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(i will be adding to this page alot, theres so much info on demons)
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{{Quote|We have come for you. Our [[human|neglected kin]]. To cleanse you of the sin of [[Heaven]]. Only with us will you find salvation. Join us. Immortality...awaits you.|[[Skarn]]|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfm0VHQJZxE}}
'''[[File:Demons.png|thumb|376px|Demons]]Demons''' are evil entities native to the [[Burning Hells]]. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can wield a wide range of magical powers depending on their type. They propagate and serve to spread pure chaos, making them diametrically opposed to the [[Angels]] of the [[High Heavens]] (who stand for Order and fight for the [[Light]]). The neverending war between Angels and Demons is known as the [[Great Conflict]]. The Demons of the Burning Hells are ruled by the seven greatest demons, the three [[Prime Evils]] and the four [[Lesser Evils]].
 
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[[File:Demons2.jpg|thumb|Demons]]
==Characteristics==
 
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'''Demons''', otherwise known as '''Hellspawn''',<ref>2014-03-25, [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2u_D43oGb8 Heroes of the Storm: Tyrael Trailer]. ''YouTube'', accessed on 2014-08-12</ref> '''Demonkind''',<ref>''[[Diablo Immortal]]'', ''[[Temple of Namari]]''</ref> '''Hell-beasts''',<ref>''[[Diablo Immortal]]'', ''[[Hell Beasts]]''</ref> and the '''Minions of Darkness'''<ref name = "D1M"/> are evil entities native to the [[Burning Hells]], and are the primary enemies of the ''[[Diablo series|Diablo]]'' series. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can wield a wide range of magical powers depending on their type. They propagate and serve to spread pure chaos, making them diametrically opposed to the [[angel]]s of the [[High Heavens]] (who stand for Order and fight for the [[Light]]). The never-ending war between angels and demons is known as the [[Eternal Conflict]].
Demons are bloodthirsty, vicious monsters who only care about being more powerful than the ones they deem weak. Unlike the [[angel]]'s order and discipline, demons are rampant and unorganized. In battle, they relentlessly attack their enemies with brute force. Some are very small like [[Imps]], or very large like [[Seigebreaker Assault Beast]]s. Demons usually use claws, talons, or fangs to rip apart enemies during battle. Demons can also sustain a large amount of pain and wounds before dying. Demons, unlike angels, are physical beings, and when they die stay where they are. Demon's blood are strange colors, like purple, green, and orange. It is also important to note that Undead are not demons.
 
==Presence in Sanctuary==
 
   
 
==Lore==
Demons cannot exist naturally in [[Sanctuary]] and must be summoned through a magical ritual. Their spirits cannot usually manifest itself, so they require mortal hosts in order to take shape. Dark Cultists often summon up demons from the Burning Hells to serve them in battle. Thralls, after killed, are banished back to Hell after they have been defeated.
 
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{{Quote|Thieves of hope and wellsprings of rot.|[[Zoltun Kulle]] on demons|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvzD1G1nsxU}}
===The [[Sin War]]===
 
During the Sin War, when [[Mephisto]] and the renegade angel [[Inarius ]]sought to lure man to the forces of dark and light, demons battled the High Heavens relentlessly to gain control. This kept on until Uldyssian made the factions have a brief truce, for the sake of humanity.
 
===[[Diablo I]]===
 
During the events of Diablo I, when the Lord of Terror had possessed the [[Leoric|King of Tristram]], Leoric, demons were attacking the small town and hopefully to gain entrance to the Tristram Cathedral. He then later gains control of [[Prince Albrecht]], after [[Archbishop Lazarus]] impales him with Diablo's soulstone. Diablo then summons countless hordes of demons, making the town a outpost for the Demonic Legion. He doesn't stop there, and summons demons to attack the town, as well as freeing his brothers, [[Baal]] and [[Mephisto]]. The hero then fights his way through the hordes until he reaches the cathedral. There, he kills the rest of the demons and traps Diablo by shoving the soulstone of Diablo into his forehead.
 
