Demon

Demons or dae'mons ("twisted souls"),Rise of the Horde, pg. 464 female demonesses,WANTED: Malicious Instructors are immortal beings linked to the Twisting Nether. Most of them feed upon magic and life, and delight in inflicting suffering, spreading corruption, and destroying all that is good.
Originally, "demon" is the name for the races born from the Twisting Nether (such as the annihilan), felhounds, jailers, etc.), as opposed to the races of the Great Dark Beyond (such as humans). A demon is fundamentally a creature whose soul is bound to the Twisting Nether, and as such returns to that plane upon death. They can be truly killed only inside the Twisting Nether or in places where its chaotic energies leak. Most demons were once mortal creatures,The Warcraft Encyclopedia: DemonsArthas: Rise of the Lich King, Further Reading, pg. 570 (ebook): "Like most demons, Kil'jaeden was originally a mortal." who have been turned into demons (a state draenei demonologists call "man'ari", meaning 'twisted, unnatural, defiled') by being infused with large quantities of fel magic, usually in the form of a gift or blessing such as the one Sargeras offered the eredar or as with the case of the nathrezim.Enemy Infiltration - Preface
Not all demons are sentient, various animals have been transformed into demons for instance, and some started as constructs such as infernals. Though most demons have a deep connection with fel magic, not all of them use it, such as the demons that joined Illidan Stormrage and who fed upon his arcane source of energy instead, freed of the dependence of fel,Infiltrating the Black Temple or Lothraxion, a nathrezim infused with Light magic. Not all demons are evil either, many are neutral such as the observers, who serve anyone that would allow them to observe the mysteries of the universe and feed upon all sorts of magic,Jubeka's Journal or the demons serving the Illidari and the Black Harvest against the Legion.
However, the vast majority of them joined the Fallen Titan Sargeras and his Burning Legion, with only one purpose: destroying all world-souls in the universe.
==Origins==
As the universe formed, the most chaotic energies unleashed by the clash between Light and Void coalesced into an astral dimension known as the Twisting Nether. Light and Void bled together at the borders of this realm, throwing it into turmoil with chaotic magics.Mythology of the Titans Life would arise in the Twisting Nether too in the form of the first demons, born as a result of this clash between the two energies. The Twisting Nether became home to an infinite number of demonic beings, most of whom sought only to destroy life and devour the energies of the livings. Where the Twisting Nether bled into the Great Dark Beyond, demons would pour and destroy civilizations and worlds.
To combat the demonic entities that made their way into the titan's worlds from the Twisting Nether, the Pantheon elected their greatest warrior, Sargeras, to act as their first line of defense. Sargeras, the most powerful warrior among the Pantheon, carried out his duties for countless millennia, seeking out and destroying the demons wherever he could find them.Sargeras and the Betrayal
After realizing that the demons he defeated did not truly die and simply returned to the Twisting Nether to reform, Sargeras created the planet Mardum, the Plane of Banishment to which he would bind all the souls of all the demons he'd defeat so when they would return to the Nether, they would reform on Mardum and remain imprisoned for all eternity.
Eventually, Sargeras learned about the fundamental flaw in the universe, a flaw that made his primary purpose an impossible goal. As long as the Void lords tried to corrupt nascent titans, there could be no peace. Under these circumstances, the struggle was futile. The universe had to be destroyed utterly and remade without the underlying defect. World-souls needed to be gone or there would always be a risk for a dark titan to awaken. Only then could true order be achieved. Thus, Sargeras conceived of a sweeping campaign to bring about the end of all things: the Burning Crusade. To carry out his plan, he shattered Mardum and freed the demons to create the Burning Legion, an infinite army who would annihilate all life in the universe.
