Daemon Overview
Daemons are an immortal hybrid species descended from the union of the Old Ones and humans. In such, the original Daemons were thought to be children of the Gids, or Demi-Gods, Angels, Demons, Fey and many humanoid creatures of myth and folklore. They have even been confused for Witches. Where the Old Ones shaped the Pantheon for a millennia, Daemons have shaped much of the representation of the supernatural Humanity has passed down in stories, faith and superstition including the idea of unnatural appearances.
In reality, Daemons are entirely humanoid, blending in with human society perfectly, save for their peculiarity of sometimes having unusual eye colors depending on their lineage. They are an immortal species that does not age, grow ill of human causes or die of old age. However, they are not unkillable, and there are illnesses that do reach them. Unlike Vampyres, Daemons can die any number of ordinary ways. Unlike the stories of human culture, there are no “types” of Daemons that make them angelic, demonic or fey like. Daemons, no matter their ancestry, have free-will to be benevolent, neutral or malevolent, having free will to decide their lives. Their power is in their blood, and does not require reverence towards their ascended ancestors, the old Ones.
Of the centuries, Daemons have evolved to blend in with humanity. Some struggle to keep up with the growth of science and technology, while others prosper. Due to their immortal lives, it is rather common for them to wedge themselves in as important figures of humanity, or among the wealthy.
It is rumored that it is the fault of a Daemon, the exposure of supernatural to humanity in the Great War. This Daemon has since been apprehended and it is unknown if they are dead or alive. However, the unraveling chaos that they provoked cannot be undone. This has left greater tensions with the other species who know where to wield the blame.
Reproduction & Inter-Species Interaction
Daemons may reproduce with Humans, including Witches and fellow Daemons. When a Daemon reproduces with another Daemon, 85% of the time it produces another Daemon. In the other 15% they may produce a normal human baby. When a Daemon reproduces with a Human or witch, 85% of the time produce a normal human baby. But the smaller 15% produces Daemons. The species of Daemon is already a hybrid, thus in most cases the genetics water down. But every once in a while one takes more after their Daemon parent to all capability. This phenomenon is the source of changeling lore, as it is possible to conceive with a Daemon and not realize it untill one is stuck with a strange child.
Unlike any othr specicies, Daemons can be birthed from the elements like the Old Ones once were. Though this is not done from nothing. This is a rencarnation process of which a Daemon has lived and died. Should their boby not be burned amd spirit not dispersd or bound, they reform in their own corpse among the elemnts as a child or fully formed adult but lack all memory of their life before. This may occur and ONLY occur, if they have the favor of their pantheon ancestor.. Those who have grown wise to Daemons doing this, has lead to the burning of thir corpses to ensure they do not come back.
Daemon relations are fairly fickle with the other species. Daemons are typically seen as self-serving or serving a higher agenda they may not always be revealed untill it’s too late. When they are benevolent, they are deeply embraced, when they are malevolent, they are known to be extremely destructive. From a mortal perspective this is a toss of a coin of what you will get. Humans may be more oblivious, while Witches may need trust to be earned.
Daemons have a strange relationship with Vampyres. In one breath, they serve immortality together, and ever a few centuries of constantly running into the same face, relationships may build. However, Daemon blood taste absolutely divine and intoxicating to Vampyres, leaving younger less controlled fledglings to be unable to help trying to get a taste. This, a friendship of a Daemon and a Vampyre is a lot like a farmer naming the livestock they intend to save for Christmas dinner. But should a Daemon be capable of defending themselves with the understanding of the Vampyre instincts, perhaps a relationship built on the knowing of mutual destruction keeps enough balance for such to be possible. After all, some have learned that a Daemon can be sired, and to know this means that such relationships have been built before.
Culture & Society
Daemons posses no formal society or government that pertains to their own kind. Daemons have always been blended with Humanity and Witches. However, they lean towards Witches freer lifestyles, and should they be religious it is always towards their Ole One Ancestor of the Pantheon. In these cases, it is less religious than it is honoring their bloodline with the understanding that they are very much real and alive in the spiritual realm.
They are less keen to be loyal to human governance, as most Daemon fully in their power, especially the older ones, more often believe themselves above mortals. Most follow their own moral compass, or serve a set of goals or life purpose they may find in their bloodline.
This does not mean Daemon societies do not exist, but they are the anomaly and not the rule.
