Demon: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox type | {{Infobox type | ||
|type=creature | |type=creature | ||
|stats={{stats|U=2|B= | |stats={{stats|U=2|B=136|R=14|WB=1|UB=4|BR=20|UR=3|BG=4|M=11}} | ||
{{stats|Demon creation|B=13|UB=2|BR=2|UR=1|L=1|state=collapsed}} | {{stats|Demon creation|B=13|UB=2|BR=2|UR=1|L=1|state=collapsed}} | ||
as of ''[[ | as of ''[[Murders at Karlov Manor]]'' | ||
|beeble=1 | |beeble=1 | ||
|beeble_ref=<ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/179301805403/are-the-iconiccharacteristic-races-considered-a-1|title=Are the iconic/characteristic races considered a 1 on the Beeble Scale?|October 22, 2018}}</ref> | |beeble_ref=<ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/179301805403/are-the-iconiccharacteristic-races-considered-a-1|title=Are the iconic/characteristic races considered a 1 on the Beeble Scale?|October 22, 2018}}</ref> | ||
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==Description== | ==Description== | ||
They are usually associated with [[black]] [[mana]], and the occasional influence of [[red]] mana; ''[[Streets of New Capenna]]'' and its setting introduce demons in all colors of mana. Diabolist connoisseurs know that demons come in hundreds of strains — and one never properly uses the term “breed” or “bloodline” for demons, as they are normally created fully formed from magic, rather than being born.<ref name="Children"/> Physically, almost all | They are usually associated with [[black]] [[mana]], and the occasional influence of [[red]] mana; ''[[Streets of New Capenna]]'' and its setting introduce demons in all colors of mana. Diabolist connoisseurs know that demons come in hundreds of strains — and one never properly uses the term “breed” or “bloodline” for demons, as they are normally created fully formed from magic, rather than being born.<ref name="Children"/> Physically, almost all demons are pure manifestations of black mana, without true flesh.<ref>{{DailyRef|savor-flavor/insights-inbox-2008-12-17|Insights from the Inbox|[[Doug Beyer]]|December 17, 2008}}</ref> Demon is the [[iconic]] creature for the color black.<ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/19618373520/most-of-the-colors-have-their-marquee-creatures-like|title=Marquee creatures for the colors|March 20, 2012}}</ref> Almost all of them are - intentionally - male;<ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/93519364518/the-fact-that-all-angels-are-female-has-come-up-a-few|title=The fact that all angels are female has come up a few times here. I noticed that all demons happen to be male. Is that intentional too?|August 01, 2014}}</ref> however, technically demonic beings such as [[Lady Orca]] did exist in pre-revisionist material, and female demons have been officially reintroduced as of ''[[Children of the Nameless]]''.<ref name="Children"/> | ||
===History=== | ===History=== | ||
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Demons of [[Arcavios]] are called '''daemogoths'''. They are also referred to as "tear lickers" by the inhabitants of the plane, for they feed on misery, pain and other negative emotions. Similar to their counterparts from other planes, they offer deals, trading pain for forbidden knowledge. When their victims are unwilling or unable to repay them, the demons send vile [[specter]]s after them. A daemogoth that has absorbed enough negative emotion from those they have made pacts with transforms into a Daemogoth Titan, a vastly more powerful entity whose pacts are even more exacting for their victims.<ref name="D&D Strixhaven Guide">Wizards RPG Team (2021), ''[[D&D Strixhaven: A Curriculum of Chaos]]'', [[Wizards of the Coast]]</ref> | Demons of [[Arcavios]] are called '''daemogoths'''. They are also referred to as "tear lickers" by the inhabitants of the plane, for they feed on misery, pain and other negative emotions. Similar to their counterparts from other planes, they offer deals, trading pain for forbidden knowledge. When their victims are unwilling or unable to repay them, the demons send vile [[specter]]s after them. A daemogoth that has absorbed enough negative emotion from those they have made pacts with transforms into a Daemogoth Titan, a vastly more powerful entity whose pacts are even more exacting for their victims.<ref name="D&D Strixhaven Guide">Wizards RPG Team (2021), ''[[D&D Strixhaven: A Curriculum of Chaos]]'', [[Wizards of the Coast]]</ref> | ||
Daemogoths display an affinity for [[green]] mana. Their multiple eyes are insectile and they have five arms. Usually draped in long robes, | Daemogoths display an affinity for [[green]] mana as well as black. Their multiple eyes are insectile and they have five arms. Usually draped in long robes, Daemogoths also sport halos of horns, antlers or floating stones. They have no wings.<ref name="D&D Strixhaven Guide" /> | ||
===Capenna=== | ===Capenna=== | ||
