Concubus
Concubi (plural, singular: concubus) are a type of Libidinari demon native to Level 3. They are distinctly humanoid in shape, yet are among the most diverse and individualistic creatures in the Hells, so much so that their sexes are considered different subspecies, incubi and succubi respectively.
In many ways, the concubi are the ultimate demons of lust, described as temptresses and seducers, almost exclusively appearing "exotic" and "pleasing to the eye" for mortal souls. While not necessarily untrue, this point is largely discarded when taking their aggressive monogamy into account. They rarely, if ever, pursue more than one partner at a time, and will come to depend on that partner as their primary source of nourishment.
Concubi feed by forming intimate bonds, sustaining themselves through emotional, psychological, and physical intimacy. Mating and feeding are inseparable acts, during which the concubus gradually draws vitality from their partner in a mutually euphoric but ultimately draining exchange. A more malicious concubus will quickly drain their partner over days or weeks, forming a short-lived parasitic connection ending in the death of their victim. Most, however, seek to establish loving bonds with a permanent partners, where feeding is more frequent but less draining.
A concubus is unable to feed on another concubus. Any such pairing is largely considered cannibalism by concubi themselves.
Concubi reproduction relies entirely on inter-species relationships, as concubus-on-concubus pairings are completely sterile (and shunned). Since feeding and reproduction share the same physical mechanisms, the mating act on its own never results in offspring without conscious choice and effort. The outcome of inter-species pairings depends largely on the species involved, which can be quick-referenced in the obnoxious table on the right. Concubus + Human is by far the most common type of pairing, and is also the only way an incubus can reproduce. This results in a hybrid breed called cambion. Cambions are distinctly humanoid-demonic in appearance, but their emotions, sensations, and instincts are more aligned with their human parent. Succubus + Demon is the only type of pairing that will result in concubus offspring.
Description
Concubi exhibit polymorphic adaptability. Their appearances tend to reflect the desires of those around them, making subtle changes to their forms without compromising their own identity. Especially when bonding with a mate will their form adapt to suit the preferences of their partner. This is mostly a subconscious process, but may be willfully halted. Despite their adaptive appearances and individualism, concubi do have some common features. These include having a regular humanoid body with two arms, torso, two legs, and a head, with features that are traditionally considered attractive. In addition, most have two horns, two wings, and a tail. Their hair and eye colors can encompass all visible colors, but are typically somewhere on a gradient from white/blonde to red to black. Their skin tones include all those found in humans, but also shades of red, blue, and in-betweens. Rarer variants may have metallic skin.Typical distinctions
Succubus
Female concubi, the succubi, have bodies with stereotypical female features as found in human females. Their horns tend to be shorter, no longer than a finger, and have a slight curve. Their tails are slim and whip-like in shape, prehensile, with a vaguely spade-like tip. The tips' forms are one of few features not subject to polymorphic adaptability, and are thus one of the main ways succubi measure beauty standards among themselves. General consensus favors a heart-shaped and symmetrical tip. Succubi of certain lineages may have cow-like tails, ending in a tuft of fur. A succubus' wings tend to be smaller and bat-like, with limited function. They are generally not able to carry any significant weight, and should a succubus actually be capable of flight, it can be attributed to magic rather than wings. However, they are not entirely decorative. Flutters, flaring, or folding can all be emotional indicators, much like the movements of a dog's tail. Younger individuals have less control over these reactions, while more mature ones will intentionally display false emotional indications for the sake of social manipulation.
Incubus
Male concubi, the incubi, have bodies with stereotypical male features as found in human males. Males' horns come in a large variety of shapes and sizes, and tend to be more grand than those of a female. They may be curved, curled, or branching horns that appear more like antlers. Their tails are thicker at the base, and is covered in a thicker sort of hide, or even ridged plates or scales. The tips tend to end in a sharp point or a collection of barbs. An incubus' tail is only partially prehensile, capable of wrapping around thicker objects (or creatures), lacking the fine motor skills found in the tails of succubi. As such, it is considered more of a weapon than a tool. Incubi wings are large, with angular spines, attached to muscular arm-like protrusions on the back. These muscles can be trained, and the stronger they become, the larger the wings grow. The most powerful among incubi are capable of flight, even when carrying significant weight. Those less powerful resort to magic or gliding. Much like their tails, the spines of incubi wings end in sharp points or barbs, making them significant weapons.Mating/Feeding
The core mechanism of a concubus' nourishment involves absorption of another sentient being's sexual body fluids during acts of intimacy. The process, while physical, is largely aided and facilitated by pheromones and psychological bonds that magically draw vitality from their partner. This often results in mutual addiction and euphoria for the involved parties.Mutualistic Bonds
Most concubi seek mutualistic relationships. Here, the concubus feeds in moderation, spacing out intimacy to allow sufficient recovery periods, or willfully feeds less during such acts to allow for more frequent "meals". Partners experience physical pleasure and emotional satisfaction as vitality is gradually drawn from them, but remain energized and in good health. While they still develop addiction and psychological dependency, the concubus makes a conscious effort to ensure they never cross into dangerous exhaustion or significant decline. Mutualistic relationships can last indefinitely as long as they are properly managed. Many do, since the need for mutual care, combined with pheromone overload, develops into love.Parasitic Bonds
A minority of concubi engage in a parasitic feeding style, where they aggressively and intensely feed non-stop, shortening or eliminating recovery periods. They bombard their partners with attention and pheromones, or even supplemental hard drugs. Partners experience continuous, overwhelming euphoria and severe addiction, quickly losing the ability to recognize their deteriorating condition. Mental capabilities diminish, and physical vitality declines severely over days or weeks as they are drained, whilst forgetting to take care of basic necessities like eating, drinking, or sleeping. This eventually results in the partner's death from exhaustion or stroke. These bonds are literally short-lived, but leave the concubus satiated for some time, giving them the energy they need to seek out new victims.A concubus is unable to feed on another concubus. Any such pairing is largely considered cannibalism by concubi themselves.
Reproduction
Concubi reproduction relies entirely on inter-species relationships, as concubus-on-concubus pairings are completely sterile (and shunned). Since feeding and reproduction share the same physical mechanisms, the mating act on its own never results in offspring without conscious choice and effort. The outcome of inter-species pairings depends largely on the species involved, which can be quick-referenced in the obnoxious table on the right. Concubus + Human is by far the most common type of pairing, and is also the only way an incubus can reproduce. This results in a hybrid breed called cambion. Cambions are distinctly humanoid-demonic in appearance, but their emotions, sensations, and instincts are more aligned with their human parent. Succubus + Demon is the only type of pairing that will result in concubus offspring.
Comments
Author's Notes
I reckon I spent more time tweaking the lines on my succubus illustration than I did writing. That succubus is called Pamela for the record. I've got a long way to go when it comes to drawing. I used to draw some saucy things in my teens, and I didn't give the slightest shit about "correct" anatomy. And woe is me, seems I still don't care too much when I make the initial sketch, which only means more tweaking when I pop that thing into InkScape to make it into vector art. Is relearning to draw clever use of my very limited Summer Camp time? No. No, I shouldn't be drawing or doing css at all. But screw it, I'm having fun, so simple illustrations with dubious anatomy it is! Rambling. Woops! Have you determined the etymology behind "concubus" yet?