Darklings

Lesser minions of Darkwalkers, Darklings can take many forms. Some appear in the form of animals; however, these "animals" tend to be larger than normal, black with red or yellow eyes, and occasionally sporting extra limbs. Others appear as miniature warped humanoids; common features are leathery wings, horns, hooves, extra eyes, or any combination of the above. A few shun corporeal forms altogether, existing only as energy and a cackling voice. All Darklings, however, share cunning and malevolence. They tend to be focused on a task given by their master(s), and a few may appear to be in the service of magicians rather than Darkwalkers. Those who speak also liars one and all, so their loyalties may not be as stated.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Though Darklings take many forms, there is always something distinctly wrong about it, whether due physically (extra limbs, abnormal coloration) or behaviorally (compulsive lying, unusual aggression).

Biological Traits

Darklings are able to use the magic of their Darklords.

Dietary Needs and Habits

There are multiple accounts of Darklings eating people, though their veracity tend to be questionable.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Tend to appear in service either to a Darkwalker or a magician (human who has made a pact with a Darkwalker). Occasionally they will appear in service to a normal human, though frequently this is to tempt said human to make a pact. Darklings often work together if they have the same master. Ones with different masters will occasionally come into conflict.

Domestication

Magicians claim that darklings serve them. Most humans question the actual power dynamics in play.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Everywhere

Average Intelligence

Sapient. Most darklings are cunning, some are cunning and intelligent. A few are intelligent but not cunning. Darklings that are neither cunning nor intelligent tend not to last long.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Darklings appear to be able to read people's darkest desires, but whether this is an actual ability or merely social intuition is unclear. They are indisputably drawn to magic and magicians. They often provide additional torment to victims of curses or offer additional services to those who have made pacts with Darkwalkers.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Rumor has it that if you know the true name of a darkling, it will serve you. True names of darklings are scattered throughout occult texts and tend to be difficult to pronounce or names of sins. This rumor may have been started by darklings...

Beauty Ideals

Darklings tend to be contemptuous of beauty... unless, of course, flattery gets them what they want.

Gender Ideals

Darklings could care less about gender. Their forms are male or female as is convenient.

Relationship Ideals

They prefer toxic relationships, as this makes manipulation easier.

Conservation Status

Generally killed on sight when possible

Average Physique

In a corporeal form, Darklings tend to take small forms. Even humanoid forms are usually three feet tall at most, and animal forms are usually smaller.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Animalistic darklings are generally black with red or yellow eyes. Humanoid darklings can be any color, with some appearing simply to be extremely short humans. Usually the effect is marred by features such as horns, hooves, or wings.