Demon

Whatever its original meaning, the modern day usage of demon has come to be a technical magic term used to identify any entity from or linked to a plane other than the Plane of Abiding. There are several different types of creatures referred to as 'demons.'

It is important to note, however, that they are not demons in the Judeo-Christian sense of the term, nor are they even similar to the older Greek creatures.

While some demons in Elanthia are horrifying, malevolent, or rather sinister in appearance, the vast majority are involved in no moral perversion, nor do they seem to care about mortal affairs in any other way. The term "demon" arose mainly out of player usage, though it has appeared several times in various books.

The True Danger

Beyond any problems that the creatures might cause directly, the major danger of demonic creatures is any link to their home planes. When a portal opens between two planes, the areas around them begin to take on many of the characteristics of the other plane. Should enough power be used, or the portal stay open too long, it is possible that the planes may become one, sharing aspects of both, and likely being deadly to the inhabitants of both planes.

Types

Elementals

Elementals take two primary forms, depending on one of several factors. The first is called a natural elemental, in which its form is nearly identical regardless of whether it's on the Plane of Abiding or its original plane. The second is a reconfigured elemental, in which its form has been adapted to better suit the Plane of Abiding.

• Scaly Seodmaor (reconfigured Elemental)

Shadow Creatures

Creatures made of living shadow substance that naturally dwell in the Plane of Probability are referred to alternatively as shadow creatures, demons, or spirit creatures either by in-game texts or PCs. Research concerning their nature, strength, number, purpose, and possible usefulness of these creatures is scarce, mainly due to their violent tendencies.

These creatures are mostly content to keep to themselves, and are nearly always brought away from their home at the behest of powerful mortal spellcasters, much to their apparent chagrin. The most prominent exception to this would be the Strata beneath Taisgath, which has long been the location of a weakened barrier between the Plane of Abiding and the Plane of Probability, most likely due to the presence of the mystical obelisk which seems to link the two planes.

Shadow creatures resist magic, are harmed or weakened by light-based spells (including those produced by non-Lunar magic), and grow stronger when shadow spells are used on them.

• Shaderald
• Shadowling
• Shadow Servant
• Devourer
• Tenebraeling
• Voidspawn
• Shadefield Eviscerator
• Emaciated Umbramagus
• Shadow Master

See the book Denizens of the Plane of Probability for more information.

Unscrupulous Moon Mages have, in the past, unleashed demons in urban areas, letting them run loose in an attempt to cause as much destruction as possible. The Eviscerators and Umbramagi are the most recognizable examples, however Shadow Masters, Voidspawn and Tenebraelings have been used in this manner as well.

Maelshyvean Creatures

Maelshyve has alternatively been referred to by PCs and GMPCs alike as a demon and a demigoddess since her awakening at the hands of the necromancer Archrost. She is (or was once) so powerful she could not be destroyed, only sealed away for millenia, and she claims the Void is her domain, which Urrem'tier usurped.

Maelshyve has an army of powerful servants at her disposal, which the words 'Maelshyvean' and 'demonic' are interchangeably used to describe.

• Basilisk
• Maelshyvean Shadow Beast
• Maelshyvean Cinder Beast
• Maelshyvean Hierophant
• Maeldryth

Dark Fae

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While all Fae are of extraplanar origin, these black-hearted creatures may especially fall under demonic classification because of their inability to do good. Although Dark Fae are primarily defined as the offspring of Idon's work, minions of other dark gods, too, have often been called 'demons' and 'Fae' due to their ethereal and otherwordly nature.

• Gremlin
• Boggle
• Faenrae Reaver
• Faenrae Stalker
• Faenrae Assassin
• Faenrae Chanter
• Blue Ghast
• North Wind Banshee

Gremlins are favored pets of Zachriedek, but are rarely seen unless summoned by Clerics to do certain menial tasks. The Faenrae family is created by Huldah, while ghasts and banshees are among the many servants of Asketi. Interestingly, the boggle is the only extant creature of Idonic origin.

Also See

• Post:The Thing Behind Lyras - 4/28/2009 - 12:43:31
• Denizens of the Plane of Probability (book)
• Treatise on the Elements, Volume 2 (book)
• Entropy's Glory
• Abyssal Child

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