On the plane of [[Capenna]], | On the plane of [[Capenna]], archdemons were forced to cooperate with the [[angel]]s to stave off a [[phyrexian]] incursion, creating the safe haven of [[New Capenna]].<ref name="Guide">{{DailyRef|feature/planeswalkers-guide-to-streets-of-new-capenna|Planeswalker's Guide to Streets of New Capenna|[[Miguel Lopez]]|April 28, 2022}}</ref> However, the demons soon betrayed the battle-weary angels and imprisoned them in stone, leeching off [[halo]] from them. They have since departed, but during the formation of the city of New Capenna, they made pacts with criminal family heads, turning them into hybrid demons. Thus, Capenna is one of the few places in the multiverse where demons span all five colors of mana. | ||
===Dominaria=== | ===Dominaria=== | ||
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===Innistrad=== | ===Innistrad=== | ||
Long ago on Innistrad, demons were a threat only whispered about, feared by [[vampire]]s and [[human]]s alike. They were thought to have died out long ago, or even be mythical. But then [[Avacyn]] and her [[angel]]s came, and with her presence, a new equilibrium was reached. Vampires, [[werewolves]], and the [[undead]] were driven back to restore the balance between humanity and the rest of the world's beings. But their retreat opened a space | Long ago on Innistrad, demons were a threat only whispered about, feared by [[vampire]]s and [[human]]s alike. They were thought to have died out long ago, or even be mythical. But then [[Avacyn]] and her [[angel]]s came, and with her presence, a new equilibrium was reached. Vampires, [[werewolves]], and the [[undead]] were driven back to restore the balance between humanity and the rest of the world's beings. But their retreat opened a space {{-}} and an opportunity for Innistrad's infernal forces to manifest. The demons and their hosts of [[devil]]s began to arrive, one by one. They spawn onto the plane through gateways to their native realm, the largest of which is [[Ashmouth]].<ref name="Visual Guide">[[Jay Annelli]] (2022). ''[[Magic: The Gathering - The Visual Guide]]'', [[Wikipedia:DK (publisher)|DK]]. ISBN-13 978-0744061055.</ref> | ||
Demons observe an internal hierarchy, in which the demon [[Griselbrand]] held previously the highest rank before his destruction. He was succeeded by [[Ormendahl]]. Born from ancient demon worship of these higher entities, the [[Skirsdag]] are now a secret demon cult centered in the High City of [[Thraben]]. | Demons observe an internal hierarchy, in which the demon [[Griselbrand]] held previously the highest rank before his destruction. He was succeeded by [[Ormendahl]]. Born from ancient demon worship of these higher entities, the [[Skirsdag]] are now a secret demon cult centered in the High City of [[Thraben]]. | ||
Many demons were corrupted by the [[eldrazi]] titan [[Emrakul]] and turned into her brood. It's unclear if, like angels, | Many demons were corrupted by the [[eldrazi]] titan [[Emrakul]] and turned into her brood. It's unclear if, like angels, this drove them virtually extinct, as none appeared in ''[[Eldritch Moon]]'', though they did appear in following sets. ''[[Children of the Nameless]]'' reveals that some are female and that, although born of magic and generally ruthless, they are capable of familial bonds.<ref name="Children">[[Brandon Sanderson]] (2018). "''[[Children of the Nameless]]''". [[Wizards of the Coast]].</ref> | ||
====Hartmurt Demon==== | ====Hartmurt Demon==== | ||
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These lesser demons require human sacrifices before being able to unleash their true form. To keep themselves in this transformed state, they need to keep consuming human life. | These lesser demons require human sacrifices before being able to unleash their true form. To keep themselves in this transformed state, they need to keep consuming human life. | ||
===Duskmourn=== | |||
Demons were once common on Duskmourn, making deals with the humans of the plane.<ref name="Duskmourn Guide">{{DailyRef|feature/planeswalkers-guide-to-duskmourn|Planeswalker's Guide to Duskmourn|[[Emily Teng]]|June 28, 2024}}</ref> One of them, a particularly powerful one named [[Valgavoth]], was imprisoned in a house. In time, he expanded the borders of the house to occupy the entire plane in a ritual called the Ascension. One of his first acts after subsuming control of the plane was killing most of the plane's other demons and breaking the rest, ensuring none could challenge his rule. Those that survived take vengeance on the House or continue to make pacts with survivors in hopes of one day deposing Valgavoth. | |||
===Ixalan=== | ===Ixalan=== | ||
Demons on [[Ixalan (plane)|Ixalan]] are thought to be the spawn of [[Aclazotz]], the [[bat]] [[god]] of the night.<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/plane-shift-ixalan-2018-01-09|Plane Shift: Ixalan|[[James Wyatt]]|January 9, 2018}}</ref> While the [[Threefold Sun|sun]]’s aspects include destruction as well as creation and growth, the demons represent stagnation and decay. Fearing the sun's rays, these demons are active only at night and actively work to find a way from preventing it from rising again. | Demons on [[Ixalan (plane)|Ixalan]] are thought to be the spawn of [[Aclazotz]], the [[bat]] [[god]] of the night.<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/plane-shift-ixalan-2018-01-09|Plane Shift: Ixalan|[[James Wyatt]]|January 9, 2018}}</ref> While the [[Threefold Sun|sun]]’s aspects include destruction as well as creation and growth, the demons represent stagnation and decay. Fearing the sun's rays, these demons are active only at night and actively work to find a way from preventing it from rising again. During the exploration of the core, several [[Legion of Dusk]] [[vampire]]s were turned into demons by Aclazotz, trying to help him eclipse the sun of the core [[Chimil]]. | ||
