Markeen

A markeen, or genie double, looks entirely human, because it is born the exact likeness of some person of the desert lands, entering the world at the very same moment. Beyond looks they share nothing: no thoughts, memories, birthplace or bond, and they need not even like each other. The double ages in step with its original, though it may die sooner or later, and only magic that changes the human's apparent age breaks the match. Only the famous, rich, beautiful, gifted, holy or truly wicked get doubles, and chaos follows when one learns whom it mirrors.

A markeen has four spell-like powers, each usable once per day: dust devil, gust of wind, flame blade and invisibility. It can still fly like any genie, though it rarely does so near humans except to escape a tight spot, and sometimes poses as a mage to explain its tricks. Otherwise it fights as a human, preferring scimitar, spear and crossbow.

Popular belief holds that the markeen lost a genie rebellion and were condemned to mortal lives, keeping only scraps of their power. They work as traders of horses and goods, as tinkers and as sailors, and live by their wits in small, socially closed communities that guard their secret. Though they consider themselves superior, they are friendly and easygoing, never showing any outward arrogance.

Within human towns they run shadow societies with their own beliefs, leaders and rites. In 'the search,' each young markeen sets out for a month to a year to find its human original. Few succeed, and success is almost frowned on, since decades often pass between finds; the point is to see the world. Still, a markeen who finds its double can take its place, hampered only by not knowing the double's life and skills.

In 'the memory,' a secret rite of the elders, the old tell the young how their people were cast out by the other genies and how they have fooled and cheated humans for generations, always painting other genies poorly. The hayan are a special group who double bards and poets; they live in far lands, and anyone who finds one can make its double write immortal verse.

Markeen trade with humans constantly, almost always unrecognized. They shun all other genies and trust them little, if at all, and anyone who exposes one of their communities becomes a target they will work very hard to silence.