===[[Diablo II]]===
 
In Diablo II, the [[Dark Wanderer]] leads a group of demons upon a tavern, in which [[Marius]], the narrator of the story sees and decides to follow him. Diablo leaves "footprints" of demons to stop the group of heroes trying to find and kill him. He also enlists two [[Lesser Evils]], [[Duriel]] and [[Andariel]], to protect him from the group. When Baal is freed, Diablo begins to wrest control of [[Sanctuary]].
 
   
 
===Characteristics===
===[[Diablo II: Lord of Destruction]]===
 
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{{Quote|Who can say what drives a demon?|[[Abd al-Hazir]]|Defiled Doll}}
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[[File:SerpentMagus.png|thumb|A Deceiver, a type of demon]]
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Hell's servants number many and will stop at nothing to see [[Sanctuary]] crumble in their maw.<ref name = "AgeofFallingTowers">2023-3-28;[https://news.blizzard.com/en-us/diablo-immortal/23922651/reign-supreme-in-the-age-of-falling-towers#Top/ REIGN SUPREME IN THE AGE OF FALLING TOWERS]. ''Blizzard Entertainment'', accessed on 2023-3-30</ref> There are demons "beyond counting" who reside in Hell alone.<ref name = "BoLWeb">''[[Book of Lorath (Web Series)|Book of Lorath]]''</ref>
   
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Demons can wield powerful [[magic]].<ref name = "D1M"/>
[[File:The_Barbarian.png|thumb|300px]]Baal, now having his soulstone and in control of his demonic army leads it to [[Sescheron]]. He kills a [[barbarian]] guarding it, and the demons storm the fortress and raze it. He continues to lead his army on a murderous rampage across the land to [[Mount Arreat]], and lays seige to [[Harrogath]]. The Lord of Destruction leads his army into the mountain, where he hopes to corrupt the [[Worldstone]] and end the [[Great Conflict]].
 
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===[[Diablo III]]===
 
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At least some demons can possess humans and masquerade as angels.<ref name = "D2M">''[[Diablo II]] Manual''</ref> To best knowledge, demonic possession of a human cannot be forcefully ended without killing the host in the process.<ref name = "Demonsbane"/> There are measures that can be taken which can ward off demonic possession, though some practices make humans more vulnerable to possession (e.g. practicing [[dark magic]]).<ref>''[[Diablo III]]'', ''[[Act II (Diablo III)|Act II]]'', ''[[The Black Soulstone (Quest)|The Black Soulstone]]''</ref>
Twenty years after the destruction of the Worldstone, Sanctuary is preparing for a full out invasion from the [[Burning Hells]]. But it never happened, attracting the intrest of [[Deckard Cain]] to find out why. [[Belial]], the Lord of Lies, leads his Dark Coven and a portion of the Demonic Legion and beseiges Caldeum. Belial is later killed and trapped in the [[Black Soulstone]] by a group of [[nephalem]]. Azmodan, the Lord of Sin, then realizes the power of the Black Soulstone and breaks the [[Demonic Legion]] from [[Arreat Crater]] to obtain it. He is later thwarted by the same group of nephalem that killed Belial. The victory is short lives because [[Adria]] the Witch is revealed that Leah, her daughter, is also the daughter of Diablo. Adria then absorbs the Black Soulstone into [[Leah]], and she open a portal to [[Heaven]]. Diablo, now the [[Prime Evil]], then proceeds to wound [[Imperius|Archangel Imperius]] and destroy the [[Diamond Gates]], leading the full force of the Demonic Legion into the [[Silver City]]. Diablo is killed later by the group of nephalem, ending the Great Conflict forever.
 
