NationStates Jolt Archive

Some of you seem to have a general idea of what a demon is... so can you please explain it to me?

Mainly answer these questions please:

What is a demon?

What kinds of demons are most common?

What can demons do?

Where do demons come from?

How do they enter 'reality'?

How can you kill one?

I ask all this because in my Red Dragon RP Campaign, I involve "sons of perdition," something easily confused for demons.

Only Captain Baseballbat-Boy can kill Maxwell's Demon, that I know.

Only Captain Baseballbat-Boy can kill Maxwell's Demon, that I know....someone's been playing waaaaaay too much Max Payne 2... (I dunno how that's possible tho, it's so short lol)

BUMP

I'd really like to know, so that I can RP better with them...

I would help but my intire knowlage of demons stems from WH40K.
What are "sons of perdition"?

I would help but my intire knowlage of demons stems from WH40K.
What are "sons of perdition"?From the Mormon belief that a portion of the original spirits in heaven who faught on satan's side in the War in heaven, were so evil that they were cast into an outer darkness, never to experience physical power. In the Red Dragon RP... some of them managed to get bodies, and these beings of pure evil now... well... exist. They have extraordinary powers, but they are still somewhat mortal. read the history of the Red Dragon for a lil more info (click the banner):



http://www.bateshome.com/jordan/reddragon.jpg (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=96465)

Some of you seem to have a general idea of what a demon is... so can you please explain it to me?

Mainly answer these questions please:

What is a demon?

What kinds of demons are most common?

What can demons do?

Where do demons come from?

How do they enter 'reality'?

How can you kill one?

I ask all this because in my Red Dragon RP Campaign, I involve "sons of perdition," something easily confused for demons.

Well..... I happen to be a demon nation. There are many different interpretations of what a demon is. Of course there is the classical christian view, which is most common.

Basically a demon is a 'monster' or beast that thrives on the pain and suffering of others. They are violent and cruel and like destroying stuff.

The kinds of demon are up to rp'er. As there is no universal law about demons, there could be several kinds of demon. My nation has many different breeds.

Demons have supernatural strength and speed. That is pretty much universally agreed upon. They have a tough exterior and sharp fangs and claws. They can cause much physical damage. Some demons may also have magical abilities, dark magic kind of stuff. That again, is up to the rp'er.

Traditionally demons come from the christian hell. Other places can include another planet/dimension or perhaps in your backyard.

Demons are a supernatural/fantasy concept. They can be used in modern day rp's easily, but magic should be limited in that case.

Most demon are mortal. They may live a lot longer but they can still be killed. Cutting off a head or severely cutting one up is sure to kill one. Nothing really special.

Hope this helps.....

Thanks Arithon, that helps a little, though most of that I kinda already got.

(this is arithon)

Is there anything in particular you want to know???? I'm not saying I'm an expert.... but I know a little.

(this is arithon)

Is there anything in particular you want to know???? I'm not saying I'm an expert.... but I know a little.You never answered how they enter this reality... do they possess humans? Or do they incarnate out of magic? or what?

In Arithon's case....... they travel through an interdimensional portal. Magically opened.

I don't see why demonic spirits couldn't posess a living being.

I guess it depends on wether you're dealing with demons that have a natural physical form or a spiritual. And it also depends on where they come from.

In Arithon's case....... they travel through an interdimensional portal. Magically opened.

I don't see why demonic spirits couldn't posess a living being.

I guess it depends on wether you're dealing with demons that have a natural physical form or a spiritual. And it also depends on where they come from.i guess its just hard to comprehend when christian "hell" to me is as silly sounding as a "flat earth" :P

The most orthodox definition of "demon" is that it's an angel fallen out of the favour of God.

Well.... being an atheist i do not favour the christian hell.

Hence whilst my demon nation is merely in another dimension.

Did someone call for a catholic Theologian? A demon is a creature created by God, an Angel, which 'fell' during the 'falling'. That is they regard Angels as more important than humans, as humans are obviously flawed. They look identical to Angels, which varies depending upon which type they are, as a rule of thumb they are more beautiful than Angels.

