Mortal Phase Instability

Affects Whimsey Genies who visit the Mortal Phase.

Causes

Extended time in the Mortal Phase.

Symptoms

Timing varies but genies who spend a number of sunsets in the Mortal Phase equal to their total number of spell slots times 60 begin to dissolve. The process is fairly gradual and usually only has a noticeable impact on the genies' ability to function normally in the last 10-15% of the time frame. But once impact is noticeable, genies may have to concentrate to interact directly with the physical objects, their magic can become erratic, and their skin begins to glow—an effect that even their common disguise magic cannot conceal—or other aspects of their elemental selves begin triggering sporadically.

Treatment

The only known treatment for MPI is something genies have dubbed "wishing out." Doing this requires a genie to expend their maximum spell slots of their highest level spells on a special magical effect called Core Scatter. This effect jettisons all the magical energy from the genie and reduces them into an elemental state where they can regenerate their corporeal selves and allow the magic buildup to equalize once again. The spell ends all magical effects originating from or benefitting the caster and then sends a shockwave of magical energy out that covers a circular area with a diameter in feet equal to the total number of spell slots multiplied by 20. The shockwave deals 1d6 force damage to every object and creature in the area of effect equal to the level of the caster's highest level spell (so a genie who knew a seventh level spell and had 15 spell slots total would do 7d6 damage to everyone and everything in a 300 foot radius). After Core Scatter's shockwave is over, the genie is left in a Tiny elemental state for the duration of a short rest. During this time they are essentially nonsentient and cannot take actions or communicate. At the end of a short rest the genie regains its standard form but is unable to cast spells and counts as having 3 levels of exhaustion until they complete a long rest.
For powerful genies, this effect can be quite devastating and hard to control unanticipated collateral damage or mitigate the risk of the required rest period. Which is why genies quickly recognized that ninth-level spells work just as well as Core Scatter except they don't have any of the side effects. Genies with MPI who cast a ninth-level spell immediately reset the clock on their MPI countdown.

Prognosis

It is not known what happens to genies who fail to wish out in time.

Type

Supernatural

Cycle

Chronic, Acquired

Affected Species

• Genies