Some of the [[horse]] breeds used by the [[Legion of Dusk]], such as the <c>Dusk Charger</c>, are rumored to have demonic blood, which makes them fearless and bloodthirsty. It is unknown if these demons are the same ones found on Ixalan, or if different demons exist on Torrezon. | Some of the [[horse]] breeds used by the [[Legion of Dusk]], such as the <c>Dusk Charger</c>, are rumored to have demonic blood, which makes them fearless and bloodthirsty. It is unknown if these demons are the same ones found on Ixalan, or if different demons exist on Torrezon. | ||
Line 226: | Line 229: | ||
*[[Sol'Kanar]] | *[[Sol'Kanar]] | ||
*[[Spirit of the Night]] | *[[Spirit of the Night]] | ||
;[[Duskmourn]] | |||
*[[Valgavoth]] | |||
;[[Ikoria]] | ;[[Ikoria]] | ||
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;[[Kaldheim (plane)|Kaldheim]] | ;[[Kaldheim (plane)|Kaldheim]] | ||
*[[Imskir Iron-Eater]] | |||
*[[Kardur]] | *[[Kardur]] | ||
*[[Varragoth]] | *[[Varragoth]] | ||
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;[[Kylem]] | ;[[Kylem]] | ||
* | *[[Krav and Regna|Krav]] | ||
;[[New Phyrexia (plane)|Mirrodin/New Phyrexia]] | ;[[New Phyrexia (plane)|Mirrodin/New Phyrexia]] | ||
Line 276: | Line 283: | ||
;[[Ravnica]] | ;[[Ravnica]] | ||
*[[List of secondary characters/Ravnica|Aradoz]] | *[[List of secondary characters/Ravnica|Aradoz]] | ||
*[[ | *[[Kodolaag]] | ||
*[[Rakdos]] | *[[Rakdos]] | ||
Line 283: | Line 290: | ||
;[[Tarkir]] | ;[[Tarkir]] | ||
*[[Ebirri]] | |||
*[[Feyomsi]] | *[[Feyomsi]] | ||
*[[ | *[[Khudal]] | ||
;[[Zendikar (plane)|Zendikar]] | ;[[Zendikar (plane)|Zendikar]] | ||
Line 293: | Line 301: | ||
*[[Geyadrone Dihada]] | *[[Geyadrone Dihada]] | ||
*[[List_of_secondary_characters/Unknown|Hedrax]] | *[[List_of_secondary_characters/Unknown|Hedrax]] | ||
*[[Imskir Iron-Eater]] | |||
*[[Kothophed]] | *[[Kothophed]] | ||
*[[Ob Nixilis]] | *[[Ob Nixilis]] | ||
Line 394: | Line 403: | ||
File:Mardu demon.jpg|A demon aligned with the [[Mardu Horde]]. | File:Mardu demon.jpg|A demon aligned with the [[Mardu Horde]]. | ||
File:Rakshasa Tarkir.jpg|A rakshasa. | File:Rakshasa Tarkir.jpg|A rakshasa. | ||
File:Rakshasa Vizier.jpg|A non-tiger like rakshasa. | |||
File:Necropolis Fiend.jpg|<c>Necropolis Fiend</c>. | File:Necropolis Fiend.jpg|<c>Necropolis Fiend</c>. | ||
File:Soulflayer.jpg|<c>Soulflayer</c>. | File:Soulflayer.jpg|<c>Soulflayer</c>. |
Latest revision as of 06:04, 30 June 2024
Demon | |
---|---|
Creature Type | |
(Subtype for creature/kindred cards) | |
Beeble Scale | 1[1] |
Statistics |
195 cards
1% 69.7% 7.2% 2.1% 10.3% 0.5% 1.5% 2.1% 5.6% 19 Demon creation cards
as of Murders at Karlov Manor 68.4% 10.5% 10.5% 5.3% 5.3% |
Scryfall Search | |
type:"Demon" |
Demon is a creature type used for powerful, evil beings who are often difficult to control and exact a price from anyone who tries to deal with them.[2]
Description
They are usually associated with black mana, and the occasional influence of red mana; Streets of New Capenna and its setting introduce demons in all colors of mana. Diabolist connoisseurs know that demons come in hundreds of strains — and one never properly uses the term “breed” or “bloodline” for demons, as they are normally created fully formed from magic, rather than being born.[3] Physically, almost all demons are pure manifestations of black mana, without true flesh.[4] Demon is the iconic creature for the color black.[5] Almost all of them are - intentionally - male;[6] however, technically demonic beings such as Lady Orca did exist in pre-revisionist material, and female demons have been officially reintroduced as of Children of the Nameless.[3]
History
The first cards to bear the type were Demonic Hordes and Lord of the Pit in Alpha.
Afraid of mainstream criticism of the growing game of Magic, both the creature type and the word “Demonic” disappeared in 1995.[7] For the same reason the pentagram got removed from the Fourth Edition Unholy Strength. For all practical purposes, demons were replaced by Horrors. Demons returned to the game in the fall of 2002 with the release of Onslaught.[8] WotC had realised that other popular entertainment (from Buffy, the Vampire Slayer to Hellboy) had made demons fashionable.[9]
Storyline
Alara
Grixis
In the Shard of Alara known as Grixis, demons run rampant consuming the living. On other Shards, demons were only a rumor until the Conflux. Unnaturally strong, cruelly intelligent, possessed of natural spellcasting abilities, and ageless, they command dark reverence wherever they roam.[10] Demons feed on vis and can extract it directly from a nearby vital host at will, but love causing mortals to surrender their souls voluntarily.
