Demons do exist.

No one knows where they are from, or really how long they have been around (though the common belief is that their kind has existed for much longer than humanity). They appeared thousands of years ago, coming to Earth during the earliest years of human civilization. Some ruled as "gods", while others were vilified for their atrocities against humans. Their name in the human tongue became their brand. But the weight the word held was more than humanity could bear, and the truth became muddled in stories watered down by age and ignorance. They were old. So very, very old. Wherever it was they had come from had ended aeons ago; torn apart for reasons unknown. After this cataclysm demons survived in constructed worlds known as the Realms. These artificial dimensions were ruled by higher rates of demons called Greater Devils, Elder Devils, and the mysterious and ancient Archdemons. These constructs served as homes for billions of years, with wars between ruling demons constantly shifting their states or ending their existences entirely. A new age of demonic existence had entered the fray, one where rabid change took its toll all over again.

The discovery of humanity heralded exciting new prospects. While the vast majority of demons stayed in the Realms, there were some – many, by human standards – who decided to migrate to this new place to see what it had in store.

Demons discovered that the way humans existed – a soul within a mortal shell – would allow them to extract factors of their being. They could harvest emotion and sensation from living humans or captive souls, using them as humans used intoxicating drugs and alcohol to achieve a kind of high. While not as potent as killing another demon to feed, humans served as a new and easy food source to drain for power. Their bodies could be used as vessels for manipulation or concealment. Though a demon's power would be limited during possession, it allowed them to truly infiltrate human society, or hide from enemy demons who sought to kill them.

There is no known reason as to why demons do not simply overrun humans and enslave them, as it is well within their power. Some believe that it is because they find it more entertaining to use humans the way they are; playing cat-and-mouse with their new toys. Others believe it is because many demons have simply grown fond of humans, and now choose to protect them from their people, as some demons have been changed by their interactions with humanity. Some think there truly is a "God" of some kind protecting them, while others simply believe that some benevolent Archdemon took pity on humanity and taught them how to defend themselves from malicious demons. Crucifixes alone do nothing to demons, and some believe that the words needed to exercise demons are actually hidden spells from the demonic language itself passed down to humans to protect themselves. There are no angels. These benevolent defenders were in all actuality the Grigori, a breed of demons who turned almost entirely from hunters to saviors.

The world is controlled by Archemons, now, ruled from the shadows and plain sight. For thousands of years their order has repressed the lower rates into a demonic underworld and kept those Archdemons who would threaten their hold from entering the human universe. But demonic society is based on subterfuge and treachery, and change can only come from chaos. With Earth seen as a trophy to be held, it makes sense that - sooner or later - someone would make a play for their piece of the prize. Only in legends have humans touched on the apocalyptic capacity these beings command. Should a war between the gods break out on Earth... The death toll would be innumerable.

Races

Demon: Demons are old and powerful beings. Unlike humans, demons do not have souls, they are spiritual things. They can assume different forms at will, and shift from Earth into the Realms and back at will. This allows them to possess humans and manifest physically in the human world while hiding their true form behind assumed disguise. Demons are neither good nor evil, but their actions towards humans can be either malign or benign. Demons can be killed, either by other demons or humans, though never with human-made weapons. Special blades must be used to kill demons, or bullets made in the proper way. Of course, bullets are far less effective than bladed weapons, and it would take many of them to even faze a moderately powerful demon. While in human disguise demons are notably weaker, but when in their true forms they have access to the whole of their power. There are many breeds of demon, each with their own unique powers, hunting styles and more.

Human: Humans are young, and generally weak creatures. They differ from demons in the regard that their spiritual selves exist within physical bodies, unlike demons, which are spiritual beings able to take physical shape. Their race – and possibly their universe – is much younger than demonkind, with their reality existing beside what was once the demonic world before its destruction. Magically and physically weaker than demons, they tend to rely on arcane arts provided by benevolent demons, most commonly the Grigori and Djinn, to defend themselves from demons out to harm them. Some humans have been given immortality and/or power by older demons in return for services or simply out of charity. These humans, hunter or otherwise, who know of demons are commonly called the Aware. It has been known for humans to be born without souls, though this is extremely rare. These humans are dangerously malevolent, and can even imprison weaker demons who try to possess them, giving them access to the demon's powers. Some demons actively hunt for these empty creatures, their sole purpose to destroy them. For those Aware whose families have long histories with demonic interaction, there is universally one lesson they express above all: “Seldom hunt; the weakest Demon is a lethal threat. Seek instead to repel.”

