Demons of Hell

[Quantum Rain]

*Image owned by Xyrga.*
A necromancer possessed by a Demon, likely a servant of Sinthys.

Overview

The Demons are the inhabitants of hell and considered the polar opposites of the Angels. While just as active, they are often seen as the servants of the Dark Gods and sow chaos and destruction as they ravage the mortal realm. The truth of the matter is, as expected, different than these beliefs. Truly, not much is known about the demons, or the many types thereof.

Common Anatomy

The demons all share the same basic form. They are metaphysical entities, often changing between corporeal and physical in nature when traversing between Hell and the Mortal Realm. With the exception of the most powerful of demons, most do not require hosts and only experience a mild reduction in power when they travel between the two realms. That being said, they can only traverse the realms via portals often constructed across several locations of the world, many times by the Gods in which they serve.

Demons also have heightened magical powers, capable of generally better casting abilities than your average mage. They typically focus their magic into specific elements such as ice, fire, death, and others of an aggressive variety. Often times, though, demons tend to favor swords and claws than magic-based combat abilities, so seeing a demon mage is rather rare. Further note that not all demons are actually sentient, and therefore can't even use magic.

Contracts and Possession

While demons don't all require hosts, in some cases they may prefer one as to allow them to utilize their full power. In these cases, the host in which they select must either have a weak will or accept voluntarily often times through contracts. They must further be compatible with one another or gradually degrade over time, provided of course the demon is of the more powerful variety. It is for these reasons that most do not even bother at first.

There are many signs of possession that often run parallel to how angelic possessions work and look. Those possessed by demons often have inverted eye colors, often times a black sclera with a golden iris, or black and white, and so on. In some cases their eyes can glow like fire, either dimly or brightly. Their skin may turn darker for no apparent reason, even going as far as turning to a dark ashen gray. Their bodies can often be enhanced physically, generating more muscle mass, growing taller in a few days, etc. These signs of possession can be suppressed to some degree, and in very rare cases, demons may be inclined to switch between themselves and their human slaves, implying that the body can be shared unlike with Angels.

Contracts are a demon's method of conning and manipulating history in the mortal realm without directly engaging themselves in it. Demons can create soul-binding contracts with mortals for any purpose or reason, and for any cost. While many believe that demons are out for the souls of mortals, that is a misconception. Only Sinthys, Lord of the Dead can make such a contract, thus only demons that act on his behalf can ask for such a price. Other demons often ask for hosts or slavery, costs such as that. Others can even offer their own services and ask for something in return. When a contract is finally agreed upon for any reason, the two parties receive a mark or tattoo on any designated part of their body, such as their eyes, hands, arms, back, wherever. These marks force those bonded by it to abide by the contracts they have made, else-wise, their soul disintegrates.

[Quantum Rain]

Lesser Hellhound


*Image owned by tnecul.*
Artistic imagining of a lesser hellhound of ice rather than the more common fire type.

Lesser hellhounds are the most common type of animalistic demons. Very aggressive, very persistent, and superb hunters and trackers, hellhounds are called upon by demons as loyal, but twisted, pets to use for fun and chaos.

Anatomy

Hellhounds come in varying types based on the element they are born with. Some hellhounds have an affinity for ice and others have fire. How they appear and act are dependant on the element they chose. For example, ice-elemental hellhounds are more passive and patient about their hunt, and are often found to be stronger, faster, and alone. Those of the fire element are much more aggressive, more prone to violence, and often hunt in packs rather than alone.

While their appearances may differ, their powers do not. They all rely on strictly melee combat, but can have an aura that either burns, chills, or degrades their opponent's combat abilities. It is a natural defense mechanism developed through harsh environments and a desire to survive. This tied with their natural predatory instincts make them a very real threat to those unprepared.

[Quantum Rain]

Greater Hellhound


*Image owned by Kajito.*
Another artistic imagining of a Greater Hellhound.

Greater Hellhounds are far larger and far more vicious than their smaller counterparts. Often referred to as a Cerberus, these three-headed creatures are employed by the more powerful of demons for their more destructive potential combined with the same level of tracking ability.

Anatomy

Greater Hellhounds are almost always of the fire-element, and are always aggressive hunters. Their size and strength, not to mention their fiery breath, make them terrifying. Ranging in size to between human and a few times thereof, the Greater Hellhounds are either rogue elements or serve the more powerful demons who can tame them.

Greater Hellhounds feature a very tough skin and fur, are deceptively quick, and are clearly physically strong. That said, they lack any other natural defense like their lesser counterparts and are much more bloodthirsty than some. So while featuring greater power, they aren't as intelligent in some cases. Furthermore, these animals hunt in solitude, so there is never more than three in a pack. In fact, there is usually only one of them.

[Quantum Rain]

Skiás Demon


*Image owned by Gandharvasstudio.*
Artistic representation of a Skias Demon.

The Skias demon is a progression towards rudimentary sentience. While still very aggressive hunters that often prowl about the shadows of the mortal realm and Hell, these demons have very basic intelligence beyond that of slay and kill and can use basic magic in the form of hellfire breath.

Anatomy

The Skias demon are very large, very muscular, dark colored demons weighing in up to three times a normal human in armor, and almost twice as such in height. While understandably not very fast, these demons have natural body armor in the shape of what would appear to be scales. They furthermore naturally blend with the shadows, creating a sort of black mist as they roam about. Very rarely can one be found during the daytime. Possessing an extra-sensory ability for those naturally gifted in magic, as well as superb nightvision, climbing skills, and naturally large and incredibly sharp claws extending from the tops of their hands, these demons are a very intimidating sight to behold.

Abilities & Weaknesses

The Skias demons are usually solitary hunters, rely on the night to cover their movements, and are actually weak to high-intensity light sources such as the sun or light-based magic. That being said, they have their methods of protection. Their black mist offers a natural shield against that light for a time and suffocates most fires. They are furthermore capable of breathing black and purple hellfire against their victims, burning them alive from the inside out.

That being said, these demons are actually weak against magic in general, and are quick to Overload early on. While their body armor and mist provide natural shielding in most cases, the demon absorbs magic like any other human, and at the start of battles, can be rapidly overloaded and taken down by powerful mages or magic-based items. In basic combat, these demon can also be overwhelmed by numbers and heavy-enough weapons, or piercing-type weapons such as rapiers.

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