Archdemon of Unx
A large demon composed mostly of the tortured visages of the occupants of the necropolis of Unx.
Defiler of Souls
The Defiler of Souls is believed to be the punishment that awaits any who slides into sin by the Bantian people. Bears a striking resemblance to the Prince of Thralls.
Extractor Demons
These large demons wear the bones of their victims as accessories. These demons collect the bones (teeth, skulls, etc.) of their prey and sometimes forge the bones into weaponry.
Prince of Thralls
A powerful demon who could command the dead and destroy the living, claiming there is no one he cannot control or command. Given his flavor text, it is implied he may have been the demon who manipulated Sedris into becoming a lich and caused the corruption that is now Grixis. The demon is characterized by its dark blue skin tone and blood-stained horns.
Amonkhet
Demons patrol the wastelands beyond the safety of the Hekma. The demons of Ifnir bear some resemblance to Nicol Bolas, with long limbs and tails, huge wings, and gaunt bodies adorned with horns and blades. The people of Naktamun claimed that the demons were banished by the God-Pharaoh to the desolation of Ifnir as punishment when they rose in rebellion against him.[11]
Razaketh guarded the Gate to the Afterlife until the Hour of Devastation, after which the survivors of the destroyed Naktamun had to flee into the desert.[12]
Ammits
Ammits are soul-devouring crocodile-like demons that are used in the trials of Bontu.[13] Some of them have been transformed into Eternals.
Arcavios
Demons of Arcavios are called daemogoths. They are also referred to as "tear lickers" by the inhabitants of the plane, for they feed on misery, pain and other negative emotions. Similar to their counterparts from other planes, they offer deals, trading pain for forbidden knowledge. When their victims are unwilling or unable to repay them, the demons send vile specters after them. A daemogoth that has absorbed enough negative emotion from those they have made pacts with transforms into a Daemogoth Titan, a vastly more powerful entity whose pacts are even more exacting for their victims.[14]
Daemogoths display an affinity for green mana as well as black. Their multiple eyes are insectile and they have five arms. Usually draped in long robes, Daemogoths also sport halos of horns, antlers or floating stones. They have no wings.[14]
Capenna
On the plane of Capenna, archdemons were forced to cooperate with the angels to stave off a phyrexian incursion, creating the safe haven of New Capenna.[15] However, the demons soon betrayed the battle-weary angels and imprisoned them in stone, leeching off halo from them. They have since departed, but during the formation of the city of New Capenna, they made pacts with criminal family heads, turning them into hybrid demons. Thus, Capenna is one of the few places in the multiverse where demons span all five colors of mana.
Dominaria
Dominarian demons are powerful manifestations of black mana that either accumulated naturally or were forced into being by planeswalkers and similar powerful wizards.
Lords of the Pit
A Lord of the Pit is a powerful creature with a gigantic jaw full of razor teeth, two huge wings, and claws. One was summoned by Ravidel at the Dueling Chasm of Golthonor in his battle against Kristina of the Woods, Jared Carthalion, and Altair of Coloni, where the pit lord killed Hoont the spitting slug. Another was summoned by a mage in Kush during fights on Arena. Lords of the pit are so powerful, requiring a constant stream of sacrifices to be kept under control, that even planeswalkers are wary of summoning them. One of them, named Thomil, summoned a lord of the pit in a fight with Worzel and lost his control over it, costing him a very long time to recover.
Minions of Leshrac
Minions of Leshrac were large, batlike sharp-toothed demonic creatures. Jodah and Jaya Ballard fought one of them in the cave near Tresserhorn. The minions of Leshrac also fought in the battle of Kjeldor and Balduvia with Lim-Dûl.
Demonic Hordes
Large swarms of lesser demons who share a penchant for destroying the land of Dominaria.
Minions of Tevesh Szat
These demons were servants of the planeswalker Tevesh Szat, who used them to lend assistance to the necromancer Lim-Dûl. Following Lim-Dûl's transportation to Shandalar and Tevesh Szat's death during the attack of the Nine Titans, their state is unclear.
Mold Demons
Mold demons are monsters that stand several dozen feet in height and are equipped with sharp spikes and teeth made from blue-black mold spores; they are capable of extremely fast regeneration. The shapeshifter Halfdane took the form of a mold demon during his fight with Ayesha Tanaka and Tor Wauki.
Thraxodemons
Thraxodemons are small, easily manipulated, demons.
Fiora
The Archdemon of Paliano is a demon found within the plane of Fiora.
Innistrad
Long ago on Innistrad, demons were a threat only whispered about, feared by vampires and humans alike. They were thought to have died out long ago, or even be mythical. But then Avacyn and her angels came, and with her presence, a new equilibrium was reached. Vampires, werewolves, and the undead were driven back to restore the balance between humanity and the rest of the world's beings. But their retreat opened a space — and an opportunity for Innistrad's infernal forces to manifest. The demons and their hosts of devils began to arrive, one by one. They spawn onto the plane through gateways to their native realm, the largest of which is Ashmouth.[16]
Demons observe an internal hierarchy, in which the demon Griselbrand held previously the highest rank before his destruction. He was succeeded by Ormendahl. Born from ancient demon worship of these higher entities, the Skirsdag are now a secret demon cult centered in the High City of Thraben.