Demonic Breeds

Djinni: Known by some as "genies", the Djinn are fiery demons who prefer arid climates. They are generally quite powerful, able to conjure blasting winds and scorching flames when the need arises. Most Djinn are benevolently inclined, making them targets of the Mazikin and Rakshasas, though they have a deeper feud with the latter. Their interactions with humanity have been close throughout the centuries, with humans having intimate knowledge of their spiritual nature and otherworldly beginnings. Although ancient humans and sources could not quite comprehend these details, and they were described as "smokeless flame" (in their true form they are as living flames) existing in a parallel world.

Mazikin: "The Harmers". The Mazikin are almost entirely malevolently inclined. They are reapers and harvesters; terrible murderers. They are some of the most dangerous of all demons because of their sheer power. Their physical strength is unmatched, and with age they grow to titanic sizes in their true forms. Their drive to kill comes not from twisted pleasure, but deep-set rage. When young these Demons are uncontrollable, but with age they learn to fan their flames and focus less on the terrible need to kill. As the most “sane” of the Three Bloody Breeds, the Mazikin are also set apart from other more malevolent Demons by their ability to form loyalties to those outside their breed. Be warned, however: any Demon who breaks the bond with Mazikin servants will suffer greatly. Their true forms are often large and muscular, though dead and gray and rotting with age, with mouths full of sharp teeth, fingers tipped with claws and heads crowned by heavy horns.

Rakshasa: The Rakshasas (fem. Rakshasi) are almost entirely malign in their inclination, like the Mazikin. Rakshasas are infamous for their possessions and brutal slayings of humans. They are tormentors, and share in the Mazikin lust for violence and chaos, but their motivation comes from the sheer pleasure it brings them. In manifest form, their fingernails contain powerful venom to use against humans and demons alike, and their favorite food is human flesh. They are also notorious for shapeshifting, and have used this power to attack humans in animal form, inspiring many myths and legends. They are the most cunning and twisted of the Three Bloody Breeds. In their true forms, they have long claws, vicious fangs and horns, and their skin dark as night.

Mononoke: The last of the Three Bloody Breeds, and also the most violent. The Mononoke are prolific shapeshifters, as befitting the trickster side of the mentality. But it is their bloodlust that sets them apart from all other demons. Mononoke are infamous even among their own kind for being consumed in constant warfare among themselves, insulated simply because their breed is constantly folding in on itself. But with age comes sanity, as with all demon breeds. Out of the hordes sometimes rises those who have managed to survive. These evolved Mononoke are known as the Kami. Once they have clawed their way from the dregs of their race, the Kami typically associate themselves with other breeds so as to escape the hell they were born from. Physically, Mononoke have horned heads, sharp claws and fangs, and skin colors in all hues.

Mare: The Mare are one of the lowest breeds in all of demonkind. Typically more neutral, they lean toward malevolent in true inclination. They feed primarily on human fear. One of two Demonic breeds to feed by creating powerful emotional reactions, and siphoning off a little energy at a time to keep their food alive and more abundant. In older times they would catch a sleeping human in the grip of fear and fill their minds with horror, never allowing them to awaken until they had left. This is the origin of the nightmare and sleep paralysis. They prefer the darkness, and are not very powerful, relying more on their instincts and trickery to survive when pitted against stronger Demons. With age, and growth of power, they have been known to become as high as Greater Devils, like other demons.

Incubus/Succubus: Incubi, male, and Succubi, female, are a very interesting breed of demon. They are the second of the two lowest demon breeds, and like the Mare feed off of emotionally generated energy rather than killing their prey. But, what makes them truly unique is that they are the only demons other than the Grigori capable of conceiving children with humans. Their halfbreed children are known as Cambions. A Cambion is not as strong as their demon parent, but more powerful than humans. A Cambion is stillborn, having neither breath nor pulse, but are still alive. At the age of seven they gain a heartbeat and the ability to breathe. They are always angelically beautiful and extremely cunning, with the power to make any human do as they say. A Cambion's inclination generally depends on their demon parent's, but if said parent is never active in the halfbreed's life they will most likely become selfish and malign.

Grigori: The Watchers, as they are sometimes called, are the only other race of demons capable of conceiving children with humans, for unknown reasons. The Grigori were the first to attempt mating with humans, and the result was the halfbreed race of Nephilim. Taller than your average human, the Nephilim are physically very strong, unlike the more mentally powerful Cambions, whose persuasive abilities they can resist. Most Grigori are inclined to benevolence, and as such their Nephilim children generally are, as well. They are hunted by the Mazikin for their protection of humans, but the "war" between the two breeds shows no signs of ending, as they are equally powerful in their own respects. Not all are so kind, as one Ring – the Keys – is known as much for giving aid as it is for destroying those who beseech it. Their true forms are winged, and their bodies burning like fire.

