The Inferis: The Daemonic Legacy of Archelon
The Inferis, known colloquially as the Daemons, are a heritage born of infernal pacts and desperate choices. Emerging from the once-proud human kingdom of Archelon, the Inferis are a byproduct of Queen Morgana Archelaus’ pact with infernal entities during the Cataclysm. This dark transformation gave rise to a new people, imbued with otherworldly traits and marked forever by their infernal origins.
Before the Cataclysm: The People of Archelon
Archelon was a beacon of human ingenuity and arcane mastery, its people renowned for their magical prowess and cultural sophistication. The kingdom’s scholars and mages were at the forefront of arcane advancements, their creations rivaling the greatest achievements of Elves and Dwarves. Archelon's capital, a sprawling metropolis of glittering spires and vibrant markets, symbolized the height of human ambition.
When the Cataclysm loomed, the people of Archelon believed their arcane mastery would shield them from disaster. Their faith in magic and the rule of Queen Morgana Archelaus held firm. However, as the Spellscourge drained the world of magic, Archelon’s defenses crumbled, and its people faced annihilation.
After the Cataclysm: The Infernal Transformation
In her desperation to save Archelon, Morgana turned to the Ancient Tongue, opening a rift to the infernal realm and forging a pact with its demonic rulers. In exchange for survival, she offered her people’s souls and eternal servitude. This act transformed Archelon into a realm of nightmares and its people into the Inferis.
The Inferis are marked by their infernal heritage, with traits such as horns, tails, glowing eyes, and skin in shades of red, black, or ash-gray. These features set them apart from their human ancestors, serving as a constant reminder of their cursed legacy. Archelon became a haven for demonic entities, its once-glorious cities now twisted landscapes of jagged obsidian and smoldering ruins.
Despite their transformation, many Inferis retained their humanity. They struggle with the duality of their existence, torn between their mortal roots and the infernal power that courses through them. While some embrace their new identity, others seek redemption, hoping to one day break free from their infernal bonds.
Modern-Day Inferis
The Inferis remain a divided people. While Archelon continues to stand as a bastion of infernal power, not all Inferis align with the demonic rule of Queen Morgana Archelaus. Many have sought to carve their own paths, whether through rebellion, exile, or integration into other societies.
One of the most prominent splinter groups is the Hellbane Buccaneers, a pirate faction made up largely of Inferis who despise the demons that rule Archelon. Operating from the Savage Isles, they target Archelon’s ships, striking with ferocity and precision to disrupt the queen’s plans. For these Inferis, their actions are a form of rebellion, a rejection of their demonic heritage, and a fight for freedom from infernal domination.
