Devilish Creatures

Devils are a type of Hellspawn being of Lawful Evil alignment. They are known for making pacts with mortals, offering them fame or fortune in exchange for their immortal souls. They are susceptible to powers that target Hellspawn, as well as powers that target creatures with the Evil or [[:Category:Creature, Lawful|Lawful] keyword. They are also susceptible to Banishment when not on their home plane.

Devil Characteristics

Devils are perhaps the most terrifying of supernatural creatures, representing aspects of pure evil in various forms, confined to lower planes of existence unless freed. Lower forms of devils often appear malnourished and impish, with red tinted skin and black or white horns protruding from their heads in various areas. Higher born devils, beings of great power and terrible will, often appear very attractive to other creatures, their powerful presence and desirable features allowing them to better deceive and coerce mortals into evil acts. In most cases, unless some sort of illusion magic is used, a devil can always be seen for what they are. Horns, leathery wings, barbed tails, unnatural and unsettling skin hues, black eyes and spiny, scaled skin are all common features found on any devil.

History

Creatures of this kind have existed for eons, long before the mortal races came to prominence. As far as any earthen scholars can determine, they are as old as the gods themselves. In fact, many Devils serve evil gods as guards, emissaries, advisers and generals. Some Devils only exist as an extension of their god's power, whereas others serve only themselves. In any case, a Devil has a much deeper connection to the past than most evil monsters, they are forever tied to the greater cosmos as an embodiment of deceit, sadism, hatred and misery.

In regards to mortals, Devils do so enjoy tormenting them any time that they are able. Lower forms of devils will often take simple pleasures such as capturing a human and torturing them for weeks on end, whereas the more powerful, intelligent devils might weave an intricate plot around a victim, causing them great mental and physical anguish over a period of years, which far exceeds that of mere physical punishment. Kingdoms have been dissolved from the inside out by a Devil posing as a royal official, orchestrating the corruption of the royal family and all that serve them. It is very fortunate that beings from the Lower Planes do not gain access to the mortal realm very often

Culture

Devil society becomes fairly complex as one goes further up the chain of power. At the bottom lies the weaker devils, barely intelligent enough to hold a conversation. They are typically abused by their greater brethren and are considered little more than beasts. As the more intelligent, stronger devils rise in power, however, a hierarchy based on manipulation, avarice and violence is a common formula. The most successful rulers of such a culture are quite often unknown to their subjects for as long as they can maintain secrecy, for in Devil society, knowledge, as much as brute strength and foul magic, equates to power.

Since there are so many layers in the lower planes, there are many lands and many rulers at various stages of descent, some areas being burdened with several powerful arch-demons constantly warring with each other and scheming for more power.