The most common form of Demon is a herald. These are the weakest class in power and the lowest of the choirs. A herald is physically vaguely humanoid but with wings of light. There are also Archangels, Virtues, Principalities, Thrones, Powers, Cherubs and Seraphs any of which can be fallen. In the upper levels though, you will find all are named. Thrones are particularly interesting. They are shaped like a wheel and can bend the laws of time, which the others can't.

A herald is capable of immense feats of power, including destroying continents and such, but is usually loathe to reveal itself as this would tend to either lead to it being exorcised, or an angel appearing, usually one which is bigger and more frightening than the demon. Usually they disguise themselves via possession.

Demons are from hell where they are imprisoned. there are numerous legends about their appearance, but it is generally agreed that they must be released in some way. For example it is said that the demon Penemu can be called upon to cure people of stupidity. They invariably require payment of some form for whatever they may grant the summoner. This payment usually consist's of the summoner's soul.

Demons cannot be killed. They can however be exorcised, ie sent back to hell where they will have great trouble getting out again. They can also be chained up eternally and physically hurt if an angel gets its hands on them.

In Arithon's case....... they travel through an interdimensional portal. Magically opened.

I don't see why demonic spirits couldn't posess a living being.

I guess it depends on wether you're dealing with demons that have a natural physical form or a spiritual. And it also depends on where they come from.

Except for Mephisto and The Nameless One, that's what most demons do in NS. Mephisto... is a bit more powerful, a Devil rather than a demon. Arithon himself might be able to act like him, travel at will, only he hasn't done so, so far.

The Nameless One... is, right now at least, just a plot device. The all-powerful king of evil, who talks LIKE THIS hasn't done much, yet, except scare the crap out of Daniella Irenicus.

Lord Arithon is like a arch devil kind of thing. Above the demons.

He can teleport.... but usually remains in 'hell'.

Devil, Demon Arch-Devil etc are not choirs...

The demon is one of the most widely portrayed supernatural creatures in human history. The concept of demon - some kind of impure, unclean, or evil spirit - is nearly universal. Demons range from the Japanese Akuma-no-Oni (think Violator, from Spawn) to the archetypal red man with horns, hooves, and a tail. If you want to RP a nation about demons, I would suggest going to your local library and picking up a few books on the demons of various cultures.

Not all demons are evil. Some are mischevious, some are terrible, some are selfish, some are monstrous. There's plenty of grey area to work with, to make interesting characters. There aren't any "common" demons, any more than there are "common" gods, or even angels. Each one is unique, though they mall fall into broad categories (your discretion).

Demons can do almost anything you want them to. If you want an akuma-no-oni who can rip apart a tank, go for it. But the same demon is probably going to be deficient in other areas. Demonic stength and celerity often are aspects of a demon's powers, but not always. I can't recall hearing of any succubi capable of tearing a man in half. Always remember to keep the demon's purpose, and there is always a purpose, in mind when deciding upon its powers. A tempter isn't likely to need the raw might of a dark warrior.

In many cases, demons are a part of reality, they represent abstracts of the real world given form. This is especially common if you're working from an animistic perspective (animism - the belief that all ideas, creatures, and objects have spirits.)

Killing one, too, varies per subject. For a weak demon, you might just be able to cut it up. For a strong or unusual one, there might be some kind of prerequisite, some kind of trigger that weakens it or destroys it (Varlooth the Demon Lord might only be able to be killed by a certain weapon wielded by a certain person on a certain new moon each year, but these characters are likely to be decried as godmoddy.)

Basically... wing it. Demons exist in texts to reflect the aspects of ourselves that we find unpleasant. As such, the best demons are always the ones who are most personal, who exist to reflect a part of you that you find unpleasant.