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Angels can be turned into demons (e.g. [[Overlord]]s<ref name = "D1M"/> and [[Corrupted Angel]]s<ref>''[[Diablo III]]'', ''[[Act IV (Diablo III)|Act IV]]''</ref>), as can humans.<ref>''[[Diablo III]]'', ''[[Act V (Diablo III)|Act V]]''</ref>
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Demons are cowardly, and will attack using strength of numbers to their advantage whenever possible.<ref name = "D1M"/> They are prone to "unnatural" levels of distrust, even towards their own kind.<ref>''[[Birthright]]''</ref> Many demons are vain to the point of self-denial.<ref name = "MotS"/>
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Wounds suffered from demons' blades don't close easily (at least wounds inflicted against humans).<ref name = "TEoHJ"/> [[Lorath Nahr]] urged mortals to never use a demonic weapon, no matter how rightous their cause may be. He warned that inevitably, a demonic weapon would always turn a human to serve its will.<ref name = "BoL">''[[Book of Lorath]]''</ref>
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====Physiology====
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[[File:Wing Demon.png|thumb|A winged demon]]
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Demon physiology differs greatly. Thick hides and claws may be possessed by demons, but that aside, demons of the same dimensions may still have dramatically different weaknesses, depending on their master.<ref name = "D1M"/> [[Megademon]]s are considered to be archetypal demons.<ref>[http://classic.battle.net/diablo2exp/monsters/act4-megademon.shtml Megademon], ''The Arreat Summit''. Accessed on 2014-08-12</ref> Some demons possess wings.<ref name = "Diablerie">''[[Diablerie]]''</ref> Red is the most common color for demons (in appearance).<ref name = "DamnationPreview">2022-05-09, [https://news.blizzard.com/en-us/diablo-immortal/23800889/zone-preview-realm-of-damnation ZONE PREVIEW: REALM OF DAMNATION]. ''Blizzard Entertainment'', accessed on 2022-06-01</ref> Every demon possesses a withered, beating heart that propels it forward.<ref>''[[Diablo IV]]'', ''{{4|Demon's Heart}}''</ref>
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Demons, unlike angels, are physical beings, and their bodies remain after death.<ref name = "TVP">''[[The Veiled Prophet]]''</ref> Some make use of demonic remains,<ref name = "BoL"/> and demonic remains can (and have been) used in experiments, giving birth to new monstrous creatures. This is considered to be an "unspeakable act."<ref>''[[Diablo Immortal]]'', ''[[Guardian Stompers]]''</ref> Demon skin is durable and protective,<ref>''[[Diablo Immortal]]'', ''[[Spawn of Damnation]]''</ref> and [[tome]]s written by the [[Horadrim]] suggested that it could be forged into [[armor]]. However, there was uncertainty as to how this armor would affect the user's mind, as to whether it would turn them into a mindless spawn of damnation.<ref name = "FracturedLimited">2022-08-16, [https://news.blizzard.com/en-us/diablo-immortal/23816416/diablo-immortal-content-update-dare-to-conquer-the-fractured-plane DIABLO IMMORTAL CONTENT UPDATE: DARE TO CONQUER THE FRACTURED PLANE]. ''Blizzard Entertainment'', accessed on 2022-09-15</ref>
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Demons do not age, or at least not in a manner recognisable to mortals.<ref name = "BoC"/> They do not require sleep.<ref name = "Awakening">''[[The Awakening]]''</ref>
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[[File:Demon-immortal.jpg|thumb|left|A demon]]
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The skulls of some demonic creatures are said to work much like [[gems]].<ref name = "D2M"/> As with mortals and angels, demons carry [[Essence]] within their bodies.<ref name =
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"Rise">[https://us.battle.net/d3/en/rise-of-the-necromancer/ Rise of the Necromancer], ''Blizzard Entertainment''. Accessed on 2017-06-30</ref> At least some demons possess blood.<ref>''[[Diablo III]]'', ''[[Flesh Gorger]] Lore''</ref> Dry demon's blood left on armor can react adversely to water, causing the armor to be destroyed in a flash of green light, after generating sulphur/blood-scented smoke.<ref name = "TEoHJ">''[[The End of Her Journey]]''</ref> At least some radiate [[arcane]] energy.<ref>[http://classic.battle.net/diablo2exp/monsters/act5g-batdemon.shtml Bat Demon], ''Arreat Summit''. Accessed on 2015-09-15</ref> Most greater demons possess lots of horns.<ref name = "Demonsbane"/>
