Demon

Misunderstood creatures

Written by _noxen_

There's demons in your closet, demons beneath your bed. But nothing's worse than one that's made it inside your head.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Demon is a very broad term covering a wide range of different types. All basic demons come from creatures that were once normal creatures that were born in Noro, and all of them have soulsones, which are accessed in different spots on each demon

Biological Traits

Most can only be killed by specific items/ethereal metals, average lifespan is about 1000-5000 years (again, most info dependent on subspecies)

Genetics and Reproduction

Dependent upon subspecies. Most can reproduce with other similar species, but again, it is dependent upon the individuals involved

Growth Rate & Stages

Demons are mostly formed via being converted from a normal creature's soul, but demon children do exist. Demon children grow slowly, with each year of age equating to roughly 9 human years, and different subspecies often have different stages of growth.

Ecology and Habitats

Demons are incredibly adept at survival, but usually are found in Noro and Heirgo. Different subspecies have different preferences, but most are found in Noro.

Dietary Needs and Habits

A good portion of demons are able to thrive on pure energy via stealing it from "living" creatures via absorption or consumption, but only a few are able to take energy from species stronger than them

Biological Cycle

Dependent on subspecies

Additional Information

Social Structure

Headed by demon kings/queens, the most powerful of the demons and considered a whole other species. The imperial class consisting of demon princes/princesses and appointed nobles follow after the heads of the kingdoms. Then there are the central class demons (those with sentience/can communicate in a human-like fashion), and lesser demons (those without the ability to have a conscious, including bodiless demons, animal-minded demons, hive mind subspecies, and those that went from sentient to non-sentient), which are often not considered "demons" by the general species

Domestication

Lesser demons have often been domesticated, which often changes their "default" states from generally terrifying to "cutesy" and in some cases have lost most of their standard demon traits in general. Some Noro species have tried to domesticate other demons via slavery, but due to a failed domestication/evolution process, it has been widely abandoned

Uses, Products & Exploitation

"Used" in the same way as humans by default, but many have been murdered or poached for valuables such as crystals, harvesting ethereal metal, and for their soulstones. Formerly utilized by Noro residents as slaves (though this practice has been mostly abandoned)

Facial characteristics

Depends on subspecies, but most resemble creatures from Noro

Geographic Origin and Distribution

About 70% in Noro, 30% in Heirgo

Average Intelligence

Depends on subspecies/past life

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Weaknesses and strengths are dependent upon the subspecies of demon they are. All demons are able to utilize magic in some way, as well as see spirits and auras. They are incredibly adept in the art of resonating with soul frequencies, most can utilize at least short-range teleportation, and have abnormal speed/strength increases

Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms

Some have symbiotic/parasitic relationships with humans and other creatures, as some are able to possess people while others need hosts to travel

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Mostly older names, with the oldest of demons usually having names from long dead languages. They favor the names of older civilizations, changing them slightly to sound right in their tongue

Major Organizations

Fortenhein--The oldest demon kingdom that has only had two kings, Charlemagne and Vos (Vohanu), Valiente--Abandoned "capital" of the demon country and forbidden to all for being "cursed," Damascus' servitude--exclusive species (dimensional demons) who once served under Cerbus before their "ownership" was transferred to Damascus

Beauty Ideals

Depends on subspecies

Gender Ideals

Incredibly accepting, as demons have little to no concept of gender or sexuality

Courtship Ideals

Some are more strict than others about it, but usually demon courtship starts with asking their potential mate for permission to date them, then proceed to do so for at least a few years (less time is more common when a demon is courting a creature with a shorter lifespan, but some do insist on dragging the dating out). They give gifts and such, similar to a human relationship, and when they want to finalize the relationship they present a gift of great worth to their mate (similar to a proposal, but the gift is supposed to be more personal than expensive). Afterwards they bond (can happen different ways for many subspecies), and are considered mated for life

Relationship Ideals

Relationships should be mutually beneficial, loving, and respectful. Fighting is considered a good sign that the relationship is worth it should the couple (or more) argue and still manage stay together. Separation after bonding is frowned upon, as their version of divorce is incredibly painful both mentally and physically due to the fact that a mating mark often has to be removed.

Average Technological Level

The majority of demons are incredibly advanced technologically, but some subspecies and individuals prefer to stick to lesser technologies due to demons being culturally appreciative and fascinated by older technologies/cultures, etc

Major Language Groups and Dialects

All demons are bilingual, with most having an aptitude for language learning due to their ability to resonate with soul frequencies abnormally well. Some are skilled enough that they can understand a language by hearing just a conversation, and all demons converted from souls know Daemonic by matching their frequencies to other demons. They also speak Sarro, the language of Heirgo and Sego, and can learn languages fairly easily

Common Etiquette Rules

Politeness is subjective, as some view it as a necessity while others view it as deception. The vast majority however do utilize politeness, though it's more reserved for things like casual business and family/friends/lovers. It's a requirement for talking to superiors, even if they're just your manager or boss you're friends with

Common Dress Code

Usually very relaxed, though some subspecies are a bit strict on certain dress codes

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Revolves around the moral code of the individual so long as it doesn't harm others. Unjustified killing isn't tolerated, sex crimes are unthinkable, and stealing is unreasonable, as giving to those in need is an unspoken rule. Their festivals are similar to "demonic" rituals, but are only portrayed that way because small celebrations like that are often conducted in Noro to maintain a symbolic connection to the individual's homeland

Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals

If a demon lives away from their birthplace/where they appeared as a newly formed demon, at least once a year they will perform different sorts of celebrations to symbolize their connection. The festival Rakmano stretches from Christmas to New Year's to celebrate their breaking away from slavery, Hallovei is celebrated on Halloween where frightening people and getting rewards in the form of treats is celebrated, and Velenta is the demon version of Valentine's Day (many of their traditions they like to introduce to other species, namely humans)

Common Taboos

Abandoned kingdoms/cities of tragedy are to be left untouched, Valiente is to never be touched by anyone not deemed worthy, fraternizing with angels is one of the few things against the law

History

Many myths circulate around the creation of demons and how they came about, but in reality the first demon came into existence as a servant to the gods. The demon Asmodeus and his brother Levioth were the first created to serve the paean god of death, and after the decline of the paeans they broke free and took up residence in one of the old parallels linked to the Alpha Timeline. Shortly after, more and more human souls became inclined towards becoming demons after death if they strayed away from the proper afterlife path, as the demon's energy presence interfered with the soul frequencies of other creatures. New species of demon are always popping up from the various different non-magical creatures throughout the multiverse, with some coming and going with the changing of the various species

Historical Figures

Asmodeus, Levioth, Charlemagne, Vohanu, Sekkai (current "president" of the demons), Raphael (led a revolution for the right to stay in Molhaven)

Common Myths and Legends

There are many myths that circulate around the creation of demons, and hundreds of different myths surround certain subspecies and almost every tradition

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Since they were created as a slave species, all of Molhaven's inhabitants look down on them, especially the gods and paeans. The demons themselves all do their best to treat sentient species with respect, but there are several building block organisms that they have large prejudice against. They especially hate angels, and several hold a vague distaste towards humans

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Human

Genetic Descendants

• Cambion
• Greater Imperial Demon

Scientific Name

Daemonium

Origin/Ancestry

Heirgo

Lifespan

1000-5000 years

Conservation Status

Formerly endangered, now thriving

Average Height

Dependent on subspecies

Average Weight

Dependent on subspecies

Average Length

Dependent on subspecies

Average Physique

Depends on subspecies

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Depends on subspecies