Editing Harem Knights: Races (section)

==Demons==
Demons are horribly powerful immortal beings that feast on souls and smell of brimstone.  They have curved horns on their heads and leave flaming footprints in their wake.  Beware its devious contracts!

And with that out of the way, we can focus on specifics.

Current speculation and Demonology has posited that there are two types of Demons, the first group that came before the War Among Stars, and the second group that appeared only after succubi were discovered.

This distinction is very important, as while ancient Demons are far and few between, they are not to be trifled with, and tend to be more civil, than those bred from the bodies of a succubus.  With that in mind, take note that trafficking with Demons is always a poor idea for public and polite conversation.

Common traits shared between regular and theoretical Demons are the ability to be summoned outside of their normal plane, or indeed their current location, by means of complicated rituals that involve their name and range from flipping a coin from each of your fingers to sacrificing a virgin born babe on the peak of a double eclipse.  Religious and Demon-hunting authorities have it on record that the complexity of these rituals does not always correlate to the strength of the Demon.  Most Demons can also shapeshift, the succubi are masters of this, into less frightening forms to better mingle with the unknowing populace.  They have a mechanism within their bodies innate to their make-up that allows them to absorb what some may call souls, either by right of conquest or contract.  Once again, we advise against any compact with Demons, the amount of corruption has yet to be standardized, but much like nuclear radiation, it's not something to immerse yourself in.

; Succubi and Born Demons : They dwell in the hellish plane known as Miasma, the Hell of Poisonous Gases (it used to be on fire, but there was an argument), whose surface is covered in various toxins and mists that are poison, even to Demons, so that they live in underground forts and developed hardy constitutions.  Last warlock and demon-hunter census put the ratio of succubi and succubi derived products to non-succubi at 5:1, and indeed, even lower numbers than that of Demons that do not focus on some form of earthly pleasure.  A grand majority of these Demons only have intelligence enough to carry out their various tasks, which places them on the level of very dangerous animals.  Current demonology theory suggests this is some form of population control, lest succubi lose their high status in Demons society and be relegated to brood duties.

: They share similar weaknesses to religious icons and the fervent belief of the wielder, which depending on the Demon may range from immolation and combustion to the failing of their disguise and retreat.  Blessed and holy weapons deal significantly more damage to them, regardless of wielder's competence, and reports of Demons fended off with Holy candlesticks give merit to this.  Consecrated ground burns them, due to a long standing Pact between Demons and Gods, and we advise taking shelter there regardless of any stance to religion.

: As one, they have greater physical and magical strength than that of any man (Protip: no arm wrestling comps), but not greater magical potential.  Thus, many a Wizard and Witch can be said to have called upon a Demon with little problem.  They have bodies that are hardier to poison and disease, and what little that affects them is kept close watch on.  On death, usually turn into ash, having returned to their home plane.  Regardless of this, they can be said to taste horrible.

: The first Succubus was formerly an elf woman called Lillith who was physically and spiritually corrupted by the Five in an attempt to rebuild their numbers; this backfired when she refused to submit to their authority and "drove" the First Demons out of Miasma (then known as Gehenna, Hell of the Infinite Desires). First Magic may have been involved in their creation, but the records on this are unclear.

:Known types of Born Demons include:

::''Capra Demon''- A bestial humanoid with grayish skin, a skeletal tail, and a head resembling a goat's skull with four eyes. It wields two massive machetes which can easily tear through steel armor. One of the more aggressive varieties of Demons, the Capra Demon is known to attack mortals without provocation, suggesting that it may have been bred as a frontline warrior.

::''Succubus''- A former mortal woman corrupted into a demon. The corruption process starts by repeated sexual torture of the victim until her will is broken, followed by a rewiring the brain. Connections to pleasure centers of the brain are greatly strengthened, increasing the sex drive; an inhibitor is also placed on the frontal lobes, diminishing the capacity for rational decision making until the corresponding rune is deactivated (which normally occurs after the succubus has gone five years without breaking a law). At this point, the soon-to-be succubus is implanted with demonic organs that will allow her to convert sexual energy into magic and assume the physical features associated with succubi. By this point, the corruption is irreversible, and only the training process (i.e. further sexual torture with some teaching) remains.

::''Bull Demon''- A brutish creature resembling a humanoid bull, armed with a hunk of stone crudely carved into an axe. Strong but stupid, these Demons act as sentinels and guards.

::''Arc Demon''- A Large beastial humanoid with horns and wings, the colors of skin vary. These are considered the "tanks" of Demonic armies as they are capable of breathing fire and toxic mists in addition to generating large bursts of magical power. Entire cities can be felled by just one of these. The Minimal height for an Arc Demon is usually around 30 feet tall. They can have anywhere from 2 to 10 wings. Numbers of Arc Demons are low as they cannot be easily born. Humans who sell themselves to demons and display extraordinary fortitude can ascend to be these

; First Demons : The Demons that existed before succubi were created.  Numbers are said to be low since the War Among Stars, but definitely, and suspiciously, at least Five.  Religious paraphernalia and protection is only of marginal effectiveness, more likely to annoy or amuse them, whereas holy weapons are only enough to sting.  There is no uniform shape among any recorded First Demons, and current theory suggest that there are not made of the same material as the born Demons.  Of note, they are not born by any body at all, but spring fully formed from some long gone source.  They do have mortal forms they can take on to walk amongst the mortals, but any further semblance of demonhood among them is relegated to looking "monstrous" in some way or other.

: No natural habitat, these Demons are either self-exiled, imprisoned, lost or wandering, but they seem to favour remote locations far from any conflict or prying eyes.  This lends claim to the theory that they do not require souls for sustenance.  Summoning pacts with these Demons are not recommended, as they are far better than most (indeed, nearly all) at contracts, and will only come when it suits or amuses them.  Any able to chance a contract will find themselves in company of an immensely powerful and wise ally, several priests and demonologists are noted to say these Demons are remarkably more civil than any after them.

: Physical powers are immense.  Magical knowledge, unearthly.  Lifespan?  Indefinite.  These lend claims to theological disputes that these Demons fought and killed as many Gods as they lost in wars before recorded history. Any unprepared confrontation is suicide, though they can always be talked out of things, even if their alternative course is not any better.

: Relations between First Demons and Born Demons are non-existent, the Born Demons think of them as urban legends or boogeymen (but most can be said to be immensely afraid and awed by them), while First Demons think of them as lower than flies (possible distaste for their derivation from mortals?  Others guess disappointment). Notable First Demons are the Five, the rumoured five Demon Lords of Inferno (Hell of Searing Flames) that survived after the War and rebuilt demonkind into its current form, only to be forced out by their own creations. Sightings of them are sketchy at best, but if you are to deal with any Demon Lords, deal with them, you'll have a higher chance of a fair price.

Another interesting trait that Demons hold to be common is a love of the dramatic.  When summoned, they will pause all other activity while they announce their presence, appearance, authority and ability to the summoners.  Trying to interrupt them during this is seen as bad etiquette, and unlikely to make you any friends.  Trying to Attack them during this phase will break the ritual and send them back, due to the mechanics of summoning rituals, but it is always possible to Dismiss them before any prices are paid.