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[[File:Army of Destruction-DI.jpg|thumb|An [[Army of Destruction|army]] of demons]]
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Demons need to consume meat to sustain themselves.<ref name = "Demonsbane">''[[Demonsbane]]''</ref> Demons have been known to devour their young if no other nourishment is available.<ref>''[[Diablo III]]'', ''[[Imp (Diablo III)|Imp]] Lore''</ref> Humans may be consumed by demons for nourishment.<ref name = "Awakening"/>
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====Reproduction====
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{{Quote|The seers tell us that as they pass from our world, they are reborn. Demons "die" to dwell in a realm of darkness, and there they change before returning, oftimes in new forms.|[[Demelza]]|Crimson Slag}}
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[[File:Spawn of Destruction.jpg|thumb|Demons]]
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The souls of deceased demons are always reborn in Hell,<ref>''[[Diablo III]]'', ''[[Enraged Phantasm]] Lore''</ref> even the lowest of their kind. Humans who have been transformed into demons also gain this ability.<ref>''[[Diablo Immortal]]'', ''[[Damnation's Chosen]]''</ref> Demons are apparently spawned from the [[Black Abyss]],<ref name = "D2A4">''[[Diablo II]]'', ''[[The Harrowing]]''</ref> and if killed, will return to the Abyss to reform. Oftimes, this process gives the demon a new form.<ref>''[[Diablo Immortal]]'', ''[[Crimson Slag]]''</ref>
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Examples exist of breeds of demon being created through artificial means.<ref name = "D1M"/><ref name = "Awakening"/> Reference has been made to demons being birthed from flame, even emerging as twins.<ref>2022-08-30, [https://news.blizzard.com/en-us/diablo-immortal/23847496/diablo-immortal-content-update-find-your-inner-light-with-the-season-four-battle-pass DIABLO IMMORTAL CONTENT UPDATE: FIND YOUR INNER LIGHT WITH THE SEASON FOUR BATTLE PASS]. ''Blizzard Entertainment'', accessed on 2022-09-03</ref>
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Demons are wont to breed with each other.<ref name = "Awakening"/> They have demonstrated the ability to crossbreed with [[angel]]s (the results being [[nephalem]]),<ref name = "BoC">''[[Book of Cain]]''</ref> and with humans, usually to the horror of the latter. Few children of such couplings survive childbirth, and fewer still survive into adulthood, as they are generally killed by those who know them for what they are.<ref name = "MotS"/> [[Deckard Cain]] also suspected that [[Barbed Lurker]]s (a type of [[Ancient Beast]]) are partially demonic as well.<ref>''[[Diablo III]]'', ''[[Ancient Beast]] Lore''</ref> Encounters with demons by humans can result in psychological scarring that lasts potentially indefinitely, though measures can be taken to minimize harm.<ref name = "TO">''[[The Order]]''</ref>
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===Worship and Summoning===
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{{Quote|Ye ain't gettin' me to believe in demons. Stories, that's all them legends are. Just meant to give a man a laugh an' maybe a sense of unease now an' again.|[[Tomas]]|The Black Road}}
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[[File:Triune_Vessel_artwork.jpg|thumb|Triune Vessel]]
