Succubus

Seductive, sensuous, supple, and other 's' words that spell trouble.

The Daemon Cubus species of demonkind, referred to as either an 'incubus' or 'succubus' depending on biological sex, is a near-humanoid class of demon. Incubi are rarer for warlocks to summon into Turan even though summoning magic does not discriminate on sex. All specimens are proficient transformation and hex magic casters with a higher-than-average proportion of binding capability as well. Their hexes in particular are exceptionally dangerous as all Cubus maintain a permanent hex that clouds the rational mind of nearby humanoids and enhances the primal instincts of procreation (most prominently), survival, and rage.   Note: Over 95% of summonings targeting the Daemon Cubus species result in a succubus (this entry will refer to 'succubi,' but all traits are applicable to incubi as well).  

Anatomy and Morphology

Succubi occupy a unique position in the demonic hierarchy established by the Introduction to Demons and Summonings and the Warlock's Registry: they do not have a defined class and exist to the 'side' of the hierarchy. Information extracted from demons indicate that succubi are exceptions to traditional castes (but little else was learned). They remain an unknown quantity because of the low survival rate of warlocks who summon them (and the cultural stigma of contracting with a succubus limits awareness and data). Their humanoid form may lend them additional mystique and coerce warlocks into dropping their defenses at inopportune moments.   The general anatomy of a succubus mirrors the typical human woman (or men in the case of incubi), with similar heights and weights. Skin color varies by breed, but none are humanoid colorations except for some Al'Orphic tones. Their hair is usually a deeper shade of their flesh, verging on black in many instances. Succubi tend to keep their hair long and use a variety of cosmetic accoutrements, such as pins, short lengths of wood, and braids, to supplement its natural appearance. Warlock researchers note that all specimens, succubi and incubi alike, would be considered 'preposterously attractive' by standard interpretations of beauty and is an unfortunate, if typical reason for a warlock to summon one.   In addition to this humanoid form, succubi have horns, claws, tails, and wings. Although the claws and wings are 'retractable,' the mechanism for such retraction is unknown, but believed to be magical (likely through transformation). Claws are akin to elongated fingernails with far sturdier construction than their appearance would suggest. The horns are either not retractable or they choose to display them at all times. Horns vary from branching, deer-like shapes to curved rams' horns to wide bull arrangements but are always an identical set.   Succubi wings extend well past arms' length, reaching between eight and ten feet in wingspan. They are colored a deeper shade of the succubus' flesh and resemble bat wings (without functional claws). As with winged imps, they must be magically enhanced to actually keep a succubus aloft. Finally, tails range from a short two feet in length to five feet depending on breed. All tails are soft, spaded, and prehensile with surprising strength.  

Succubus Breeds

The Warlock's Registry (WR) provides the most complete information for magical scholars to assess the population trends of demonkind. Based on anatomy and morphology, the WR identifies three breeds of succubi:  
  • Azure Succubus: Though the succubi sample size is limited and azure succubi the rarest, the WR lists the azure breed as the most dangerous. Flesh tones range from deep sea to bright sky blues and wingspans are the broadest among breeds. Little other phsyical characteristics differentiate them, but all specimens are exceptionally talented spellcasters and unusually patient for demons, preferring to kill their masters when opportunity presents itself by taking advantage of intricate contractual loopholes.
 
  • Crimson Succubus: The succubi with red-shaded skins are the most common, but most predictable. While they remain capable adversaries, they are likely to attempt a magical, frontal assault on the warlock, often before a contract is officially made. They are cruel and capricious, preferring to lead their masters to slow, painful deaths. Warlocks would be wise to not summon any succubus, but especially not to contract with a red one if they are not prepared to endure great pains.
 
  • Violet Succubus: The purple succubi are the most studied and considered lower risk (though still responsible for a high mortality rate). A violet specimen will actively question their master, seemingly different than the normal manipulation tactics employed by all demons. Their lackadaisical nature affords scholars more time to study them, but they are also prone to wanderlust if the contract is ill-defined. Physically, they are smaller than their blue and red cousins, but are likewise excellent casters.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

As with all demonkind, succubi are capable of seeing magical energy using aether sight, but possess little perceptive ability beyond the typical humanoid. However, if one can separate the manipulation from true statements, they are gifted at discerning motive, mood, and personality, sometimes acting as a interrogator of sorts.  

Growth Rates and Life Stages

Scholars have long-sought to understand the growth of demonkind, but it remains a troublesome area of study. Other than reports from the early days of summoning, there is little evidence from demons younger than a century in age. Based on the available data, succubi reach their maximum size early in life, perhaps similar to humanoid lifecycles. However, their lifespan dwarfs most demonic species. Warlocks summoned succubi whose lives span three millenia, with the oldest approaching 3,500 years. The average specimen is more than 1,000 years old but less than 1,500.  

Magical Aptitude

The WR records that every known succubus accessed transformation and hex magic. Depth of skill in these two disciplines matches and often exceeds master wizards with the same attunement and possibly the best among demonkind, making succubi fearsome foes when given time to prepare. As with all demonkind, the rates drop significantly from there, though they have a higher likelihood of casting a third type of magic. Approximately 25% of succubi can cast binding spells and an additional 10% utilize an evocation discipline. A limited number show proficiency with at least four types of magic.
Scientific Name
Daemon Cubus

Lifespan
Unknown (3,000+ years [azure])

Average Height
5'6" to 5'8" (exc. horns and tail)

Average Weight
115 to 130 lbs.

Geographic Distribution
The Realms
 

Warlocks Beware!

Feel the hedonistic need for carnality? Stop! Succubi have the highest mortality rate of any contracted species! (Paid for by the Warlock's Registry [WR]).   No one in their right mind would summon one, but does it serve them right if they do? No, probably not.

 
Written by Sheyla Enelladalcol Aeleat

Edited by Shikya Enelladalcol Aeleat

Mindcepts by Ella Enelnasalcol Malric


Cover image: Succubus by SK Kage (via MidJourney)

Comments

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Sep 20, 2021 14:52

A succubus article that isn't objectifying?   You are to be commended.

Sep 20, 2021 18:28 by SK Kage

lol I actually hadn't realized it until I read this comment. I'll take the kudos though. <3

Snarky and Sarcastic to the End