==Characteristics==
Demons transcend all realities,Afrasiabi on Twitter (2015-05-06) destroying their possible worlds.World of Warcraft: Illidan, chapter 9: This time he saw not just one universe but a near infinity of them, a complex fractal structure, where new worlds were born each minute from the decisions made a heartbeat before. Everywhere the Burning Legion marched, destroying world after world. Their spirits are tethered to the Twisting Nether and,World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 1, Introduction, "Denizens of the Cosmos" as such, when demons are killed, their souls are sent back to the Twisting Nether, where they await for some time to be reborn in new bodies, with all the knowledge of their previous lives.Banish the DemonsWorld of Warcraft: Illidan, chapter 25 Thus, demons can only be destroyed in the Twisting Nether, in places where it bleeds into the world of mortals, or in places utterly saturated with fel.Blizzcon 2015 - WoW Lore Interview with Dave Kosak Not all of a demon's power returns to the Twisting Nether, however.Skull of Corruption
Physical death for a demon is not a pleasant experience however for it still causes pain, even though they're temporary, as multiple demons have expressed anger and despair about their deaths.During the War of the Ancients, the demons feared for their lives during the confrontation with the Wild Gods and the devastating might of the Demon Soul. Since the recent story development of demons being immortal and being able to reform and return from the Nether, a phenomenon that is now often reflected through their quotes, this behavior has been more and more diluted. It is very common now for demons to refer to their future return or virtual defeat, and some demons have used this fact as a taunt.Dread Commander Arganoth: Brutallus: When a demon is killed in the Great Dark Beyond, their soul drifts calmly in the Twisting Nether, which Lothraxion describes as a pleasant experience, before being dragged by Argus and reborn, although not before their soul is punished severely for failure.
Most demons' hunger for life and magic can never be sated for long. Their innate cruelty makes a moot point of whatever temporary satisfaction they can know. As a result, destruction tends to follow these demons, whether or not they are part of the Legion. If a demon cannot maintain a source of magic, they will weaken and perish.
Chaos, however, does not come easily to all demons - some struggle with the ways of the Burning Legion. That is why some carry an enchanted orb that invokes the rage required of any good demon. It is not known how the orbs are made, or who makes them.Orb of Inner Chaos Others decided to not follow the Legion at all and serve their own agendas, or band with like-minded people such as the Shivarra serving Illidan Stormrage against Sargeras. However rebellion against the Legion is heavily punished, normally with eternal torture, as was done to Lothraxion; forced submission as was done to Ner'zhul; or death as happened to Gul'dan.
Demon blood is a potent demonology spell component.The Last Guardian, chapter 8
Some demons slake their lust with coupling, just like mortals. The man'ari eredar prefer to do so with violence instead.Rise of the Horde, chapter 5
===Demonic traits===
Demons can possess various characteristics, though they don't necessarily each possess all of them.
Race 	Horns	Scales	Bat Wings	Hooves 	Fangs	Claws	Red or Green Skin	Flames
Terrorguard 	Yes 	No 	Yes 	Yes 	Yes 	Yes 	Some 	Yes
Antaen 	Yes 	No 	No 	No 	No 	Yes 	No 	No
Man'ari eredar 	Yes 	Yes 	Some 	Yes 	Yes 	Yes 	Some 	Some
Nathrezim 	Yes 	No 	Yes 	Yes 	Yes 	Yes 	Some 	No
Sargeras 	Yes 	No 	Yes 	Unknown	Yes 	Yes 	Yes 	Yes
Sayaad 	Yes 	Yes 	Yes 	Yes 	Yes 	Yes 	Some 	No
Annihilan 	Yes 	Yes 	Yes 	No 	Yes 	Yes 	Yes 	Yes
Ered'ruin 	Yes 	Yes 	Yes 	Yes 	Yes 	Yes 	Some 	No
Illidan Stormrage	Yes 	No 	Yes 	Yes 	Yes 	Yes 	No 	Yes
Mo'arg 	No 	No 	No 	No 	Yes 	Yes 	Some 	No
Felhunter 	Yes 	Yes 	No 	No 	Yes 	No 	Yes 	No
Fel orc 	Some 	No 	No 	No 	Yes 	Yes 	Some 	No
Felblood elf 	Yes 	No 	Yes 	No 	Yes 	Yes 	Yes 	No
Satyr 	Yes 	No 	No 	Yes 	Yes 	Yes 	Some 	No
Imp 	Yes 	No 	Some 	Some 	Yes 	Yes 	Yes 	Yes
Void terror 	Yes 	Yes 	No 	No 	Yes 	No 	No 	No
Shivarra 	No 	No 	No 	No 	No 	Yes 	Some 	Yes
Aranasi 	Yes 	Yes 	Yes 	No 	Yes 	Yes 	Yes 	No
Felbat 	No 	Yes 	Yes 	No 	Yes 	Yes 	Yes 	Some
Inquisitor 	Yes 	No 	No 	No 	No 	Yes 	No 	Some
Jailer 	Yes 	No 	No 	No 	Yes 	No 	Some 	Some
Observer 	No 	No 	No 	No 	Yes 	No 	Some 	No
Overfiend 	No 	No 	Yes 	Yes 	No 	No 	No 	Yes
Wyrmtongue 	Yes 	Yes 	No 	No 	Yes 	Yes 	Some 	No
Felsteed 	Some 	Some 	No 	Yes 	No 	No 	Yes 	Yes
*Fel imps have wings, while regular imps do not.
