Djinn

The Djinn of the Spiral Islands are a race of beings thought to be the direct descendants of elder Ruh.

Appearance
Djinn come in many forms and have the ability to change their forms within certain parameters. Their typical form is that of a humanoid figure with metallic skin tones and crisscrossed with odd arcane-looking patterns of various colors. When a Djinn changes their form, the patterns are consistent, and it is thought that these patterns are the primary method for identifying individual Djinn. Those that have hair tend to prefer to have it tied in braids or matted into dreadlocks, held together with rings of precious stones.

Abilities
Djinn are able to shapeshift to a certain degree. They can morph into animals or objects that are roughly the same size as their true form, though each form maintains the Djinn's individual skin patterns; it is believed to be unintentional and uncontrollable. This shapeshifting ability is a skill to the Djinn, just like weaving or smithing is to anyone else, and naturally one Djinn might be better or worse at transforming than others. The greatest Djinn shapeshifters are treated as celebrities and heroes among Djinn culture, and they are often the first line of defense for major conflicts.

The Djinn, because of their suspected relationship to the Ruh, have a natural affinity for Ruh magic and seem to have an innate understanding of what is considered esoteric among the Embryan Kingdom. Because of this, Djinn are often powerful mages and it is not uncommon to see hired Djinn mage mercenaries fighting for other armies.

Society
The Djinn seem to lack anything identifiable as a social hierarchy or caste system and don't seem to have any form of government. If asked, most Djinn are very confused by the concept of governance, and most Djinn operate independently for the benefit of their culture as a whole. Magic is a simple fact of life, and Djinn are particularly in tune with the ebb and flow of the seasons. The Spiral Islands offer some measure of isolation from other more warlike cultures, such as the Empire of Lacerto, though it is worth noting that the tribes of Fey that cohabitate the islands seem to think in similar ways.