Demons are entities of immeasurable power and dark origins in Restoria, creatures that dwell in the depths of the spiritual world and have, for centuries, been both feared and revered. Their appearances and interventions in the material world are rare, but they always mark moments of great change or destruction. While dragons represent the perfection of a combat weapon, demons are often associated with corruption, chaos, and destruction. They are known not only for their physical strength but also for their ability to manipulate primordial magical forces and even corrupt the souls of mortals. The study of demons is, therefore, one of the most dangerous and forbidden practices within the schools of magic in Restoria.
5.1 The Origin of Demons
The origin of demons in Restoria is shrouded in mystery and ancient legends. The most widely accepted theory is that demons were born from a rupture in the very fabric of the universe when the Ancient Gods created a vortex of wild and unpredictable magic, resulting in the formation of a dark realm known as the Abyss. This realm, parallel to the physical world of Restoria, is inhabited by beings of darkness, capable of manipulating Corrupted Essence, a magical energy with the power to transform and distort everything it touches.
The Abyss: The Abyss is considered an existential plane where the laws of reality are completely distorted. It is described as a place without light, where space and time do not follow the same patterns as in the material world. It is the natural home of demons, where they can thrive and use their magical abilities without restriction.
The Fall of the Gods: According to some traditions, demons were not born from a flaw in creation but rather from the Fall of the Gods, a cataclysmic event in which beings who were originally divine became corrupted by exposure to forbidden magic. These beings, once guardians of order and harmony, were subverted and transformed into demons, creatures of chaos and destruction.
5.2 Characteristics of Demons
Demons in Restoria are incredibly diverse in their appearance and abilities, reflecting the multiplicity of powers and spheres of influence they possess. Each type of demon is associated with a different aspect of Corrupted Essence and, therefore, can manifest a variety of powers, from elemental control to manipulating emotions and mortal minds.
Physical Appearance: The appearance of demons can vary considerably, but it is common for them to possess grotesque features, such as darkened skin, horns, black wings, or remnants of corrupted natural elements like fire, ice, or poison. Some demons may appear human but with aberrant characteristics, such as fiery eyes or sharp claws. Others are monstrous beings, with multiple heads or bodies that distort into incomprehensible forms.
Corrupted Essence: The greatest power of demons is their ability to manipulate Corrupted Essence, an energy that can transform the world around them. This energy is unstable, corrupting everything it touches and causing disruptions in the natural laws of nature. It can be used to distort reality, corrupt souls, summon creatures from other dimensions, and even trigger natural cataclysms.
Regeneration: Demons are known for their near-instantaneous regeneration. Even when wounded or killed, their forms can reform due to their connection with the Abyss and the Corrupted Essence. This makes demons particularly difficult to defeat, as a single strike is rarely enough to eliminate them permanently.
5.3 Demonic Magic
Demonic magic is one of the most dangerous and forbidden forms of magic in Restoria. It is based on the manipulation of Corrupted Essence and is often used by sorcerers and necromancers seeking power at any cost. Those who dare to study this magic are often on the brink of madness, for contact with this force can consume their souls and make them susceptible to demonic influence.
Summoning Rituals: One of the most feared aspects of demonic magic is the practice of summoning rituals, where mages attempt to open portals to the Abyss and call demons into the material world. These rituals are extremely dangerous, not only because of the power of the demons summoned but also due to the risk of corruption for the mage himself. Demonic energy is unpredictable, and those who try to control these beings often end up succumbing to their influence.
Corruption Magic: Demonic magic can also be used to corrupt nature and living beings. It can poison the land, transform humans into monsters, and even enslave souls. Demonic sorcerers can cast curses that destroy bodies and minds or transform innocent creatures into demonic servants.
Possession and Mind Control: Many demons possess the ability to possess mortal bodies or control their minds. This is often used to sow chaos in the material world, where they can manipulate the actions of humans or other creatures. Minds corrupted by demons are extremely difficult to free, and those who fall under their influence often become instruments of destruction.
5.4 The Role of Demons in Restoria
Although demons are often seen as enemies of the mortal world, not all demons are necessarily evil. Some, for reasons unknown, choose not to engage in the conflicts of Restoria, while others seek ways to establish pacts or alliances with mortals. However, the unpredictable nature of demons makes their intentions highly questionable, and most humans prefer to avoid them at all costs.
Demons as Allies: On rare occasions, demons have been summoned by mages in search of power or by warlords seeking a decisive advantage. However, such alliances are always risky, for demons have their own agendas, and they rarely honor pacts without demanding something in return. Deals with demons often result in great destruction, and many mages who sought such power end up becoming puppets of forces far beyond their control.
Demons in Conflicts: During the great wars and cataclysms of Restoria, demons played essential roles. They were often used as weapons of mass destruction, capable of wiping out entire armies or altering the course of decisive battles. Their presence on the battlefield is a harbinger of chaos, and their interventions have often changed the fate of entire nations.
5.5 Conclusion
Demons are central figures in Restoria's mythology, symbolizing the destructive power and chaotic nature of Corrupted Essence. Their presence in Restoria is a constant reminder of the limits of magic and the dark nature of the spiritual world. While their mastery of magic is unparalleled, their unpredictable and dangerous nature makes them a force that, when invoked, should never be underestimated. With their ability to corrupt, destroy, and control, demons remain one of the greatest mysteries and threats in Restoria, and those who seek to interact with them in any form must be prepared to pay the price for such ambition.