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Many [[human]]s do not believe in the existence of demons,<ref name = "LeahLore">2013-12-08, [http://www.blizzplanet.com/blog/comments/blizzcon-2013-diablo-iii-lore-qa-panel-transcript/6 BlizzCon 2013 – Diablo III Lore and Story Q&A Panel Transcript]. ''Blizzplanet'', accessed on 2014-04-21</ref> though stories of demons became common in folklore of some human cultures. Some philosophical writings within the East have postulated that demons are nothing more than a representation of Man's nature (i.e. "his demons").<Ref name = "TBR"/> Yet demons do indeed exist, and some mortals worship(ed) demons, and have engaged in summoning practices. Examples include the [[Triune]] (a font for the Prime Evils as benevolent entities during the [[Sin War (Event)|Sin War]], the [[Coven]] (remnants of the Triune, turned to the worship of [[Belial]])<ref name = "BoT">''[[Book of Tyrael]]''</ref> and the worship of [[Kabraxis]] in an attempt to eclipse the [[Zakarum]] faith.<ref name = "TBR">''[[The Black Road]]''</ref> The Zakarum faith itself was corrupted by [[Mephisto]].<ref name = "BoC"/> Mortals have also summoned demons to the mortal realm, a practice which dates as far back as the [[Vizjerei Clan]].<ref name = "BoC"/> While such a practice has since been banned by the clan,<ref name = "BoT"/> groups such as the Coven continue it.<ref name = "D3A1">''[[Diablo III]]'', ''[[Act I (Diablo III)|Act I]]''</ref> Centuries past, when summoning demons was common, it was common to invoke lesser demons and subdue them in order to gain their power. Many [[sorcerer]]s ended up being enslaved to their [[Demon Imp|intended servants]].<ref>[http://classic.battle.net/diablo2exp/monsters/act5-demonimp.shtml Demon Imp], ''The Arreat Summit''. Accessed on 2014-08-12</ref> Possession by a demon may grant a human increased power, but this comes at the cost of one's sense of self<ref name = "BoA"/> and eventually, a demon can completely overtake the human's form with its own.<ref name = "D1M"/>
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[[File:The Sanctuary Tarot Deck and Guidebook2.jpg|thumb|left|A tarot representation of a demon]]
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If summoning a demon, one is not recommended to do so during the months of [[Vasan]] and [[Lycanum]], as during this time, demons are erratic and easy to anger. In contrast, the most ideal times to summon demons is the period of time between the last days of [[Jerharan]] and the first days of [[Damhar]]. Furthermore, if summoning a demon, one should never attempt to do so alone. Rather, the summoning should be conducted in a group consisting of three, four, or seven individuals (representing the [[Prime Evils]], [[Lesser Evils]], and [[Great Evils|combination of the two]] respectively).<ref name = "BoA">''[[Book of Adria: A Diablo Bestiary]]''</ref>
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Some rituals involve summoning demonic larvae inside a living vessel's stomach, which will deposit eggs and create a nest. As the ritual is close to completion, flies will start to pour from the victim's orifices, which is a sign that the possession has taken hold. At this point, the vessel can be unbound and disposed, allowing the fully formed demon to erupt, bound to the will of its summoner. <ref>''[[Diablo IV]]'', Torn Notebook Page from a Pale Demonologist, Conclave.</ref>
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While not necessarily summoning or possession, at least some demons within Hell can speak through humans on the mortal plane.<ref>''[[Diablo Immortal]], [[Prologue (Diablo Immortal)|Prologue]], [[Between Two Evils]], [[Evil Stronghold]]''</ref>
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In ages past, it was common in [[Sanctuary]] to decorate buildings with stone statues of demons that were enchanted to serve as guardians and protectors of those within. The misshapen figures of the statues were designed to taunt and anger any demons that attempted to gain entrance.<ref name = "D1M"/>
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Demons can be unintentionally summoned to Sanctuary through uncontrolled magic, which weakens the fabric between the human world and the [[Burning Hells]]. Some individuals can become literal portals to summoning demons, and are said to have "cursed burning blood", as they literally ignite in flames while rifts on the ground open, with demons emerging from them. While these flames don't kill the cursed person, it inflicts excruciating pain to them.<ref>''[[Diablo IV]]'', ''[[Poisoned Hearts]]''</ref>
