dimension that overlaps perfectly with our own. They occupy our abandoned ruins, walk our deserts, and live in the empty spaces of our homes. They see us, but we cannot see them—unless they choose to manifest.
The Biology of Fire
Djinn are not spirits in the ghostly sense. They are substantial beings composed of plasma or energy ("smokeless fire"). Because of this composition, they possess extreme transformative abilities:
- Shapeshifting: They prefer the forms of black dogs, massive snakes, or scorpions.
- Flight: They can move through the air as easily as thought.
- Longevity: They live for thousands of years, but they are mortal. They can be killed, and they will eventually die.
The Moral Spectrum
Unlike Angels, who have no free will, Djinn possess the capacity for choice. This makes them dangerous. A Djinn can be benevolent, malicious, or simply indifferent. They have their own societies, kings, laws, and religions.
- Marid: Ancient, powerful spirits often associated with water.
- Ifrit: Winged, fire-aspected entities known for their strength and cunning.
- Ghul: Shapeshifting scavengers that frequent graveyards (the origin of the specific "Ghoul" classification).
The Solomonic Containment
The most significant historical interaction with the Djinn occurred under King Solomon (Sulayman). He possessed a seal ring that granted him dominion over the hidden tribes. Solomon enslaved rebellious Djinn to build his temple. Those who defied him were sealed in brass vessels and cast into the sea. These containment units (bottles/lamps) are designed to withstand millennia of pressure. Opening them does not grant wishes. It releases a furious, insanity-plagued entity bent on revenge.
Interaction Protocols
Coexistence requires strict etiquette.
- Possession: A Djinn can possess a human host. This is not a spiritual overlay but an occupation of the physical vessel.
The Final Warning
Travelers in the Empty Quarter speak of the "Singing Sands"—a low hum that vibrates through the dunes. The Bedouin say it is their voices. They were here before us, and they will be here after us. Mind your step in the dark, for you are never truly alone.