My demons are simply made up by myself...... with little relevence to a 'choir'

Did someone call for a catholic Theologian? A demon is a creature created by God, an Angel, which 'fell' during the 'falling'. That is they regard Angels as more important than humans, as humans are obviously flawed. They look identical to Angels, which varies depending upon which type they are, as a rule of thumb they are more beautiful than Angels.

The most common form of Demon is a herald. These are the weakest class in power and the lowest of the choirs. A herald is physically vaguely humanoid but with wings of light. There are also Archangels, Virtues, Principalities, Thrones, Powers, Cherubs and Seraphs any of which can be fallen. In the upper levels though, you will find all are named. Thrones are particularly interesting. They are shaped like a wheel and can bend the laws of time, which the others can't.

A herald is capable of immense feats of power, including destroying continents and such, but is usually loathe to reveal itself as this would tend to either lead to it being exorcised, or an angel appearing, usually one which is bigger and more frightening than the demon. Usually they disguise themselves via possession.

Demons are from hell where they are imprisoned. there are numerous legends about their appearance, but it is generally agreed that they must be released in some way. For example it is said that the demon Penemu can be called upon to cure people of stupidity. They invariably require payment of some form for whatever they may grant the summoner. This payment usually consist's of the summoner's soul.

Demons cannot be killed. They can however be exorcised, ie sent back to hell where they will have great trouble getting out again. They can also be chained up eternally and physically hurt if an angel gets its hands on them.wow.. umm... except for the first and last paragraphs, I was pretty confused that whole time... I did not know Heralds were demons... "Hark the Herald angels sing" is now a bad song? :P I'm not sure I'm gonna take that as canon ;) Thanks for trying tho!

As for manmen's approach:

The demon is one of the most widely portrayed supernatural creatures in human history. The concept of demon - some kind of impure, unclean, or evil spirit - is nearly universal. Demons range from the Japanese Akuma-no-Oni (think Violator, from Spawn) to the archetypal red man with horns, hooves, and a tail. If you want to RP a nation about demons, I would suggest going to your local library and picking up a few books on the demons of various cultures.

Not all demons are evil. Some are mischevious, some are terrible, some are selfish, some are monstrous. There's plenty of grey area to work with, to make interesting characters. There aren't any "common" demons, any more than there are "common" gods, or even angels. Each one is unique, though they mall fall into broad categories (your discretion).

Demons can do almost anything you want them to. If you want an akuma-no-oni who can rip apart a tank, go for it. But the same demon is probably going to be deficient in other areas. Demonic stength and celerity often are aspects of a demon's powers, but not always. I can't recall hearing of any succubi capable of tearing a man in half. Always remember to keep the demon's purpose, and there is always a purpose, in mind when deciding upon its powers. A tempter isn't likely to need the raw might of a dark warrior.

In many cases, demons are a part of reality, they represent abstracts of the real world given form. This is especially common if you're working from an animistic perspective (animism - the belief that all ideas, creatures, and objects have spirits.)

Killing one, too, varies per subject. For a weak demon, you might just be able to cut it up. For a strong or unusual one, there might be some kind of prerequisite, some kind of trigger that weakens it or destroys it (Varlooth the Demon Lord might only be able to be killed by a certain weapon wielded by a certain person on a certain new moon each year, but these characters are likely to be decried as godmoddy.)

Basically... wing it. Demons exist in texts to reflect the aspects of ourselves that we find unpleasant. As such, the best demons are always the ones who are most personal, who exist to reflect a part of you that you find unpleasant.*applauds* thank you man, that helps.

So I think I get it now... basically a demon is just a magical character, who claims to be from "hell" in most cases, but can be regarded as just another dimension (The home for infinite losers in DragonBall Z! LOL)

They have magic powers, and blah blah blah basically I can just put these guys up there with Mages and Elves...

Demons (a.k.a daemons) can be whatever you want, although it's common practice to have them as unearthly beings aligned to evil. In the world of RP, a daemon can be anything. Corporal, incorporal, it's really up to you.

