Demons

Ravener Demon Attacking Clary

**Demons** are malevolent, monstrous creatures that travel between worlds, disrupting and destroying life around them. They can also be used as weapons or servants by powerful people who could be capable of controlling them.

Demons come in a large variety of species and forms with almost seemingly infinite numbers.

## Description

Demons are easily recognizable as they almost always take on monstrous appearances on Earth, unless they are shapeshifters. Their blood, referred to as ichor, is infused with demon energies and is black and viscous. While ichor is not generally dangerous, it is somewhat toxic and poisonous, and some are acidic and can burn what it touches.

To human eyes, their disappearance can take many forms, depending on the type of demon. Some explode or burst into dust, some fade from view, and some crumple into themselves. Some leave behind ashes or smoke, depending on the manner of its death.

## Abilities

One of the most powerful magic that demons possess is their ability to take possession of a human's body, though this is very rare and usually only done by very powerful Greater Demons. The only way the connection between the possessor and the possessed can be broken is by killing the demon, which could also kill the possessed.

Most common demons cannot speak human languages. A large number of types are, however, able to parrot human speech that they have heard. This is often a sign that a demon has been summoned rather than coming to Earth on its own. There are a number of demon languages that the Nephilim and warlocks have identified and learned, including Chthonic, Purgatic, Gehennic, and Tartarian.

## Weaknesses

The most immediate weakness of demons is their vulnerability to angelic power and heavenly fire. However, like the Downworlders they brought into being, they cannot easily, or permanently, be harmed by normal earthly weapons, so most Shadowhunter weapons are Marked to strengthen them against demons.

Moreover, demons are, in some form, living creatures and are vulnerable to physical harm. Falling off from high places, getting buried in a rockslide, getting crushed under large objects, like chandeliers, grand pianos, and roof collapses, will kill the demon, even if the objects aren't Marked with runes.

Possession of the Mortal Cup can grant control over demons.

## Creation

The true origin of demons is unknown, though common belief is that demons "serve the Devil." It is believed that the fallen archangel Lucifer created and rule demons and turned Lilith into the first demon. Lilith, in turn, created more demons. While the more mythological story is that she scattered drops of her blood on the ground in the land of Edom, according to sources made available to the Clave, demons were created after the angelic fall first appeared on the Earth during the travels of Lilith. The demons were soon banished by Heaven, from Earth to Edom.

## Known Demons

#### Greater Demons

"Greater Demons" are demons who are more powerful and have distinctive identities. A significant class of Greater Demons include the Fallen Angels/Princes of Hell.

Known Greater Demons:

* Asmodeus
* Azazel
* Belial
* Lilith
* Marbas
* Thammuz
* Valak
* Yanluo

#### Lesser Demons

"Lesser demons" is the term used to refer to the demons with no identity or intellect and which are so common that they fall under a particular species or classification.

Known Lesser Demons:

* Asmodei

* Kuri
* Ravener
* Shax