*Several demon hunters have been known to evolve scales.Demon hunter character customization options.
*The eredar display a variety of skin tones, including but not limited to blue, brown,Battle for the Exodar orange, red and green.
====Alteration====
Some demons that were not born demons can be redeemed from their demonic forms into who they originally were. While there has long been speculation on this topic, one recorded example of complete demonic redemption exists: the satyr Avrus Illwhisper. After assisting the player in curing a sick girl in Astranaar as a toll,He Who Would Be Forgiven Avrus was purged of his demonic shell by Elune's blessing, turning back into a night elf and being renamed Avrus the Redeemed. Based on Avrus' experience, it seems possible that someone who is truly repentant and is willing to earn a powerful enough blessing can regain mortality even after corruption.
Demons can also be altered magically, for example Lothraxion, a member of the Grand Army of the Light under High Exarch Turalyon and Lady Alleria, is a Light-infused nathrezim. Demons altered by this way are also capable of traits such as altruism and compassion. There are also void-infused satyrs and imps in service of the Old Gods and the Nightmare, such as Xavius. Illidan Stormrage freed many demons from the fel corruption of the Legion's magic by feeding them the arcane energy held within the Shrine of Lost Souls.Infiltrating the Black Temple
===Demonic death===
Demons killed outside of the Twisting Nether simply return to the Nether, where their souls drift until they are reborn. When Sargeras expressed displeasure with the time it took for his armies to regenerate in this manner, the nathrezim suggested that they could infuse a nascent titan world-soul with Death energies to great a so-called "resurrection engine" that would allow slain demons to return almost instantaneously. The result of this scheme was the death titan Argus, through whom all soldiers of the Burning Legion would return upon their deaths.World of Warcraft: Sylvanas, chapter 25 Once slain, demons leave their old bodies behind to rot like any normal mortal creatures. The bodies can eventually be resurrected through necromancy.Mannoroth (tactics)
Demons killed within the Twisting Nether however, or in areas saturated with fel, die permanently.BlizzCon 2019 Interview: Steve Danuser & Frank Kowalkowski - Story and Systems | The Lost CodexWorld of Warcraft: IllidanA Thousand Years of War
There is contradicting information regarding the regeneration of demons slain on the world of Argus. On one hand, it was established that:
*In World of Warcraft: Illidan, Illidan stated that Argus was so saturated with fel that a demon's death there was permanent. Illidan also said that Argus is situated on the brink between the Nether and the Great Dark.World of Warcraft: Illidan, pg. 249
*Likewise, Chronicle Volume 1 reiterated that demons die permanently when slain within the Twisting Nether, or in areas permeated with fel energy.
*The audio drama A Thousand Years of War also stated multiple times that if a demon was killed within the Twisting Nether, it would die for good. Lothraxion is used as an example, he avoided permanent death by dying outside of the Nether, which allowed the world-soul of Argus to resurrect him. It also stated that Argus is fully shrouded by, and situated within, the Twisting Nether.