Many demons were corrupted by the eldrazi titan Emrakul and turned into her brood. It's unclear if, like angels, this drove them virtually extinct, as none appeared in Eldritch Moon, though they did appear in following sets. Children of the Nameless reveals that some are female and that, although born of magic and generally ruthless, they are capable of familial bonds.[3]
Hartmurt Demon
Hartmurt Demons are tall, muscular hairless demons with inhuman features, and horns that sweep back along their heads almost like a mane. A rare wingless strain, Hartmurts are hardy, quick to heal, and tend to be skilled combatants.[3]
Nightreach Demon
Large demons with skeletal features, long, goat-like legs, and enormous wings.[3]
Reaper from the Abyss
The Reaper from the Abyss is a powerful, cunning demon, who seduces humans into worshiping him. True to his title, he is a swift and merciless killer.
Bloodgift Demon
The Bloodgift Demon is a sinister master of souls, promising to lend eldritch power in exchange for devotion. He offers the Chalice of Life filled with his blood to his acolytes, but as they drink, it turns into a Chalice of Death. In Griselbrand's absence, many Skirsdag cultists chose to name him their dark lord.
The Ashspawn
With Emrakul's arrival, the Ashmouth in Stensia's Geier Reach was utterly transformed. If it once linked to an infernal realm where demons and devils dwelled, that link was altered to pass through some alien region where Eldrazi held sway. Warped and twisted demons emerged from the chasm. Almost unrecognizable, these creatures sprouted extra limbs, additional mouths, great curving horns, and jointed tentacles, all mottled with Emrakul's characteristic lattice of flesh. These horrors started to spread like extensions of Emrakul's will, draining the land of mana and transforming it into Emrakul's likeness.[17]
Archdemons of Greed
These lesser demons require human sacrifices before being able to unleash their true form. To keep themselves in this transformed state, they need to keep consuming human life.
Duskmourn
Demons were once common on Duskmourn, making deals with the humans of the plane.[18] One of them, a particularly powerful one named Valgavoth, was imprisoned in a house. In time, he expanded the borders of the house to occupy the entire plane in a ritual called the Ascension. One of his first acts after subsuming control of the plane was killing most of the plane's other demons and breaking the rest, ensuring none could challenge his rule. Those that survived take vengeance on the House or continue to make pacts with survivors in hopes of one day deposing Valgavoth.
Ixalan
Demons on Ixalan are thought to be the spawn of Aclazotz, the bat god of the night.[19] While the sun’s aspects include destruction as well as creation and growth, the demons represent stagnation and decay. Fearing the sun's rays, these demons are active only at night and actively work to find a way from preventing it from rising again. During the exploration of the core, several Legion of Dusk vampires were turned into demons by Aclazotz, trying to help him eclipse the sun of the core Chimil.
Some of the horse breeds used by the Legion of Dusk, such as the Dusk Charger, are rumored to have demonic blood, which makes them fearless and bloodthirsty. It is unknown if these demons are the same ones found on Ixalan, or if different demons exist on Torrezon.
Kaladesh
Kaladesh's demons are artificial creations created through the Dark Schematic, an aether pattern developed through unknown means - perhaps to replicate the creation of angels, perhaps to recreate the now-extinct naturally-born demons. They feed on aether, harvesting it by stealing it or causing general destruction, and can be seen as embodiments of the reclaiming aspect of the Aether Cycle.[20]
Kaldheim
Demons are the chief race of Immersturm and want to kill everyone.[21]
Immersturm's demons are vicious Viking raiders with an unrivaled thirst for destruction. Since the gods laid down the runes that trapped them in the realm, rival demon jarls and their savage legions have been battling constantly, furiously, on the Fields of Elskul. When they're not busy tearing each other apart, the demons search hungrily for any opportunity to raid other realms. Demon society is divided into legions, each led by a powerful leader known as a Slaughtermaster. Black-aligned demons are conquerors who want to spread fear and terror as they claim other realms for themselves. Red-aligned demons are hellbent on destruction and pain and want to burn everything to the ground and slaughter everyone they find.[22]
The Einir (the gods who birthed the elven race) sealed the demons into Immersturm using powerful magical objects of their design. When the Skoti challenged the Einir's supremacy and defeated them, these relics were lost. The Skoti used runic magic to reseal Immersturm, but they have been less than vigilant about maintaining the safeguards.[22]
Kamigawa
The oni (OH-nee)[23] are malevolent kami of evil and chaos in Kamigawa, most of whom were locked away in the Sokenzan Mountains. Following the outbreak of the Kami War, many were released by their o-bakemono worshipers to bring destruction to the plane. Unlike the demons of most other planes, some oni are created from red mana rather than black. The oni are easily recognizable by the presence of their third eye. During the Kami War, some humans who desired to obtain demonic power received the Mark of the Oni upon them. This made their bodies puppets of the oni, although some of them truly became demons.[24]
The oni were locked away in the spirit realm by Kyodai centuries ago. Cut off from the mortal realm, they were unable to feed freely, and their power dwindled.[25] During New Phyrexia's Invasion of the Multiverse, Kyodai was distracted from her guard duties, and oni began escaping into the mortal realm.[26]
Kylem
On the plane of Kylem where two-on-two battles are disputed at the arena of Valor's Reach, some of the most feared contenders are these demons.