The Underground City is a highly daemon nation itself, with a fairly archetypical daemon as its dictator.

http://www.nationstates.net/images/flags/uploads/the_underground_city.jpg

EDIT: I hit the wrong button to post a thread...

OK Daemon is a mythological creature which first appears in Arabic legends. IT is a helpful dessert spirit and is totally different.

Angels are divided into those groups I mentioned before. Called Choirs. All serve a set purpose which is different from the other groups. A Demon is just an Angel gone bad. A Herald Angel is a messenger Angel. A Herald Demon is one of those that has gone to 'the dark side'. They are identical in power and appearance. The only difference is the attitude.

Yup, Dyelli's right; Daemon = demon is something Games Workshop decided on. Along with the fact that people don't want to be able to open paintpots more than once.

Daemon == program/subroutine. :wink:

Yup, Dyelli's right; Daemon = demon is something Games Workshop decided on. Along with the fact that people don't want to be able to open paintpots more than once.

rofl, Humbrol paints are much better, stay clear of Games Workshop it will eat all your money very quickly!
[/hijack]

From what culture? I studies Judeochristian as well as classic judaic demons. Well heres the run down.

Demons are basically spirits that are often called Shedim, they of course, have many other names they go by. In the earlier times demons were not a really evil group, just one that had some that caused problems. Many were named after different plagues or afflictions. Anywho, they were first thought of as servants of wrath sent by their god to punish those who needed to be punished. After causing all sorts of trouble someone decided that demons couldn't be from god, god being a good being, so they made them classically evil. This is still before christianity mind you. All sorts of folklore sprung up around the exorcising of demons and protection from them, fish livers were quite popular, anyhow demons would cause all sorts of trouble, one famous one, i'm sure you've heard this name, asmodeus, killed rachels husband every time she was about to have sex, she married more than once and it kept happening, the archangel Raphael ( if i remember correctly it was Raphael) instructed Rachel to burn a fishliver in the brazier which incapacitated asmodeus, after this Raphael bound him hand and foot and forced him into service but thats another story.
After this birth of demonoligcal lore it was believed that while wholly evil, demons were still under the dominion of god as he had created all things and were still subject to his will, well this didn't fly to well in the middle ages so they had to create another lord comparable, though nowhere near as strong, to god. This was the birth of satan, earlier described as Samael(venom of god) in a Judaic story, he was a vain angel who had rebeled against god and therefore was cast out of heaven. The theologians of the middle ages gave satan(which means "enemy" by the way) a much more central role in demonlogical lore. Earlier demons such as Lilith, ba'al, and the sei'rim were simply demonized gods of other religions, lilith was a persian fertility god, ba'al meant "lord" in the language of canaan and was used in the same manner to describe their gods as those that respect the tetragrammaton use Adonai. The middle age scholars made them all angels who had rebeled against god along with Samael who was later called lucifer (light bearer). To this day the idea of a central evil (satan) surrounded by lesser evils (demons) surivives in modern lore and is still one of the most believed versions of good vs evil.

Do you need more? I can go more indepth but I don't want to give you more than you want.

Yup, Dyelli's right; Daemon = demon is something Games Workshop decided on. Along with the fact that people don't want to be able to open paintpots more than once.

rofl, Humbrol paints are much better, stay clear of Games Workshop it will eat all your money very quickly!
[/hijack]

Yes, but they have their own problems, from what I remember...Cleaning brushes with white spirit and the way they take about eighty years to dry come to mind...

From what culture? I studies Judeochristian as well as classic judaic demons. Well heres the run down.

