Demon
Demon is a catch-all term used to identify any evil or unknown entity from or linked to a plane other than the Plane of Abiding. There are several different types of creatures referred to as 'demons.'
"Demon" is a bastardized term and may or may not accurately portray the nature of these creatures. 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.
Demons in Elanthia are horrifying, often malevolent, and rather sinister in appearance, but 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.
Shadow Creatures
Creatures made of living, solid shadows 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 Holy magic), and grow stronger when shadow spells are used on them.
Types of Shadow Creature & Their Uses
- Shadefield Eviscerator
- Emaciated Umbramagus
- Shadow Master
- Shadow Servant
- Shadowling
- Tenebraeling
- Shaderald
- Devourer
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.
Shadow Servant
Shadow Servants are brutish creatures that are bound by magic to follow a Moon Mage and carry whatever the mage may choose to burden them with. They carry out their tasks with some disdain, but unwavering loyalty.
Shadowling
Shadowlings are tiny creatures that boost the mana recovery of nearby Moon Mages. They appear to be harmless, though are often annoying. They resemble tiny winged cats.
Shaderald
Some Tezirites choose to employ an awkward creature known as a Shaderald to run ahead of them and announce their coming. Like all shadow creatures, it is hard to clearly see, but appears to be some sort of birdlike creature.
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.
When encountered, these creatures will sing the praise of Maelshyve, and encourage people to offer themselves up as sacrifices.