| Dao | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| |||
| Naming | |||
| Others | Genie of Zakhara | ||
| Morphology | |||
| Body type | Humanoid or gaseous | ||
| Average height | 8 - 11' | ||
| Intelligence | |||
| Sapience | Sapient | ||
| Aggressivity | Very high | ||
| Language | All Geniekind & Elemental languages, Common | ||
| Ecology | |||
| Place of origin | Elemental Plane of Earth | ||
| Habitat | Homerealm: Great Dismal Delve Prime Material: Deep caves, caverns, and cysts | ||
| Locomotion | See text | ||
| Lifespan | Immortal | ||
| Related species | Djinn of all types, Efreet, jann, Marid | ||
| Status | Vulnerable (listed as "uncommon" in their home realm in-game) | ||
| Behind the Scenes | |||
| Universe | Dungeons & Dragons | ||
| Created by | Gary Gygax | ||
A Dao is an earth-elemental genie native to the Elemental Plane of Earth which are known for their running of gem mines both in their home realm as well as upon the Prime Material Plane. More affluent members are known as Noble Dao, while their people as a whole are ruled by an individual simply known as the Great Khan of the Dao.
Monster Manual descriptions[]
2nd Edition[]
A dao is a craeture from the Elemental Plane of Earth and is related to the efreeti, djinn, Jann, and marid. While they are generally found on that plane (where they are uncommon), the dao love to come to the Prime material Plane to work evil. Their magical abilities enable them to use any of the following spell-ike powers, 1 at a time, once each per day: change self, detect good, detect magic, assume gaseous form, become invisible, fulfill another's limited wish (in a perverse way), cause misdirection, passwall, create a spectral force, create a wall of stone. Dao can turn rock to mud 3 times per day and use dig as often as 6 times per day. Dao perform at the 18th level of spell use.
It is possible for a dao to carry 5000 gp wright without tiring. Double weight will cause tiring in 3 turns, but for every 1000 gps of weight under 10,000 add 1 turn to the duration of carrying ability. For example, a 6000 gp weight allows 8 turns of either walking or flying. After tiring, a dao must rest for 6 turns. Note that dao can move through earth (not worked stone) as if at a burrowing speed of 6". They cannot take living beings with them.
Dao are not harmed by earth-based/affecting spells. Holy water has double normal effects upon these monsters. Only the efreet are friendly towards dao. Dao hate djinn, jannee, and marids. The dao dwell in the Great Dismal Delve on their own plane and in deep caves, caverns, or cysts on the Prime Material Plane. Their ruler is said to be a khan served by hetmen and atamen. Dao dislike servitude as much as efreet and are even more prone to malice and revenge.
Dao speak all the languages of the geniekind, as well as Common and the languages of earth elementals. Dao can travel in the Prime Material, Elemental, and Astral Planes.