Magic & Abilities
Daemons are far more connected to the use of magic, birthed with an understanding of its existance. Where humans must awaken, Daemons are born awake. Unlike Witches, Daemons do not have access to all paths of magic. They may only follow one of the Paths of the Old One(s) they descended from. Casting Magic for Daemons does not require incantation, gestures or rituals. Magic is simply part of them, and can be used as abilities. Like Humans, Daemons may develop inherent abilities. However, they have access to more then what Humans may develop, a whole expanse of abilities only observed in Daemon kind.
Against popular belief, there is no one particular flavor of Daemon, they are each unique and individualistic in what magic paths and abilities they have.
Inherent Abilities of Daemons
Daemons are powerful, and not all Daemons are the same. All abilities and magic must be purchased from the store by merit of activity points except for the following.
Please use the store for abilities, Daemon only abilities and magic paths. And utilize the Magic lorebook guide for paths associated with the Old Ones.
- Immortality – The Daemon cannot age or fall victim to mortal illnesses.
- While they may only follow a single Magic path (unless they purchase Blessed from the store), they can use Magic as abilities rather than spell-craft.
Immortality & Purpose
Immortality is both a gift and a curse. Those who live longer than a couple hundred years may face the dullness of life. Boredom, as it were. Daemons in these cases might begin to act out in their boredom or in depression if they lack meaning. While some find their stride, those who don’t may look back to the Pantheon, and align themselves with the goals of their original ancestor.
It is said that if one holds the favor of one of the Old Ones, it is possible to ascend with them. If not ascend, there is all kinds of alleged praises and blessings one might receive. There is also many siblings, would it not be best to be the favorite of the (grand)children?
Whether they buck against their bloodline, embrace it, or follow their own moral compass, Daemons have a plethora of purposes they can serve in their immortal lives. From acting as a Guardian of a location big or small, a healer, an Arbiter, a Judge and jury of the Wild Hunt, a cross roads bargainer, instigator of chaos, A patron, a guide or more, there is plenty a Daemon may fixate to give their longevity purpose and fulfillment. Because a Daemon exists in the physical plane among humans, they too may take ordinary careers, hold friends and families.
The Wild Hunt
The Wild Hunt as is known to humanity mythology is a spectral procession led by otherworldly beings, often depicted as a host of ghostly hunters riding through the night sky or across the land. In various mythologies, it is associated with pursuit, divine judgment, and the crossing between worlds. The Hunt claims souls, punishes the guilty, or collects the dead, appearing as an omen of change, death, or transformation. Those who witness it are often marked by fate, and those pursued by it rarely escape. It represents the enforcement of cosmic balance, the inevitability of consequence, and the raw, untamed power of nature and spirit working in unison. The Hunt is neither wholly benevolent nor malevolent but serves a primal justice that exists beyond mortal understanding.
In truth, it never had a name to Daemons, and they have thus adopted the term for the ease among the Supernatural world. It is not so much a precession, but an act of hunting, judge and jury for those who have broken magically bound promises, vows, oaths, deals or contracts. Daemons who are the source of these may commence the Wild Hunt themselves, or if they posses the ability, may mark them as an Oath Breaker for others to hunt in their own time.
Daemons and only Daemons may engage in the Wild Hunt. Daemons inherently can sense a broken oath, vow, promise or contract. Depending on their alignment they can do nothing, advise, use the Mark of the Beast (if they posses this ability) or bring them to justice. There are Daemons who dedicate their entire life purpose to such Justice, enforcing that such that are magically bound are taken very seriously. The Wild Hunt may be conducted against any species.
Should one dare to break such a binding contract, it is suggested to avoid the roads, open areas, alter identity, misdirect, don’t stay in one place for too long, find sanctuaries or a mediator (A Witch or an unrelated Daemon) and not use one’s true name. Should one be caught in the Wild Hunt it is suggested to give full submission by laying on the ground and remaining still, offer tribute; If one takes full responsibility, they may offer themselves to the hunt the Daemon has rights to accept them into their slavery as a replacing contract. Should one find a mediator, it is possible for them to offer a substitute one one’s behalf to clear the hunt.
For others, never stand between a Daemon and the prey of the Wild Hunt unless you have an offering as a mediator. Attempting to shield the prey, stand between them, hid or help them, heal them or hurt the Daemon may make you too prey of the hunt. Should you meet a deal breaker, it is best to stand aside no matter how deeply they plead.