Djinn (Demons) and Djinn (Genies)

LoneWolf23k · 07-30-2009, 08:24 PM

Okay, here's my dilemma: I want to add elements of GURPS Cabal to In Nomine. There are a lot of elements that would need fiddling with here and there, but the one major stumbling block is the matter of the Djinn.

Or, more accurately, the fact that Cabal and In Nomine both have Djinn, and that both types are completly different: The Cabal's Djinn are a race of Para-Elementals of Airy Fire, and thus spirit creatures more properly belonging to the Ethereal. In Nomine's Djinn are just one band of demons, and tend to work alongside demons of other bands.

Using IN's Djinn in place of the Para-Elemental Djinn wouldn't feel right.

Although a simple solution now comes to mind: using 'Djinn' to one type, and the alternate spelling 'Jinn' to refer to the other, with the inevitable confusion between the two types being an endless source of frustration for both.

Any thoughts on this?

ladyarcana55 · 07-30-2009, 09:34 PM

I worry that Djinn and Jinn sound too similiar and can cause a lot of confusion.

Why not just go Djinn and Genie?

Rocket Man · 07-30-2009, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ladyarcana55

I worry that Djinn and Jinn sound too similiar and can cause a lot of confusion.

Why not just go Djinn and Genie?

Or go really traditional and call the fire-spirits "Ifrit." That also gives a distinction without having people look for Barbara Eden. ;)

But if, as you mentioned in the OP, you *want* there to be constant confusion about the names, I suppose the spelling variation is as good a means as any. Even then, something like "genie" or "ifrit" might crop up, if only to help the poor mortals who can't hear the necessary overtones in the celestial language. "No, not that Djinn ... THAT Jinn!"

JCD · 07-31-2009, 07:21 AM

I can't answer what you decide with regard to names. I would point out that the Djinn (D) would be demons from Hell. The Djinn (G) would be Ethereal spirits from the Marches.

Or, you could condense the two. A Malphasean band of Djinn were a significant supernatural block in the Middle East attempting to force further factionalism in Heaven itself. Their major function was to fulfill the power needs of the Caliphs, Imans, Sheiks etc, so that the last civilized bastion of Christianity in Byzantium was crushed. Of course, the way the Djinn fulfilled these needs made sure that the receivers were not thankful for their 'gifts'. One could easily throw in other Bands as well, but the Djinn name stuck as a generic term for that faction.

Massive efforts by the Host, led by Khalid, was able to mostly cleanse that area of this infernal influence, but stragglers remain. And a single demon is more then adequate to tie up quite a few Sorcerous resources.

07-30-2009, 08:24 PM	#1
LoneWolf23k Join Date: Sep 2004	Djinn (Demons) and Djinn (Genies) Okay, here's my dilemma: I want to add elements of GURPS Cabal to In Nomine. There are a lot of elements that would need fiddling with here and there, but the one major stumbling block is the matter of the Djinn. Or, more accurately, the fact that Cabal and In Nomine both have Djinn, and that both types are completly different: The Cabal's Djinn are a race of Para-Elementals of Airy Fire, and thus spirit creatures more properly belonging to the Ethereal. In Nomine's Djinn are just one band of demons, and tend to work alongside demons of other bands. Using IN's Djinn in place of the Para-Elemental Djinn wouldn't feel right. Although a simple solution now comes to mind: using 'Djinn' to one type, and the alternate spelling 'Jinn' to refer to the other, with the inevitable confusion between the two types being an endless source of frustration for both. Any thoughts on this?

07-30-2009, 09:34 PM	#2
ladyarcana55 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Bellflower, CA	Re: Djinn (Demons) and Djinn (Genies) I worry that Djinn and Jinn sound too similiar and can cause a lot of confusion. Why not just go Djinn and Genie?

07-31-2009, 07:21 AM	#4
JCD Join Date: May 2008 Location: Birthplace of the Worst Pizza on the Planet	Re: Djinn (Demons) and Djinn (Genies) I can't answer what you decide with regard to names. I would point out that the Djinn (D) would be demons from Hell. The Djinn (G) would be Ethereal spirits from the Marches. Or, you could condense the two. A Malphasean band of Djinn were a significant supernatural block in the Middle East attempting to force further factionalism in Heaven itself. Their major function was to fulfill the power needs of the Caliphs, Imans, Sheiks etc, so that the last civilized bastion of Christianity in Byzantium was crushed. Of course, the way the Djinn fulfilled these needs made sure that the receivers were not thankful for their 'gifts'. One could easily throw in other Bands as well, but the Djinn name stuck as a generic term for that faction. Massive efforts by the Host, led by Khalid, was able to mostly cleanse that area of this infernal influence, but stragglers remain. And a single demon is more then adequate to tie up quite a few Sorcerous resources.