*In the patch 7.3.0 trailer, Illidan can be heard again stating that "every demon that dies here dies their final death".The Path to Argus
*After killing Talgath, Velen treats his death as permanent one by stating: 
On the other hand, on Argus:
*Talestra the Vile last exclaimed Turalyon then stated that Talestra the Vile (quest)
*After slaying Vagath the Betrayed in the Antoran Wastes, Illidan stated that Vagath the Betrayed (quest)
*Quartermistress Kl'azz also exclaimed 
*Felbound Drudges, after being freed in Krokuun, exclaim 
*After hearing about Argus' world-soul in Storming the Citadel (quest), Turalyon said to which Alleria adds 
*According to Antorus, the Burning Throne: The Death of a Titan, the Legion is harnessing the world-soul's power to "fuel the Legion's infinite army". Striking down the heart of Argus would sever the "Legion's connection to the world-soul", and defeat the Legion.
Demon souls thus seemed to survive even after being killed on Argus, which should be impossible as Argus is supposed to be situated in the Twisting Nether. When asked about this, Jeremy Feasel replied that "[we were] free to speculate",Jeremy Feasel on Twitter: "Feel free to speculate :)" which was likely in reference to the audio-drama published not long after the tweet and which answered some questions.
==Races==
Race 	Description 	Homeworld
Annihilan (or pit lords) 	Gigantic generals who lead the armies of the Legion, surpassed in power only by the demonic eredar. 	Unknown
Antaen 	Giant humanoid demons of unknown origin. 	Unknown
Bilescourge 	Bug-like demons found on Argus. 	Unknown
Aranasi 	Spider-like demons. 	Unknown
Darkhound 	These vile creatures are canines somehow twisted by demonic energy. 	Unknown
Ered'ruin 	 	
* Doomguard 	Iron-fisted demons who serve as the Burning Legion's captains and generals. 	Unknown
* Doomlord 	The most powerful doomguard are important, high commanders of the Legion troops. 	Unknown
Felbat 	Gargoyle-like winged demons. 	Unknown
Fel beast 	Two-headed hounds made of molten fel energies. 	Unknown
Felhound 	Animalistic creatures who are attracted and feed on all magic. 	Unknown
Felstalker 	Similar to felhounds, but pack hunters instead of magical leeches. 	Unknown
Terrorguard 	Shock troops and supervisors of the Legion found on the front lines of the Burning Crusade in areas like Outland. 	Unknown
Imp 	Small, horned spellcaster demons, often seen accompanying warlocks. 	Unknown
* Fel imp 	More powerful imps with wings and bigger horns. 	Unknown
* Imp mother 	Large females who produce tons of imps. 	Unknown
Infernal 	Great burning stone amalgamations of matter and fel energy, infamous for falling from the sky like burning meteors. 	Unknown
* Abyssal 	Infernal-like creature made of jagged stone. 	Unknown
Inquisitor 	Blind demons who see through magical floating eyes and specialize in dark pacts. 	Unknown
Jailer 	Capture both the soul and body of their enemies and imprison them in their cages. 	Unknown
 	The brain of the Legion, turned into demons by Sargeras 	Argus
* Wrathguard 	Eredar that serve as honor guards for the Legion's leadership. 	Argus
Mo'arg 	Armorers of the Legion, forging fel-infused weaponry and constructs. 	Unknown
* Gan'arg 	The main engineers of the Legion. 	Unknown
* Mo'arg brute 	Brutish mo'arg focusing on melee combat. 	Unknown
* Felguard 	Lethal and dangerous, they are the main infantry of the Legion. 	Unknown
* Fel lord 	Enforcers in the direct service of Archimonde. 	Unknown
Nathrezim (or the dreadlords)	Usually serve as commanders of Legion troops or supervisors, or as spies and interrogators. 	Nathreza, Revendreth (originally)
Felsteed 	 	Unknown
* :Felsteed 	Demonic steeds that can be summoned by experienced warlocks. 	Unknown
* :Dreadsteed 	Great demonic steeds who only respond to the call of the most powerful warlocks in the land. 	Xoroth
Observer 	Many-eyed demons thirsting for knowledge about magic. 	Unknown
Darkglare 	Floating, horned, one-eyed or five-eyed octopus-like demon similar to an observer. 	Unknown
