Demons
Denizens of the underworld that feed off of the sins of humanity.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Demons are born with horns of varying sizes and shapes as well as tails. Some demons are born with wings and others are not. Wings also come in varying sizes and shapes. It is considered attractive among demons to have big wings and horns. Demons feed off of the "sins" or emotions associated with the 7 cardinal sins of humanity. Demon type is determined by what cardinal sin they are aligned to. The types are as follows:
- Lust - Ubi (Succubi/Incubi): The plural, gender-neutral term for Lust demons is Ubi. Many Ubi prefer gender neutral terms as they are typically gender fluid as they can alternated between male, female and androgynous forms.
- Wrath - Oni: Wrath demons, also called Oni, are typically born with stronger body builds. They are exceptionally gifted at physical combat, as their power is fueled by wrath aligned emotions such as anger and bloodlust.
- Envy - Empusa (shapeshifters/leviathan): Born the ability to shapeshift, Empusa are able to feed on emotions of jealousy. They are usually gifted in wordcraft as they use their silver tongues, acting skills, and shapeshifting to elicit envy from mortals for feeding.
- Sloth - Imps (Abbadaen): Imps are usually smaller than other demons and always winged. They are seen as the demon equivalent of Pixies and can be quite mischievous, despite their cardinal alignment. Most would assume that being aligned with sloth would make the creatures sedentary, but they are typically busy getting up to some kind of mischief. They typically feed off feelings that feed into procrastination and fun.
- Greed - Jinn (Mammaen): Jinn are great tempters and deal makers. They are where the stereotype of the demon deal was born. They are good at the gamble and feed off of feelings associated with greed and materialism.
- Gluttony - Mara (Belfagorean) Mara are similar to Jinn in that they are temptors. They feed off of emotions associated with overconsumption or indulgence. Often associated with the idea of overconsuming in food and alcohol, Mara actually deal in any overconsumption. Capitalism is their feeding ground, and with megacorporations being so prevalent, they are not starved for food.
- Pride - Luci (Lucifarean): Luci are named after the christain devil Lucifer, who is known as the demon of pride. Though the christian demons do not and have never existed in this world, many demons are classified by the demonology of the religion as it is the most extensive and fitting. Luci are associated with the cardinal sin of pride and feed from emotions associated with pride. They are often some of the most powerful demons, only being slightly less powerful than Ubi.
Genetics and Reproduction
Like most of the immortal creatures of the planet, demons have a low birthrate. Many demons are unconcerned with having children until much later in life though. Some demons are thousands of years old and childless. There was a great "baby boom" after the cataclysm since much of the earth's core was destroyed and many demons native to the underworld lost their lives in the event.
Growth Rate & Stages
Demons mature until their bodies reach the peak of their abilities, so young to middle adulthood depending on what peak looks like to each demon.
Ecology and Habitats
Demons are typically found in the underworld or "the core" of the earth. The environment is hot and hostile as lava and magma as well and several underground volcanos reside in the underworld. Before the cataclysm, the underworld was vast. They are not reduced to floating islands of civilization amongst rubble. There are 7 main islands and some minor islands.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Demons feed off of the emotions of others. Each type of demon has powers and methods to ellicit the target emotion from their prey.
Behaviour
Demons tend to be solitary and seldom leave the underworld other than to feed. More traditional families tend to shun their family members who leave the underworld. Demons are wary of humans due to ages of being hunted, persecuted and blamed for humanity's failings. Younger demons who have spent more time on the surface tend to be more accepting of humans who are accepting of them.
Additional Information
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Demons have the ability to see as if in low light in complete darkness. Demons also possess the ability to sense emotions, though the easier emotions to sense are those associated with their cardinal sin.
Civilization and Culture
Major Organizations
Demons are ruled in a matriarchy. For as long as demons have existed, they have been ruled by a Queen. The tradition is that the Queen is the firstborn female of the royal family, the Dakar's. The firstborn female is always named Lilith. after the goddess worshipped by the demons. The name is considered sacred and taboo to name any child outside of the royal family. It is old tradition that the Queen also be a religious figure, as she is assumed to have direct connection to the Goddess, who is said to reside in the molten core of the earth.
History
Demons have existed for as long as humanity. Demon religious texts speculate that demons were created to balance the wickedness of humanity by preying on their sins. Before the Cataclysm, Demons stayed in the underworld and only breached the surface to feed. In the modern day, demons mingle with humans as much as other magical creatures.
Common Myths and Legends
Demons worship the goddess Lilith. It is said she created all magic on earth, including the creatures that use it. It is said that a piece of the Goddess lies in the firstborn daughter of each generation of the royal family. The goddess is said to reside in a realm inside of the molten core of the earth, where souls travel for the afterlife. Demons believe that souls receive the judgement of the goddess as they crossover.