Sower of Discord
The Sower of Discord has the power of establishing bonds between two or more individuals' souls. He can manipulate the destinies of friends making them fight each other even if they were supposed to work together.
Archfiend of Despair
Archfiend of Despair. He can destroy whole teams whenever the demon participates. He is always recognized by every other contender as a force to be feared that erases the chances of victory of most everyone else.
Mirrodin
Demons exist on the artificial plane of Mirrodin though, like all other non-artificial life, were likely brought to the plane via the soul traps created by Memnarch.
Reiver demon
The Reiver Demon is a traditionally bat-winged, powerful, demon which is primarily notable for being the source of Demon's Horn.[27] Those who dare witnessing his mere presence are mostly damned. Sometimes it can be seen fighting a Platinum Angel over the Mirran skies.
Carnifex demon
Carnifex Demon is a Phyrexian demon who appears as a black-skinned humanoid with a large skeletal jaw covering his decaying humanoid face. This demon spreads the contagion around, infecting other creatures with its virus. Ironically, Carnifex himself appears to be infected with the contagion.
Phyrexia
Yawgmoth Demons
The demons of Phyrexia inhabit its Sixth Sphere and are the most powerful and loyal minions of Yawgmoth. They form the majority of Yawgmoth's Inner Circle.[28]
Lesser Demons
During the times of Greensleeves, Phyrexia was inhabited by fleshy and mindless demons, which had only one purpose: to gather all artifacts they find and bring them to Phyrexia.
Ravnica
Demons of Ravnica are few but appear otherwise similar to Dominarian demons. They embody the darker metaphysical side of sentience: selfishness, cruelty, hatred, greed, and lust for power. The most famous is Rakdos, parun and guildmaster of the Cult of Rakdos. Some rumor that they are similarly formed from Rakdos to the angels that were once born from Razia. Rakdos claims authority over all the demons of this world- even if some of them, ambitious and headstrong as demons are, rebel against his authority.
Half-demons
Though it is uncertain what the hideous process through which the Cult of Rakdos go through to create half-demons is, the result is unique to each one.[29]
Master of Cruelties
When a master of cruelties steps up as ringleader of a Rakdos show, the audience can be assured of a performance they will remember for the rest of their lives - however brief that might be. The mesmerizing presence of a master of cruelties draws every eye to the demon and commands an audience's full attention. With every act of depraved torment the demon performs, onlookers are drawn more and more into the blood lust. Audiences clamor for more violence, and those who get too caught up in the revelry feel compelled to partake in the indiscriminate killing.
Sire of Insanity
Rakdos nightclubs, where visitors can indulge any dark desire and revel in the sadistic spectacle, are the favored haunts of the demons known as Sires of insanity. Lurking in an underground vault beneath a Rakdos operation, a sire of insanity feasts on the violence, torment, and depravity unfolding above. Occasionally, cultists bring would-be recruits to the demon's presence, and true to its name - the sire of insanity breaks the new cultist's mind.
A sire of insanity is a bloated demon resembling a bipedal lizard. It stands some thirty feet tall and weighs many thousands of pounds, so it tends to keep hidden away in its subterranean lair, working its evil from the shadows.
Woebringer Demons
A small black demon with an insatiable appetite. They are known for causing panic throughout the streets of Ravnica and consuming the souls of other creatures. However, it is implied that these demons will die quickly if they are unable to find any souls to devour.
Shadowmoor
Demon hounds called Barghests exist on Shadowmoor. They are mostly monstrous demons devoid of any intelligence.
Shandalar
Shandalar is home to a powerful demonic force referred to as Xathrid. Xathrid commands his demons and is worshipped by a cult dedicated to him.
Xathrid Demons
Demons possessing a menacing grin and pale skin, the Xathrid are powerful demons known for making contracts with people in exchange for power. However, the only currency they accept is flesh and blood, much to the horror of their clients and cultists.
Tarkir
Several types of demons, called Sidikur, exist in Tarkir, mostly associated with the Sultai Brood and the Mardu Horde. The most unique are the many Rakshasa, tiger-like demons, with which the Sultai have made pacts for power. It is said that all knowledge to summon or control demons is the result of deals with the rakshasa.[30] Most non-rakshasa demons have multiple limbs and tusk-like teeth.
In the past, Tasigur, khan of the Sultai, offended the rakshasa, who withdrew their support from him. Having been left vulnerable to the renewed dragon attacks, Tasigur made a pact with Silumgar, leading him to a meeting with the other khans. Afterward, the rakshasa renewed their pacts, but this time with Silumgar. The dragonlord fears that the rakshasa will eventually turn against him, but knows that their magic is too useful for him.[31]
Theros
Theros demons are souls long consumed by hatred and other negative emotions, eventually corrupted by black mana in an astonishingly quick process. With some effort, some fly back to the world of the living from the Underworld, leading "second lives" in a myriad of ways, usually as yet another form of a wild monster or as tormentors of the living.
