Devil

Devil is a black and red creature subtype used for cards that depict atrociously wicked, cruel, or ill-tempered evil spirits, having the power to afflict bodily harm and spiritual corruption. They are subordinate to Demons, but do not share their affiliation for black mana, being more psychotically self-indulgent and impulsive (and thus red) than power-hungry and manipulative. Physically, they bare a resemblance to Demons, except that they are usually smaller and lack wings. Let loose in the world, they satisfy their mad craving for destruction in a whirlwind of chaos.

The first card to bear the type was Stone-Throwing Devils in Arabian Nights. Dissension added Squealing Devil and Shards of Alara added Scourge Devil.

Innistrad block

After a long pause the storyline of Innistrad added more devils. Innistrad provided Charmbreaker Devils, Riot Devils and Pitchburn Devils. Of the latter it is said that they have the ingenuity of goblins, the depravity of demons and the smarts of sheep. Dark Ascension introduced Flayer of the Hatebound, Forge Devil, Heckling Fiends, Hellrider and Torch Fiend. The last set of the block contributed Scalding Devil, Vexing Devil, Gang of Devils and the half devil planeswalker Tibalt.

Trivia

• The flavor text of the sorcery Devil's Play ("A devil's hands are never idle") refers to the old folk saying that "Idle hands are the devils plaything", regarding the stupid things people can do when they are bored.

References

Sympathy for the Devils