Demons are basically spirits that are often called Shedim, they of course, have many other names they go by. In the earlier times demons were not a really evil group, just one that had some that caused problems. Many were named after different plagues or afflictions. Anywho, they were first thought of as servants of wrath sent by their god to punish those who needed to be punished. After causing all sorts of trouble someone decided that demons couldn't be from god, god being a good being, so they made them classically evil. This is still before christianity mind you. All sorts of folklore sprung up around the exorcising of demons and protection from them, fish livers were quite popular, anyhow demons would cause all sorts of trouble, one famous one, i'm sure you've heard this name, asmodeus, killed rachels husband every time she was about to have sex, she married more than once and it kept happening, the archangel Raphael ( if i remember correctly it was Raphael) instructed Rachel to burn a fishliver in the brazier which incapacitated asmodeus, after this Raphael bound him hand and foot and forced him into service but thats another story.
After this birth of demonoligcal lore it was believed that while wholly evil, demons were still under the dominion of god as he had created all things and were still subject to his will, well this didn't fly to well in the middle ages so they had to create another lord comparable, though nowhere near as strong, to god. This was the birth of satan, earlier described as Samael(venom of god) in a Judaic story, he was a vain angel who had rebeled against god and therefore was cast out of heaven. The theologians of the middle ages gave satan(which means "enemy" by the way) a much more central role in demonlogical lore. Earlier demons such as Lilith, ba'al, and the sei'rim were simply demonized gods of other religions, lilith was a persian fertility god, ba'al meant "lord" in the language of canaan and was used in the same manner to describe their gods as those that respect the tetragrammaton use Adonai. The middle age scholars made them all angels who had rebeled against god along with Samael who was later called lucifer (light bearer). To this day the idea of a central evil (satan) surrounded by lesser evils (demons) surivives in modern lore and is still one of the most believed versions of good vs evil.

Do you need more? I can go more indepth but I don't want to give you more than you want.Wow... umm... thanks... i can accept most of that... but the other stuff... man, you would really have to read waaaaaay too much into the Bible to get that out of it. i have a compeltely different understanding of Demons and Satan and all that... read the Book of Mormon and the Pearl of Great Price... you might understand a few things better.

Thanks for your input though, I had no Idea that Judaeo-Christianity taught that...

And no, you don't have to go more in-depth, I was merely curious as to what NS Demons are.

((This is ZDF/Raysia's player, btw))

Well you can try and stick to Christian mythology, but if, like me, you consider demons* to be fictional, anything goes.

*Which can be spelled daemons, although they can also mean different things.

Well you can try and stick to Christian mythology, but if, like me, you consider demons* to be fictional, anything goes.

*Which can be spelled daemons, although they can also mean different things.I don't believe demons can be physical... but everyone else on SN thinks they can be... soo... umm... yeah, I'm gonna have to go with the "They come from another dimension" theory ;)

The trouble is that sometimes you just want to use a word like demon* to give a certain impression, but there are other connotations already attached. Perhaps we should just say that we are using an alternative definition.


*or any mythological creature

well. If we're talking about about the book of mormon, the 'angel' claimed to have given the book is listed in earliy medieval demonologies as a demon himself, although I can't rememeber his name offhand. Pretty much none of what I have been saying comes from the Bible, it is taken from demonologies or "Paradise Lost".

well. If we're talking about about the book of mormon, the 'angel' claimed to have given the book is listed in earliy medieval demonologies as a demon himself, although I can't rememeber his name offhand. Pretty much none of what I have been saying comes from the Bible, it is taken from demonologies or "Paradise Lost".He was a glorified resurrected being... I'm pretty sure he was specific about that ;)

BTW, the Angel's name was Moroni.

I prefer Japanese demons. The nine-tailed fox is my favorite of all time. Plus, Yu Yu Hakusho demons are rather easy to defeat, at least the weak ones.

Basicly, demons fought with satin in the battle against heaven. THey lost, and were banished into hell. Demons can only be visible if 1.They willingly show themselfs to you 2. They posess someone. Demons cant kill you, unless they posess someone. Also, you cannot "kill" a demon, since they never were really alive in the first place, put you can drive them off with a cross, holy water, etc.

Wow. Very informative thread.

I like drawing demons and other such things, for some reason. It's mostly either ridiculously overmuscled hulks holding swords the size of a car or rail-thin, arrogant, supercilious prats that nonetheless have the power to explode you with a thought.