Zendikar
Various demons exist on Zendikar, most of which possess incredible and rather destructive powers. Unlike angels, demons reject any form of society or alliance. They are utterly selfish and hoard power in many different forms, including wealth, magic, territory, and slaves. Drawn to places where black mana flows freely, they often dwell in ancient crypts or ruins deep in swampy terrain. Their presence defiles any remaining scrap of purity or goodness in an area, and often extends the bounds of a swamp or stirs up the restless spirits of the dead. Like most other demons on other planes, these demons covet power and wish to take the land's energy for themselves. The size and number of a demon’s horns are an indication of its age and power.
The most notable demon on Zendikar was Ob Nixilis, a fallen planeswalker who lost his spark and seeks revenge against the land that corrupted him.
Hellcarver Demons
The Hellcarver are demons who demand ALL physical materials for their services, once the pact is made, one must sacrifice everything for them. The price is great, but the reward they offer is irresistible.
Halo Hunters
These demons hunt down and kill angels while collecting the remains as trophies to hang in their homes.
Abyssal Persecutors
Abyssal Persecutors are ruthless and efficient demons easily summoned by planeswalkers. The drawback is that they enjoy abusing their victims so much that they use their dark arts to make their victims immortal.
Pestilence Demons
A demon similar to Ob Nixilis in that they covet power and domination. They fly around, inflicting plague and torment upon everyone around them. It is also interesting to note that pestilence demons seem to bear a traditional, goatlike appearance.
Unknown
Demons of Death's Gate
Demon of Death's Gate is a gigantic demon of unknown origin that can be released through the offering of marrow, sinew, and blood. It is characterized by its monstrous gaping maw and colossal chiropteran wings.
Embodiment of Agonies
The Embodiment of Agonies is a mysterious demon born from pain and death, two things his mere touch can achieve on others. His power comes from everything that has perished.
Notable Demons
- the Buried Lord
- Brerig
- Crunchgnar
- Griselbrand
- Gutmorn
- Ormendahl
- Shilgengar
- Withengar
- Voluptera
- Yledris
- All-Consuming Oni of Chaos
- "He Who Frightens the Sun"[32]
- Kagemaro
- Kuro, Pitlord[33][34]
- Kyoki
- Seizan
- Shimatsu
- Urami[35]
- Yukora
- Unknown
Grand Creature Type Update
In the Grand Creature Type Update the following creature types were changed into Demon:
- Infernal-Denizen (Infernal Denizen)
- Minor Demon (Boris Devilboon)
- Mold-Demon (Mold Demon)
- Pit Spawn (Pit Spawn)
- Wretched (The Wretched)
Tokens
Token Name | Color | Type Line | P/T | Text Box | Source | Printings |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Demon | Black | Creature — Demon | 5/5 | Flying | ||
Black | Creature — Demon | 6/6 | Flying, trample At the beginning of your upkeep, sacrifice another creature. If you can't, this creature deals 6 damage to you. |
|||
Black | Creature — Demon | X/X | Flying | |||
Black | Creature — Demon | 3/3 | ||||
Plaguebearer of Nurgle | Black | Creature — Demon | 1/3 | |||
Cherubael | Black | Legendary Creature — Demon | 4/4 | Flying | ||
Urami | Black | Legendary Creature — Demon Spirit | 5/5 | Flying | ||
Demon Berserker | Red | Creature — Demon Berserker | 2/3 | Menace | ||
Minor Demon | Black/Red | Creature — Demon | 1/1 | |||
Blue Horror | Blue/Red | Creature — Demon Horror | 2/2 | Whenever you cast an instant or sorcery spell, this creature deals 1 damage to any target. | ||
Vampire Demon | Black | Creature — Vampire Demon | 4/3 | Flying | ||
Dreadfeast Demon | Black | Creature — Demon | 6/6 | Flying At the beginning of your end step, sacrifice a non-Demon creature. If you do, create a token that’s a copy of Dreadfeast Demon. |
Gallery
Alara demons
-
The Defiler of Souls.
Amonkhet demons
-
A demon from Ifnir.
-
Demon.
-
An ammit.
-
A scorpion demon.
-
Ammit Eternal.
Dominaria demons
-
Minions of Leshrac.
-
Minions of Tevesh Szat.
Innistrad demons
-
A demonic reaper.
-
A Mindwrack Demon, changed by the influence of Emrakul.
-
Dreadhound a demon dog.
-
Gutmorn a legendary demon who made a pact with Davriel Cane.
Mirrodin/New Phyrexia demons
-
A Mirran demon.
-
A phyrexianized demon.
Kamigawa demons
-
A black aligned oni.
-
A red aligned oni.
-
Kuro, Pitlord.
-
Initial oni concept by Anthony Scott Waters.
Ravnica demons
-
A woebringer demon.
-
A lord of the void and his underlings.
-
A master of cruelties.
-
Sire of Insanity, a Cult of Rakdos demon.
-
A Cult of Rakdos female demon.
-
A Nightmare Demon aligned with House Dimir. Art by Vincent Proce.
Tarkir demons
-
A demon aligned with the Sultai Brood.
-
A demon aligned with the Mardu Horde.
-
A rakshasa.
-
A non-tiger like rakshasa.
Other demons
-
A Fioran demon.
-
Another Fioran demon.
-
A Ixalan demon.
-
A Kaladeshi demon.
-
A daemogoth from Arcavios.
-
A Shadowmoor demon.
