Imp

**Imps** are major recurring characters in the *Divine Comedy*.

Imps are a species of demons and categorized as the lowest in Hell's hierarchy alongside other demonic beings such as Mazzikin and Jinn.

## Description

Imps are the lowest in Hell's social structure and are essentially the working class of Hell's society. They are frequently used for labor and service by demons of higher rank but they themselves have their own independence. Imps are often used as chamberlains of royal families, taking residence in elaborate establishments, like mansions, and must do everything that their masters commanded unless they were freed. Imps that are under the service of a demon are often marked with a sigil belonging to said demon with the sigil itself usually etched onto their hands, arms, and back.

Imps are one of the more abundant types of demons that are native to Hell. They are also said to have their own hierarchical structure, but is bureaucratic and more "street-level" compared to the higher ranking demons. Imps are separated into species where they are only identified by color. Red imps are the most prominent while there are others such as blue imps, green imps, and yellow imps. Each species of imp is defined by their characteristics and talents in their labor amongst Hell's environment. According to Moxxie, these four types of imps (barring the pale imps) actually represent the four cardinal directions with said directions being ruled over by a demon king.

## Species

### Red Imps

Red Imps are the most common imps in Hell. They represent the compass point of South and are ruled over by Gaap. They are often referred to as 'war devils' as red imps are notorious for their war-like tenacities and excitement for battle. Because of their characteristics, red imps are commonly found in the Wrath Circle which is described as a "Wild West" setting where conflicts of all sorts occur on the daily.

The sexes of red imps can be identified by their physical characteristics. Male red imps have striped black and white horns whilst females are mainly black. In addition, the horns of a male are usually jagged whilst a female's is more curvy. Males also have large spikes on their backs and tails while females do not.

Red imps tend to have jovial, ill-tempered, loud dispositions, and a strong sense of humour. They are fond of drinking, singing, competition, and battle, sometimes all at the same time. Most red imps tend to view fighting as a grand amusement or challenge rather than a matter of life and death though in some cases, red imps know when to retreat when facing an opponent that far outclasses them.

### Blue Imps

Blue Imps are another relatively common type of imp found in Hell. Unlike their battle-hungry counterparts, the red imps, blue imps are non-combative and prefer to use their wits and intelligence than their swords and guns. They represent the compass point of North and are ruled over by Ziminiar.

Blue imps have had a long-standing rivalry with red imps with the two species almost always engaging in competition with one another. Blue imps are flippant and almost whimsical even, but are known for their cunning and intellectual nature. They are usually found in the Sloth and Pride Circles.

Blue imps are often laid-back and sassy creatures, but they are generally a lot more amicable and social than other demons. Blue imps are commonly summoned and employed as secretaries, courtiers, and magistrates. Aside from the contrast of skin color, blue imps are differentiated between red imps via their lack of color patterns on their horns as well as forked tails and spikes on the back. Male blue imps tend to have long straight horns whilst a female's are always curved.

### Green Imps

Green Imps are another type of imp in Hell though less common than the typical red and blue imp. Green imps represent the compass point of East and are ruled over by Amaymon. Green imps are known for their charisma, charm, and are normally found in the Greed Circle. They are usually seen working as bookies and card dealers between sinners and demons in the Greed Circle. Because of their disposition they are even seen working within the criminal underworld of the infernal cities.

Green imps are often vain and self-possessed creatures as they tend to steal anything that catches their eye, and usually adorn themselves with garish mishmash of fashion and random shimmering trinkets. Unlike most imps, green imps are more reptilian in appearance. The males in particular have colorful frills that are usually adorned with jewels whilst females do not.

Aside from being bookies and dealers in gambling games, green imps can also be used to guard a valuable item belonging to a high-ranking demon. This task also has them use the likes of Hellhounds for better security and to take something from a green imp is no easy task at all as they are quite possessive over what they take or were given.

### Yellow Imps

Yellow imps represent the compass point of the West and are ruled over by Corson. Yellow imps are infamous for being cruel and sadistic demons to where they are used by the Tartaruchi, demons who work in Tartarus, to aid them in the torment of a sinner or demon that has broken a law of Hell. Yellow imps are also known for their use of dark magic, rituals, and even science. Out of the four species of imps, yellow imps pose the most risk when being employed by a sinner as they have the means to outmaneuver their employers.

Because of their sadistic and cruel need to torture sinners, yellow imps can either work for Mulciber in the Chop Shop or Abaddon in Tartarus. It is in such locations the yellow imps indulge in their sadism like in the Chop Shop they maim, mash, and crush the remains of sinners and demons who perished during an annual Extermination Event on a conveyor belt whereby they would mold the dark energy left behind into the everyday objects and furniture for Hell and its denizens.

## Trivia

* An imp is a European mythological being similar to a fairy or demon, frequently described in folklore and superstition. Imps are often described as troublesome and mischievous more than seriously threatening or dangerous, and as lesser beings rather than more important supernatural beings. They are usually described as lively and having small stature.
* Imps were often confused with Familiars; spirits whom are the servants of witches and warlocks.
* "Salamanders" and "Newts" are considered derogatory slurs for red and blue imps respectively.
* Each species of imp has a method proposing to their would-be mates:
	+ Red imps engage in a "war dance" where they battle one another.
	+ Blue imps interpretive dance.
	+ Green imps decorate themselves with the finest jewelry to impress their mates and can extend their frills out to "sweeten the deal".
	+ Yellow imps would adorn themselves with the severed body parts of their victims, showcasing a gruesome and twisted sight that would attract females.