Overfiend 	Unknown demons under the Burning Legion. 	Unknown
Satyr 	Mortals corrupted as a reward or as punishment by Sargeras' curse. 	Azeroth, XorothXorothian Satyr
Sayaad 	 	Unknown
* Succubus 	They serve the Burning Legion by conducting nightmarish interrogations. 	Unknown
Shivarra 	Religious front line commanders of the legion. They are totally devoted to Sargeras as their god, and inspire the troops. 	Unknown
Tothrezim 	Distant cousin race of the nathrezim, laborers and researchers of the Burning Legion, responsible for the creation of the infernals.	Unknown
Ur'zul 	Demons formed from the tormented bodies and souls of fallen members of the Army of the LightShackled Ur'zul or Broken.Strike Back 	Argus
Vilefiend 	Bestial demons infused with acidic blood through a terrifying ritual.Vile Fiend 	Unknown
Void terror 	Large, two-headed demons with vast magical powers. 	Unknown
Wyrmtongue 	Slaves used by the Legion for manual labor. 	Unknown
Demonhunter 	Rarely seen demon type that seems connected to Demon Hunters. 	Unknown
==Notable demons==
Name	Race 	Role 	Status	Location
 	Eredar 	The Defiler, overlord of Legion forces during the Third War and the invasion of alternate Draenor. 	 	Various Locations
 	Unknown 	Master of felhounds, prominent Legion general during the War of the Ancients. 	 	Various Locations
 	Demon 	The Betrayer, Jailer of Sargeras, Lord and Master of the Illidari. 	 	Various Locations
 	Ered'ruin	Legion field commander in Outland, re-opener of the Dark Portal on Azeroth. 	 	Twisting Nether
 	Eredar 	The Deceiver, acting leader of the Burning Legion, corruptor of the orcs and creator of the Lich King.	 	Various Locations
 	Nathrezim	Started Arthas Menethil on his path to become the Lich King, secret leader of the Scarlet Onslaught. 	 	Unknown
 	Annihilan	Demon King of the Pit Lords, creator of the Blood Curse. 	 	Twisting Nether
 	Nathrezim	Chief infiltration specialist of the Legion, former leader of the Nathrezim. 	 	Twisting Nether
 	Satyr 	First and lord of the Satyrs, ruler of the Emerald Nightmare. 	 	Various Locations
==Demonic worlds==
*Argus
*Dreadscar Rift
*Kerxan
*Mardum, the Shattered Abyss
*Nathreza
*NihilamRavencrest's Legacy (quest)
*Niskara
*Rancora
*Xoroth
*An unnamed Legion world showed by Star Augur Etraeus.
*A "distant nexus world" conquered by the demon Immolanth.Forged in Fire
==In the RTS==
In Warcraft I and II, demons were referred to as daemons, which is a variation of the term demon.
===Warcraft I===
File:WC1PDaemon.gif
File:WC1Daemon.gif
File:Warcraft I - Daemon.jpg
File:Warcraft I - Daemon1.jpg
File:Warcraft I - Daemon2.jpg
;Human description
:Denizens of the underworld, these creatures are the most powerful entities to ever exist in the lands of Azeroth. Their aptitude in the arts of deception and combat are only equaled by their sadistic nature, and the puissance they possess in the black arts of magic. They command the searing fires of Hell as if it were their plaything. They are the true lords of chaos, wreaking havoc at every step and destroying what they wish. There is rumored to be a gateway that appears every thirteenth full moon that bridges the gap between Azeroth and the underworld, and it is during these brief moments that the daemons can come to this place. Legend also states that some have the power to summon these creatures and control them, but if this is so, none are alive to tell the tale of how it is accomplished.
;Orc description
:These hellspawn are evil incarnate. The ability to summon these dark minions of the underworld has long been lost, though the Warlocks seek to find those secrets once again. Breathing flame and wielding a blade forged in the fires of Hades, destruction and death are their greatest desire. These daemons possess cruelty beyond the imagining of even the sickest mind, and delight in the execution of their plans. If there is a way to send these monsters back into the pits that spawned them without the loss of many lives, it too is a secret locked away in time.