Shedim: The Shedim are seen as the dominant breed of demon. Shedim are not so much devastatingly powerful as they are mentally. They are known for their forked tongue, both literally and metaphorically. As if speaking with many a voice, the Shedim can fill a room with quiet words and echoes, in preparation for whatever spell they are in need of. This type of magic is called “speaking in tongues”. They may store certain spells in trinkets, even slips of paper, until needed. Do not mistake this for weakness, as even without prepared spells a Shedim may still be possessed of a terrible strength. They are not as violent, or malevolently inclined, as the Mazikin, but are far more dangerous. A Ring of Shedim ancestors is famous both in the demonic Realms and on Earth: The Sins. In their true forms the Shedim are large and frightening serpents.

Naga: A serpentine breed older than the Shedim, though not as dominant due to their more trustworthy nature and neutral-to-benevolent inclination. The Nagas are set apart from their brethren not only psychologically, but also physically. They are a rarity among the breeds due to insulation, but out of choice unlike the Mononoke. When young they appear more closely to cobras, but with age their bodies change to accommodate more and more heads.

Malaumachina: A breed reviled by all other demons for their potential to create unimaginable devastation. The Malaumachina are machine-like demons, infamous for intense arrogance, their repulsive intellect, and – in time – a level of power so great it frightens even ancient Archdemons. Only two Malaumachina Archdemons currently exist, confined to their own Realms. When young these demons appear to be hodgepodges of technology; rough, and random. As they advance their forms evolve to become more refined and streamlined, taking on recognizable and definitive shapes.

Rates

Imp: Imps are the lowest level of demon. Younger demons are rated as Imps, most growing out of this class in a few hundred years. These kinds of demons are reserved to mostly playing tricks and pranks of sorts, making them little more than adolescent annoyances for demons, but deadly jokers for humans.

Fiend: Fiends are the "young adult" demons. Usually around four or five hundred years old at least. These demons still pose little threat to the older members of their race, but are much more serious problems for humans.

Drude: Drudes are the highest of the lower-rate demons, and considered a viable threat by some older or moderately strong demons. The rate of Drude is attained some one-to-two thousand years within a demon's life.

Devil: Devils are the middle-rate demons. Stronger than all lower rates, and a true threat to some older demons. Devils are not to be taken lightly in the least, and are the most numerous of classes. Having lived for up to fifty thousand years, Devils are the mature, true adults of the Demonic world.

Greater Devil: Greater Devils are some of the strongest demons alive. Though one can still be killed by a Devil, and even a Drude, such an event is deemed unlikely. Greater Devils are usually power hungry, as their amassing of power has made them lust for it after nearly one million years of living.

Elder Devil: A rate attained somewhere around five hundred million years, Elder Devils are reclusive and dangerous demons; desperate to defend and add to the wealth of power they have accumulated. Many of this rate are those who rule Realms, or serve under the next, and final, rate of demon.

Archdemon: Archdemon is a rate that most demons will never reach. The majority of Archdemons were alive during the time the demon home was still in existence, their knowledge and power great from age alone: numbering at least one billion years. As many demons of this rate were alive so long ago, they are often ancestors of the current breeds rather than actual members.

Character Sheet

Code: Select all

[b]Name:[/b]
[b]Alias(es):[/b]
[b]Age:[/b]
[b]Gender:[/b]
[b]Race:[/b]
[b]Breed:[/b] (Demons only)
[b]Rate:[/b] (Demons/Cambions/Nephilim only)
[b]Sexual Orientation:[/b]
[b]Date & Place of Birth:[/b] (for humans only, unless you're a Demon/Cambion/Nephilim born on Earth)

[b]Height:[/b]
[b]Physical Description:[/b] (written mandatory one paragraph, picture is allowed – no anime. Attempt to use such an image and my wrath shall be swift and keen.)
[b]Distinguishing Marks:[/b] (for Demons, this would be your unique marker in human form, for both it could be any other markings)

[b]Parents:[/b] (human only, unless your character is Cambion/Nephilim)
[b]Other Family Members, Living or Deceased:[/b] (see exceptions for Parents)
[b]Friends:[/b]
[b]Enemies:[/b]
[b]Political Beliefs/Affiliations:[/b] (humans only)
[b]Religious Beliefs:[/b] (human only)

[b]Personality:[/b] (paragraph mandatory)
[b]Inclination:[/b] (Demons only: malevolent or benevolent]
[b]Fears:[/b]
[b]Strengths:[/b]
[b]Weaknesses:[/b]
[b]Personal Quote:[/b]

[b]Weapon(s):[/b]
[b]Personal Items/Equipment:[/b]
[b]Skills/Powers:[/b] (I say it now: you godmod, you die)

[b]History:[/b]