Demonkin

Demonkin, sometimes referred to as Darkspawn are the result of abyssal influence on mortals. There are various types of Demonkin, and their method of conception is similarly varied.

## History

The first reports of Demonkin can be traced back to the Age of Myth, it is said that originally the Dread Abyss held no direct presence on Penastria, however, the archangel, Valkorion uncovered and successfully activated a planar gate found in the northern continent of Phalos. He then led a band of adventurers through the gate and into the unknown. What they found beyond changed all of them, and they returned as Demonkin, specifically they returned as Firstborn, led by Valkorion who had become a Demon Prince. With them came a tide of demons and the corrupting influence of Balmorath.

The corruption of the Abyss warped various aspects of Penastria, and even after Valkorion's defeat, continued to seep into the plane. This has led to various instances of mutations, whether sudden or gradual, from disfigured births to violent transformations, it is believed that nothing is truly safe from the corruptive nature of the Abyss' influence.

## The Firstborn

It is unknown exactly just how many mortals first entered the Abyss alongside Valkorion, however the seven who emerged had been viciously mutated and turned into immortal champions of the abyss. Many served as generals during the First Demonic Incursion, leading hordes of demons south to ravage the continent of Phalos and in so doing they destroyed the Kingdom of Astoria and the various cities of the Snow Elves, driving the Giants and the Jotunnas to the brink of extinction.

The Firstborn are rumoured to have been as powerful as Greater Demons, however the intervention of the last angelic host allowed the mortal races of Phalos to defeat and seal away many of the Firstborn, unable to truly kill them due to their connection to the Abyss. Those who were not sealed away faded into obscurity, either returning to their masters' side or disappearing into the wilderness. There have only been a handful of appearances of these Firstborn throughout the subsequent ages, the most notable one being Azarus' the Almighty's Everblight.

## Beastmen and Gnolls

Beastmen and Gnolls are a specific type of Demonkin who were birthed by Baphomet and Yeenoghu respectively. Of the Demon Lords of the Abyss, these two are the one who tend to directly interact with the mortal plane which has drawn a great deal of mortals into their service. The exact nature of their creations is unknown, but each creature is a mortal embodiment of their demon lord's aspects.

The term "Beastmen", is more colloquial term that refers to a group of Demonkin that possess more bovine features. Each of these Demonkin are said to be bestial in nature, embodying the cunning savagery of Baphomet. They dwell in the wilds, constructing foul shrines and offering sacrifices to their master in the hopes of drawing his gaze. They despise any form of civilisation, and actively seek to destroy settlements in order to earn their master's favour. This favour, may take different shapes from the manifestation of a greater demon in order to aid in their attacks to bestowing a boon on those who have truly earned the Horned Lord's favour.

Gnolls are a type of Demonkin that possess the appearance of humanoid hyenas much like their demonic master. Similarly they are also gluttonous beasts that travel the world in packs consuming any they come across. Various packs may also come together to form tribes, when guided by Yeenoghu to partake in a Blood Feast.

## Abyssal Spawn

Similarly to Beastmen, the term "Abyssal Spawn" refers to a collection of Darkspawn that have been mutated by the Abyss to take on various grotesque forms. This mutation is not limited to living tissue, but may also occur in the dead. Through fell rituals, different body parts of the fallen are changed to create different Demonkin, in most cases this results in the creation of bloated amalgams or feral spawn which constantly mutate, making it almost impossible to ever truly be prepared for what one may face.

Maleficari are a specific type of Abyssal Spawn, which may be created when a mage draws from the Weave in an area that has been corrupted by the Abyss. The Abyss' influence may spread to the Weave itself, leading to more chaotic forms of magic, those who channel divine magic are usually immune to any negative effects, however, other types of mages are not so lucky. Those who draw too much from this corrupted aspect of the Weave, risk opening themselves up to mutation and demonic possession. This leads to the creation of a Maleficarum, a powerful Abyssal Spawn that is able to easily channel the magical powers of the original host.