Demon

Demons are malevolent beings from the Afterplane's Infernal Chasm, embodying chaotic destruction and an insatiable thirst for power. Their humanoid forms, often adorned with horns, tails, and glowing eyes, conceal immense strength, durability, and mastery of dark magic. While most demons pose a constant threat to all life, rare individuals have turned from their wicked ways, earning scorn from their kind but potentially becoming valuable allies.

Origins

Demons originate in the Infernal Chasm, a pocket dimension within the Afterplane accessible through a dimensional rift north of Evermore Village. Born from the corrupted essence of the realm, demons exist in a perpetual cycle of destruction and rebirth. When slain in the physical world, their essence returns to the Infernal Chasm where they reform, making them nearly impossible to permanently destroy. Some demons serve in the Eternal Guardians under Vol'nash, while others, like Scrios, lead the Death Guard protecting souls in Evermore Village from their more predatory brethren.

Hellfire Manipulation

Demons wield the power to summon and manipulate hellfire, an infernal energy that burns both flesh and spirit. This ability manifests in various forms, from hurling destructive fireballs to creating protective barriers to enhancing physical attacks with searing flames. Hellfire leaves wounds that resist conventional healing and often continue burning long after the initial attack, making demons particularly feared combatants throughout the Afterplane and beyond.

Dark Pact

Demons can form unholy alliances with mortals, offering power and knowledge in exchange for souls or servitude. These pacts grant demons access to their subject's life force, empowering them and strengthening their connection to the mortal plane. The mortal gains access to a portion of demonic power but at a terrible cost to their essence and autonomy. These dark bargains have corrupted many throughout Solaris' history, particularly in regions bordering the Afterplane.

Shadow Step

Demons possess the ability to traverse the Shadow Plane, a dark reflection of the mortal realm. This allows them to move unseen, appear suddenly from shadows, and even phase through solid objects. This exceptional mobility makes demons incredibly elusive and difficult to track or contain. The most powerful demons can transport others through the Shadow Plane, though non-demonic beings often suffer disorientation or worse when exposed to this realm's corrupting influence.

Regions & Relations

Demons primarily inhabit the Infernal Chasm in the Afterplane, though they frequently attempt to breach the barriers between realms to enter Solaris. Their presence is most commonly felt in the twilight regions of the Afterplane and areas with weakened dimensional boundaries. Demons maintain an ancient enmity with Angels, their diametrically opposed natures making conflict inevitable. Most other races regard demons with justified fear and hostility, though the rare reformed demons like those in the Death Guard have established cautious alliances with certain factions, particularly the Elyndrians who have assisted in containing demonic threats.

Class Affinities

Demons naturally excel as Warriors, their inherent strength and aggressive nature making them devastating front-line fighters. Many powerful demons pursue the Mage path, specializing in destructive and chaotic spellcraft that complements their innate magical abilities. Reformed demons sometimes become Paladins, channeling their considerable power toward protection rather than destruction—a path requiring tremendous discipline and fortitude. Some demons with particular cunning develop as Hunters, using their Shadow Step ability to strike from unexpected angles before vanishing again.

Magical Affinities

Fire magic comes naturally to demons, their connection to hellfire allowing them to manipulate flame with exceptional power and precision. Shadow magic similarly resonates with their nature, enhancing their already formidable abilities to move through darkness. Many demons develop strong affinity for Chaos magic, drawing on entropic forces that complement their destructive tendencies. Reformed demons occasionally develop surprising connections to Divine magic, though this transformation is extremely painful and requires completely reorienting their fundamental nature.

Professional Pursuits

Demons who interact with mortals often gravitate toward trades that complement their manipulative and destructive natures. Some become Enchanters, infusing objects with corrupting energies that slowly transform their bearers. Others pursue the Sigilist's path, creating dark inscriptions that channel infernal power. Reformed demons frequently become Salvagers, using their knowledge of corruption to identify, recover, and purify tainted artifacts. In the Afterplane, some demons of the Death Guard work as Explorers, mapping the dangerous territories between realms to better monitor and contain threats to Evermore Village.