Demon

**Demons**, also erroneously known as **devils** and **fiends**, are a species of magical creature characterized by their evil nature. None but the demons themselves know where the species originates from, although it is well known that they are not from the physical world. Most religions across the world believe demons to be the servants of their respective evil gods. Demons are extremely varied in nature and characteristics, so much so that it can sometimes be difficult to identify a demon by physical traits alone. Typical features shared by most subspecies of demons are horns, spaded tails, bipedalism, affinity with fire, red or black skin, and various beastial physical features.

## Society

Although not as widely known in the current age, demonic society is highly hierarchical. The highest ranking demons are devils, collectively known as The Seven, who are responsible for leading all demons within their jurisdiction. Subservient to the Seven are archdemons, a designation which only the most powerful and accomplished demons achieve. Like devils, archdemons lead large numbers of lesser demons and are sometimes more well known by mortals then their devilish counterparts. The distinction between devils and archdemons is often unclear, and it is unknown if archdemons can rise to the rank of devils and vice versa. Devils and archdemons alike are often referred to as Lords and Ladies, especially ones that rule over a certain demographic. The phrase ‘demon lord’ is often used interchangeably with archdemon and devil.

Below archdemons, all other demons, known collectively as lesser demons, are organized in a hierarchy depending on their subspecies. The exact ordering of all subspecies is unknown, and there is evidence to suggest that the hierarchy occasionally changes. For example, succubi and incubi were considered fairly low ranking demons during the Age of Rebirth, however, in the current age these demons are considerably higher ranked. Although hierarchy exists between all of the subspecies, higher ranked demons do not necessarily lead or command lower ranking demons. Certain highly ranked subspecies, known as “commander” demons, do typically lead small groups of other demons and almost all demons do report directly to a commander (who in turn reports to a more powerful commander, etc.). Sometimes, demons are granted command by a demon lord or commander, usually in service of a specific mission or purpose. In these instances, it is possible for a lesser ranked demon to be given command over a higher ranked demon, since these situations operate on an individual basis outside of the species hierarchy.

## Subspecies

* Devils
* Archdemons
* Succubi/Incubi
* Cambions
* Imps
* Dretchs

### Uncertain

These classifications of demons are used by mortal scholars, however, their status as true subspecies by birth and ranking is unclear.

* Greater Demons
* Cacodemons
* Proto-Demons
* Infernal Spirits
* Beast Demons
* Grotesques

## History

Though demons come from uncertain origins, it is likely that they have existed on the Surface World for at least as long as mortals. The first notable and recorded event in the history of demons was the creation of the murhad race. A powerful devil, known primarily as the Ash Lord, used magic to create a sentient race of warriors in Farhan. Beginning in the Age of Rebirth, the Ash Lord led an army of demons and murhan against the draconic empire of Dharr, eventually causing its collapse.

Demons as a whole were most prevalent and powerful during the Age of Rebirth, as each of the Seven actively led their armies in an attempt to claim ultimate power. In this age, demons could be seen battling one another as well as mortals. The Seven actively competed amongst one another during this time, sometimes even engaging in active warfare against each other. However, demons also had to contend with the divine powers of the mortal races, which had become increasingly powerful and widespread after the Dragonfall. By the end of the Age of Rebirth, mortals and their gods successfully defeated most demonic forces and pushed the remaining into hiding.

At the end of the Age of Rebirth, the murhan rebelled against their demon masters and the Ash Lord. At the climax of the Murhad Rebellion, the Ash Lord was slain by the murhan, causing chaos in the ranks of the demons and eventually leading to the success of the rebellion. Some scholars believe that the death of the Ash Lord was the event which ended the Age of Rebirth and began the Age of Awakening.

Although demonic activity has reduced since the Age of Rebirth, demons are by no means extinct and continue to be active in the world.