===Warcraft II===
File:Daemonwc2.jpg
File:DaemonWC2.gif
File:Daemonreleased.jpg
File:Daemon.jpg
:Daemons are the ancient and corrupt denizens of the lower planes. These winged creatures of fire are legendary for their fondness of destruction and brutal cruelty. Daemons harbor a lustful hatred for all mortals and hunger for any chance to bring pain and death upon them. It is rumored that Gul'dan has entered into a pact with a sect of Daemons loyal to the Daemonlord Sargeras who are willing to aid the Warlock in finding their master's tomb.Warcraft II manual#Daemons
==In the RPG==
Demons (aka the demonspawn)Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game, pg. 17 are evil creatures that inspire dread and fear in mortals. Almost all demons are members of the Burning Legion, a group with phenomenal power, that roams the cosmos preying on worlds. All demons are evil.Monster Guide, pg. 188
Most demons were once mortal creatures found on the worlds conquered by the Burning Legion, but have been transformed by their conversion into demonic beings. This change includes a powerful command of arcane energy. They define and control this arcane power with the force of their will, much as sorcerers and wizards do.Manual of Monsters, pg. 112
The demonic usage of magic will deploy fel magic, which uses the blood of demons to create the most corrupt and ultimate type of arcane magic. This type of magic exists naturally in demonic blood. As a result, "fel" and "demonic" is often considered the same, and the trait of being affected by "fel" is one of the most distinctive attributes of the demonic. Fel magic used by other creatures (often acquired by drinking demon blood) will grant demonic powers and, if enough is applied, even transform them into demons.
In Monster Manual there is a distinct breed of demons which use the "demonic" subtype. This kind of demons are described in Manual of Monsters Appendix Three and as told before the description doesn't match the demons described in the Warcraft universe.Manual of Monsters, pg. 191 Throughout the Manual of Monsters the term "demon" refers to the minions of the Burning Legion, but in the section of "demons" of the Appendix Three they refer to the demons of . However, the validity of the Appendix Three is disputed.
==Notes and trivia==
;Lore
*All creatures who use the power of fel magic, willingly or otherwise, slowly take on the appearance of demons.The Maker#Adventure Guide This is particularly notable with demon hunters and certain warlocks.Shadow Lord Fel'dan (quest)
*Knowing the true name of a demon can grant a certain amount of power over that demon.Illidan's PupilNot Just Any Body A weapon can hold this power if it is forged with the demon's true name.The Name of the Beast
*They can also be undead,Fel Wolf as was the case with Mannoroth at .
*Some sensitive mortals have the ability to naturally sniff out fel and arcane magic, being able to detect demons, wizards and possessed people on their own.Cycle of Hatred, chapter 15
;Game mechanics
*Some can be banished or enslaved by warlocks.
*Paladins can afflict demons with fear by using Turn Evil.
*Demonbane is a passive racial ability for all lightforged draenei, increasing experience gained from killing demons.
*Hunters can locate demons on their minimap with Track Demons. Prior to patch 4.0.1, warlocks could do the same with Sense Demons.
*Demons cannot be skinned except for felhounds, darkhounds, and their variants.
*Voidwalkers and other Void creatures are considered demons for gameplay reasons, but are not demons in lore.Dave Kosak on Twitter (2014-03-07) - "Real answer: Void is different from nether. We consider voidwalkers "demons" for gameplay but different origins!"Ask CDev Answers - Round 4
*Enchanters can enchant weapons with Enchant Weapon - Demonslaying which gives the player bonus attack power against demons and also causes their weapon to become engulfed in flames.
*Medium level (24+) demons can drop Silk Cloth.
*Higher level demons in the 50-60 range can drop Felcloth.
;Other
*Before Warcraft III really solidified, Chris Metzen envisioned demons as shapeshifters who used magical illusions and deceit, and this version of demons was initially planned to be a playable race in classic World of Warcraft alongside naga and goblins. According to Johnathan Staats, this was likely a relic from when the Burning Legion was planned to be a playable race in Warcraft III. However, as Warcraft III developed, the demons got a lot more brutish, and on the development side, having a shapeshifting race proved too expensive as it would effectively entail making a whole additional race with its own animation sets in addition to the base race. Thus, playable demons were cut from classic WoW.
==References==
 
Category:Races
es:Demonio