-
A Phyrexian demon.
-
A Kaldheim demon.
-
A Shandalar demon.
-
A Theran demon.
-
A Zendikar demon.
-
Krav, the Unredeemed, fighting in Valor's Reach with his angel lover Regna - a demon of Kylem.
-
Silent-Blade Oni, a ninja demon.
-
Ob Nixilis a human planeswalker cursed by the Chain Veil.
-
Kaldheimr Demon concept.
Trivia
- Withengar Unbound has the highest power and toughness of any demon. In contrast, Immersturm Raiders has the smallest combined stats and is one of nine common demons.
- Red is the most common secondary color for demons, largely due to the Rakdos Cult. That said, four mono-red Demons are from Kamigawa (Shimatsu the Bloodcloaked and Oni of Wild Places) and Kaldheim (Frenzied Raider and Immersturm Raider). Five more are from the non-Magic property of Baldur's Gate.
- Blue has eleven demons, with no particular link between any of them.
- The Warhammer 40,000 universe is renowned for being "grimdark", to which every being could reasonably be considered black-aligned; for color balance, many use secondary colors. As such, five mono-red, two mono-blue, and three blue-red demons are printed in it.
- The gang leaders of New Capenna are corrupted or hybridized demons with other races, giving Demons a cycle of five shard-colored creatures. They are the only Demons printed on that plane. Jetmir, Nexus of Revels and Falco Spara, Pactweaver are uniquely non-black and also green-white. Raffine, Scheming Seer and Ziatora, the Incinerator are white and green respectively.
- Only two other planes are known to have green-aligned demons: Tarkir, with Rakshasa Vizier and Rakshasa Deathdealer; and Arcavios, with Daemogoth Woe-Eater and Daemogoth Titan. Shelob, Child of Ungoliant is a green Spider Demon from the Universes Beyond.
- Butcher of the Horde is the only other demon that requires white mana. This made Tarkir the first plane with five colors of demons, by having two wedge-colored representatives.
References
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (October 22, 2018). "Are the iconic/characteristic races considered a 1 on the Beeble Scale?". Blogatog. Tumblr.
- ↑ Brady Dommermuth (July 05, 2004). "Demons! Demons! D3m0nZ!!1!". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ a b c d e Brandon Sanderson (2018). "Children of the Nameless". Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Doug Beyer (December 17, 2008). "Insights from the Inbox". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (March 20, 2012). "Marquee creatures for the colors". Blogatog. Tumblr.
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (August 01, 2014). "The fact that all angels are female has come up a few times here. I noticed that all demons happen to be male. Is that intentional too?". Blogatog. Tumblr.
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (October 17, 2011). "The Walking Undead". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Magic Arcana (September 17, 2002). "Sketches: Grinning Demon". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (July 05, 2004). "Where Have All The Demons Gone?". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Doug Beyer & Jenna Helland (2008). A Planeswalker's Guide to Alara, Wizards of the Coast. ISBN-13 978-0786951246
- ↑ Plane Shift: Amonkhet
- ↑ Kelly Digges (April 19, 2017). "Servants". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Michael Yichao (May 3, 2017). "Brazen". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ a b Wizards RPG Team (2021), D&D Strixhaven: A Curriculum of Chaos, Wizards of the Coast
- ↑ Miguel Lopez (April 28, 2022). "Planeswalker's Guide to Streets of New Capenna". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Jay Annelli (2022). Magic: The Gathering - The Visual Guide, DK. ISBN-13 978-0744061055.
- ↑ James Wyatt 2016, "The Art of Magic: The Gathering - Innistrad".
- ↑ Emily Teng (June 28, 2024). "Planeswalker's Guide to Duskmourn". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ James Wyatt (January 9, 2018). "Plane Shift: Ixalan". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Plane Shift - Kaladesh
- ↑ Their horns kind of resemble the horns of a Viking helm as depicted in pop culture.
- ↑ a b Ari Zirulnik and Jenna Helland (January 14, 2021). "Planeswalker's Guide to Kaldheim, Part 2". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Magic Arcana (September 14, 2004). "A Kamigawa Glossary, Part 1". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Magic Arcana (March 22, 2005). "Third Eye of the Oni". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Grace Fong, Emily Mei, and Ari Zirulnik (February 3, 2022). "Planeswalkers Guide to Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ WeeklyMTG - March of the Machine: The Aftermath (Video). Magic: The Gathering. YouTube (May 2, 2023).
- ↑ Magic Arcana (July 07, 2004). "Demonic Arcana". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Magic Arcana (July 26, 2005). "Yawgmoth's Demon". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Cory J. Herndon (2005). Ravnica Cycle, Book I: Ravnica, Wizards of the Coast
- ↑ Magic Creative Team (September 3, 2014). "Planeswalker's Guide to Khans of Tarkir, Part 1". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ The Magic Creative Team (March 11, 2015). "Planeswalker's Guide to Dragons of Tarkir, Part 1". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Nik Davidson (May 11, 2016). "Stories and Endings". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Jay Moldenhauer-Salazar (2005-01-05). "A Servant's Mission". Archived from the original on 2013-11-07.
- ↑ Magic Arcana (June 16, 2005). "Human to Rat". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ a b Magic Arcana (June 14, 2005). "Urami token art". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.