Demon

Demons are the natives of Brunikor, a plane that comprises the unformed chaos leftover from the creation of the universe. In many respects, demons could be considered the first forms of life, predating Asmos himself.

Overview

Demons take an immense variety of appearances, often as grotesque, alien beings that do not resemble anything found in Erudite. They have often been compared to imitations of life, having organic limbs and parts placed about them without rhyme or reason. While most demons look completely different from one another, a few species began to form over time - especially after the creation of Erudite. Demons heavily vary in intelligence. Some are animalistic in behavior acting entirely on instinct while others are extremely intelligent and cunning. However, their diversity of behaviors makes them extremely difficult to predict.

The main caveat of demon physiology is that because of their origin within the chaos, they cannot survive in normal space without assistance. As such, they usually have to project themselves with avatars or get assistance from a powerful mage capable of summoning them directly. A mage with a specialty in excorcism is able to sever their connection, banishing them back to Brunikor.

A demon's primary form of sustenance are spirits and the souls of other beings. Because not every demon actually has a mouth or any sort of orifice for capturing prey, they feed simply by attempting to absorb their prey on contact. While capturing prey within their bodies is useful in absorbing the souls of other beings, it is not required. However, bbecause of their difficulty in entering normal space, they tend to prey on one another.

Society

Due to their inherit chaotic nature, it is considered difficult for the Demons to hold any form of longstanding society or culture. However, this has not stopped them from trying. The most intelligent demons formed a hierarchy of nobles with the most powerful of them holding the title of Lord. The Lords tend to assume control of less intelligent demons to effectively make them extensions of their will. However, very few demons hold their titles for long due to constant infighting.

History

In one incident, a secretive group known as the Shadow Force summoned numerous Demons to stage an invasion against Erudite, setting off what is known as the Demon Wars. The Shadow Force, however, could not keep the Demons under their control indefinitely, eventually leading to them going rampant and attacking settlements indiscriminately.

Known types

Known species

• Gnasher - A demon that appears as a floating ball of human-like skin with its mouth comprising of half of its size. Cillia-like extensions help it move about. It is particularly uncanny, sporting humanoid lips, teeth and a tongue. It attacks prey by biting, hence its name.
• Eylius - Appears as a giant lidless eyeball supported by two legs.
• Crawler - A gelatinous central mass with multiple human arms extending from it which it uses to drag its body. It consumes prey by grabbing it with its arms and dragging it into itself.
• Polyp - A small, pod-like creature that attaches itself to another being and slowly drains its soul. Polyps are incredibly dangerous in groups.
• Shifter - A rubbery being that can change shape based on what souls it has previously consumed. It can lure other prey by disguising itself as deceased loved ones.
• Devil - The most humanoid-looking demon, varying in size to that of a human to that of a giant. They bear a striking resemblance to Orcs in terms of appearance, only with horns and dark red skin. Some variants also have bat-like wings. Devils are thought to have evolved to take on a form that could more easily and more reliably communicate with mortals from Erudite.

Known unique demons

• Abraxas - One of the first Demon Lords to appear on Erudite. Known for essentially starting the Demon Wars.
• Ziminiar - A Demon Lord that destroyed the city of Gammel.
• Ephialtis - The largest Demon ever known - so large that his body is considered part of the natural terrain of Brunikor in most locations. He is described as a leviathan with multiple reaching arms, gazing eyes and toothed mouths.