Demons

Ars Magica Primer
Game Setting
Mythic Europe
The Order of Hermes
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The Nature of Demons

Demons are creatures native to the Infernal Realm, although some have their origins elsewhere (e.g. fallen angels). Demons are not only the tormentors of the spirits of the damned in Hell but also suffer the torments of hell-fire themselves as punishment for their rebellion against God. This punishment endures even when they leave Hell and roam about on Earth. After the Last Judgement they will never again be permitted to leave the confines of Hell, but will be fully imprisoned for all Eternity.

The Forms of a Demon

A demon, regardless of origin, have a dual nature, of both spirit and matter.

The spiritual form of a demon may be likened to invisible smoke or an odour (though in Hermetic terms, they are not affected by the Form of Auram). In this form the demon lacks strength to exert force on any physical object. Physical barriers are no hindrance to demons in spiritual form. It is believed that in spiritual form demons are not affected by the passage of time. Demons in this form are restricted to interacting with things and beings around them through the use of their Powers. They cannot acquire wounds by any non-supernatural means. A demon in spiritual form can only be slain by effects that deplete their Infernal Might (such as Perdo Vim spells). Once its might is entirely dissipated it is believed that the demon is dead, gone forever: its soul enters Hell as one of the damned, never to return to Earth.

It is believed that the majority of demons are to be able to coagulate their substance into solid form. In this, they are as material and substantial as any other object. This permits the demon to interact with other matter, but also makes it vulnerable to that matter; in this form it can hurt and be hurt. Demons take this form to eat, drink and fornicate with mankind, all things in which some at least take a great deal of pleasure. The matter that makes up a demon is believed to be "borrowed"; certainly no arcane connection is created from its physical form. Demons attacked in physical form can be slain. If attacked physically, with weapons or damage-causing spells, while in a physical form then they may be killed. This is like many supernatural being, and it is the demon that dies, not just its physical form. The demonic soul heads straight for Hell. In this situation, a corpse is left behind, which often contains Vis. It is often said that this Vis is tainted. Demons not killed that have taken wounds appear to recover.

Powers and Weaknesses of a Demon

All demons have the power of coagulation, that is to form a solid body. It is said that every demon is associated with a particular sin and will have powers to encourage the perpetration of that sin. Some demons can cause visions or dreams, others can cause disease or control natural forces.

All demons are said to be vulnerable to expressions of God's power. They may also have other weaknesses, such as the inability to hurt a particular type of people or to be able to cross running water.

Demons and Hermetic Magic

Hermetic magic, it is widely held, cannot pierce any deception produced by a demon, although other varieties of supernatural power, particularly those from the Divine realm, may well be able to do so. A demon's lie is not detected by Frosty Breath of the Spoken Lie, a demonic illusion does not show up as false with Discern the Images of Truth and Falsehood and a shape-changed demon appears to be a mundane creature if Sight of the True Form is cast. Even if a mage casts a spell of compulsion on a demon, he cannot force it to tell the truth. Hermetic magic cannot detect the use of a demon's Infernal Powers or the stench of Hell associated with them. (Infernal Powers used by others can however be detected as such.)

Demons may be warded off by a general Rego Vim warding spell - Ward Against Demons. In addition, most demons have a particular form that they are associated with in physical form. A more specific warding spell can be used to ward these, for example Ward Against Animal Demons. [See the campaign specific rules on wards]

An Hermetic magus must be able to sense his target to affect it and a demon in spiritual form cannot be sensed through mundane means, nor may it be sensed through Hermetic magic. If an Hermetic magus has other supernatural powers that can detect a demon or detect the use of the demon's Infernal powers or another with such supernatural powers can provide the magus with information then the magus may target the demon with Hermetic magic.

The Infernal Might of a demon may be manipulated with the Art of Vim. Demons may be attacked by spells such as Demon's Eternal Oblivion in either form, assuming they can be detected. The Infernal Might is reduced by a successful casting that penetrates the demon's magic resistance. As a demon's Infernal Might is reduced, its magic resistance drops also, making further castings easier. A demon reduced to zero might is destroyed, leaving behind no corpse. It is not clear whether any or all demons that are merely reduced in Infernal Might ever get this back.

Demons appear to be immune to any sort of spell or power that would cause them to act contrary to their essential nature or personality traits.

Demons may be summoned and compelled through Hermetic and other magic. The Oath of Hermes specifically forbids this. Knowing a spell that will either summon or compel a demon is grounds for expulsion and a Wizard's March.