Demonic Lore

Nether

Demons come from the Nether, a supernaturally corrupted world brimming with Miasma. Little to nothing is known about the Nether itself, though it is separated from Gaia by a metaphysical veil that resists the influence of energies between realms. This veil was scarred and fractured prior to the demonic invasion, opening rifts into Gaia that manifest as Shadowlands. These hostile Miasmic Wildzones are described further in Wildzones.

Demonic Pods & Birth

Demons are not "birthed" in the traditional sense. They are born from pods grown from Miasma. These egg-shaped pods are smooth, stone-like objects that reflect like polished obsidian. When cracked open before it's ready, it just looks like an obsidian stone.

Pods can form anywhere that Miasma pools, absorbing a large amount of Miasma in the process; especially Carnal and Umbral Miasma, though smaller quantities of Infernal and Genesis Miasma are also present. When a pod has absorbed a sufficient amount of Miasma, a sudden jolt of Infernal Miasma surges through it, spreading from the center outward like miniature bolts of lightning. Within seconds, a figure is birthed inside. Cracks form around the pod and split open, leaving a new Demonkin in its place.

Newly birthed Demonkin have simple animalistic instincts, but already possess enough physical maturity to function as simple laborers or fighters. Their intelligence develops firmly over the course of a few months, and tends to stagnate after about two years.

Infernal Cores

Infernal Cores are unique to Demon anatomy. These crystalline structures grow naturally inside the hearts of Demons and Chimerans, developing over time as they absorb and channel increasing amounts of Infernal Miasma. These Calcified cores also grow a protective shell of Carnal Miasma around them, which becomes increasingly difficult to penetrate when grown. If the shells are cracked and the core is struck directly, they explode violently, destroying the heart immediately.

Infernal Cores serve as the backbone of demonic economies, with larger cores being more valuable. Intact cores can be safely handled and harvested after death, as they become inert and less volatile once detached from a functioning heart. Infernal Cores can also be used as components in demonic artifacts, or consumed for long-lasting power boosts, making them both economic and tactical resources.

Demonic Artifacts

Demonic items capable of channeling Miasma are somewhat common due to the practices of Calcification, but most are no more impressive than a well-made Fairkin weapon. While such items might seem impressive to the demonic community, few actually possess any power that a Fairkin would find particularly impressive. Generally, Demons lack the intellectual capacity for such technological pursuits, making demonic artifacts quite rare.

Calibra, the Devil of Details, is a notable exception to the rule. He and his Kaijin have the extraordinary intelligence necessary to design demonic instruments of power worth being truly concerned about - the true "artifacts" of the demonic world. Osmos, the Devil of Assimilation, is capable of some developments in this area as well, and other demons may rely on attracting capable Warlocks to produce minor wonders.

Demonic artifacts can be a powerful threat or provide great utility, but are deeply corrupting to use. Most can only be correctly handled by those who have fully embraced a demonic nature. The most powerful of artifacts, designed by Calibra and his Kaijin, are specifically designed to only function for his Kaijin.

Demonic Language

The demonic languages are quite strange and foreign, but can be learned. There are multiple regional dialects, heavily affected by proximity to Devils. Dialects on the other side of the world are so distinct from ones near Endros that they would be incomprehensible to each other.

Devils, elder Demon Lords, and other important Direkin living near Endros have learned how to speak Common. Fiends (especially the Nyzari) can learn Fairkin languages, though very few ever do unless instructed.

Demonic Ecosystems

Demonic ecosystems rely on the consumption of Chimerans, demon fruits, and shadowland plants. Demons require less than a fifth of the sustenance a Fairkin requires since their bodies are mostly sustained by Miasma. Their intake may double when growing and healing, however.

Demon Fruit

Demon fruits are highly coveted delicacies within demonic culture, referring to any fruit borne by a genesis plant. Genesis plants are demonic plants farmed by Harvesters, those who possess magical aptitude in Genesis Sorcery. Genesis plants can absorb unusually high concentrations of Miasma, providing the "nutrients" available in demon fruits.

Blood Hunt

The Blood Hunt is a phenomenon where a surge of Miasma floods into an area, triggered by supernatural seismic events between Gaia and the demonic realm. Demonic powers rise considerably within the affected areas until the tectonic pressure subsides, usually lasting between one and three days. This influx of demonic energy expands and strengthens Shadowlands as it corrupts the land, making it more hospitable to demonic activity.

During a Blood Hunt, demons become significantly more aggressive and bloodthirsty, entering a frenzied state that drives them to attack Fairkin. Their physical and magical abilities are amplified, including recovery times, making them far more dangerous in swarms. Animals are more likely to mutate into Chimeras, and Chimerans have an easier time evolving. They may undergo mutations that enhance their demonic strength and abilities, especially when feeding.

Fairies can usually predict a Blood Hunt several days in advance, with more subtle tells occurring even earlier. There are a few precursor effects that cause light rippling of Miasma, which can make animals behave abnormally.

When a Blood Hunt is detected, society is forced to make emergency preparations. The Adventurer's Guild takes immediate action, organizing the necessary Hunters, Adventurers, soldiers, and support groups, and delegates them according to the appropriate protocols.