Shadow Demon
Demons and their existence is hotly debated amongst more learned individuals. From what sightings and folklore that does exist around such things is vague at the best of times. Those that believe in creatures from the other-realm have written articles, tomes and books all trying to share what knowledge they can. Categorisation of these entities is popular, and one of these types of creatures is referred to as a "Shadow Demon".
Reports vary over the exact physical attributes of a Shadow Demon. Their very nature means that all sorts of forms have been reported over the centuries; a simple shadow that crosses the ground, a humanoid draped in a dark, misty cloak, and even several types of animals. The most common is of a humanoid figure, 6 to 8 feet in height, made of a wispy, black smoke. The lower body and legs cannot be seen, and simply fade away in to shadow. Long arms ending in viscous claws, large horns sprouting from the forehead, and incorporeal, black wings are all traits that have been reported. Large, sharp teeth and glowing eyes are also a common occurrence.
Reports of encounters with Shadow Demons have the person always seeing them in darkness, be it at night, underground or in a poorly-lit building. The creatures seem to appear out of the shadows themselves, as if they are formed of them. An aversion to any light sources has been noted, with the Demons fading away and retreating when such tactics are used against them.
Like most reports of Demonkind, resistance to magic and typical, mortal weapons is common in the reports. Many who attack the Shadow Demons have reported the creatures shrugging off the attacks with ease. However, several religions of the world, most notably The Church of the Holy Light, claim that their prayers and teachings will harm the Demons.
Encounters themselves vary, with some reporting the Shadow Demon attacking them as an ambush predator would. More common though is reports of the entities stalking them for days or even weeks, appearing at night at the corner of the victims vision. These sightings become more common as time progresses, and have caused paranoia and even madness. A few reports also have the Shadow Demon appearing as a friend to individuals, offering great gifts in return for the victims soul. This seems to be a common trait found amongst all Demonic reports, and should be considered folklore ghost stories rather than solid fact.
Several occult books and tomes have details on Shadow Demons, although copies of such things are rare to come by. Most cultures of the world ban these texts outright. From what can be gleamed from the forbidden lore, there are means to summon and bind a Shadow Demon, although this takes a lot of power and comes with great risk. The correct Demonic runes are required to be drawn, along with the incantations recited. Several spell components are also needed; a vial of blood from a recently deceased humanoid, mixed with coal.
Like most folk tales in regards to Demons, it is said that simply attacking a Shadow Demon does not kill it, and the creature needs the correct banishment ritual. Different cultures and religions have their own incantations and spells for this, all usually involving spellwork and incantations.
Reports vary over the exact physical attributes of a Shadow Demon. Their very nature means that all sorts of forms have been reported over the centuries; a simple shadow that crosses the ground, a humanoid draped in a dark, misty cloak, and even several types of animals. The most common is of a humanoid figure, 6 to 8 feet in height, made of a wispy, black smoke. The lower body and legs cannot be seen, and simply fade away in to shadow. Long arms ending in viscous claws, large horns sprouting from the forehead, and incorporeal, black wings are all traits that have been reported. Large, sharp teeth and glowing eyes are also a common occurrence.
Behaviour and Abilities
Reports of encounters with Shadow Demons have the person always seeing them in darkness, be it at night, underground or in a poorly-lit building. The creatures seem to appear out of the shadows themselves, as if they are formed of them. An aversion to any light sources has been noted, with the Demons fading away and retreating when such tactics are used against them.
Like most reports of Demonkind, resistance to magic and typical, mortal weapons is common in the reports. Many who attack the Shadow Demons have reported the creatures shrugging off the attacks with ease. However, several religions of the world, most notably The Church of the Holy Light, claim that their prayers and teachings will harm the Demons.
Encounters themselves vary, with some reporting the Shadow Demon attacking them as an ambush predator would. More common though is reports of the entities stalking them for days or even weeks, appearing at night at the corner of the victims vision. These sightings become more common as time progresses, and have caused paranoia and even madness. A few reports also have the Shadow Demon appearing as a friend to individuals, offering great gifts in return for the victims soul. This seems to be a common trait found amongst all Demonic reports, and should be considered folklore ghost stories rather than solid fact.
Forbidden Lore
Several occult books and tomes have details on Shadow Demons, although copies of such things are rare to come by. Most cultures of the world ban these texts outright. From what can be gleamed from the forbidden lore, there are means to summon and bind a Shadow Demon, although this takes a lot of power and comes with great risk. The correct Demonic runes are required to be drawn, along with the incantations recited. Several spell components are also needed; a vial of blood from a recently deceased humanoid, mixed with coal.
Like most folk tales in regards to Demons, it is said that simply attacking a Shadow Demon does not kill it, and the creature needs the correct banishment ritual. Different cultures and religions have their own incantations and spells for this, all usually involving spellwork and incantations.
~6-8 feet
Average Weight
Unknown
Type
Medium Fiend
Location
Sightings/Myths all over Varda
In the Tales of Arden D&D 5E Campaign, the party came to the aid of Lady Crow when a strange shadowy creature attacked at the Midsummer Festival. While not confirmed to be a Shadow Demon, the creature behaved like the myths surrounding such a creature. It was defeated by the group and dissolved in to the shadows of the nearby trees.
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