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===Beliefs and Culture===
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{{Quote|I shudder to think what the demon lords might accomplish should they ever stop betraying one another. Such is the self-defeating nature of evil.|[[Tyrael]]|Act III (Diablo III)}}
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[[File:Prime Evils.jpg|thumb|The Prime Evils]]
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Demons believe that absolute chaos is the true nature of Creation. Many lesser demons despise humanity, seeing the existence of Man as offensive to their "higher" position in the greater scheme of things. Many demons hoard wealth. Attitudes of demons otherwise depend on their master&mdash;the legions of Mephisto were driven by a hatred of all living things, especially those who were pure of heart. The soldiers of Baal sought the undoing of Creation, striving for disorder and destruction. To them, order was an abhorrence. The minions of Diablo used illusion and fear as their greatest weapons, preferring to wait for an opponent to show weakness before they attacked.<ref name = "D1M">''[[Diablo (Game)|Diablo]] Manual''</ref> Demons frequently scheme against one another,<ref name = "BoC"/> but otherwise, a hierarchy of sorts can be observed for demonkind:
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#The [[Prime Evils]]&mdash;[[Diablo]], [[Mephisto]], and [[Baal]].
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#The [[Lesser Evils]]&mdash;[[Azmodan]], [[Belial]], [[Duriel]], and [[Andariel]].<ref name = "BoC"/>
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#The [[Mallet Lord]]s (roam the outer reaches of Hell, do not answer to the Great Evils)<ref name = "MLL">''[[Diablo III]]'', ''[[Mallet Lord]] Lore''</ref>
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#The [[Balrog]]s (often allowed contact with the Prime Evils, oversee lesser demons)<ref name = "Awakening"/>
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#[[Counselor]]s (often rise to positions of power within Hell, some only answered to Balrogs and the Prime Evils)<ref name = "Awakening"/>
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[[File:Beledwe and Gishtur.jpg|thumb|A pair of demons]]
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Of these Evils, many believe that if there can be said to be one single ruler of demonkind, it is Mephisto.<Ref>2018-09-05, [https://twitter.com/BlizzHeroes?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor Mephisto Lore]. ''Heroes of the Storm Twitter'', accessed on 2018-09-06</ref> At the very bottom of the hierarchy are the [[Fallen]], who are despised by all of demonkind.<ref>2019-11-05, [https://diablo.blizzplanet.com/blog/comments/blizzcon-2019-diablo-4-unveiled-panel-transcript/7 BlizzCon 2019 Diablo 4: Unveiled Panel Transcript]. ''Blizzplanet'', accessed on 2020-04-18</ref>
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Lesser demons will not follow one of their own kind. Only a demon of higher standing can lead them.<ref name = "Demonsbane"/> Most demons rely on force to enact their will.<ref name = "BoA"/>
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The Primes and Lessers (collectively known as the [[Great Evils]]) each had their own realm of Hell,<ref name = "BoC"/> while the Mallet Lords control the outer reaches of Hell.<ref name = "MLL"/> It was rare for the Primes to work together.<ref name = "D3A3">''[[Diablo III]]'', ''[[Act III (Diablo III)|Act III]]''</ref> Few demons are allowed the honor of direct contact with one of the Lords of Hell.<ref name = "Awakening"/> Many servants of the Great Evils exist(ed), such as the [[Sin Lieutenant]]s of [[Azmodan]].<ref name = "D3A3"/>
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Demons maintain a symbol-based writing system. Few, if any humans are capable of reading it.<ref name = "TBR"/>
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[[File:Demons-D4.jpg|thumb|Demons|250px]]
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Many demons fear the light of the sun.<ref>''[[Diablo (Game)|Diablo]]'', ''[[Ogden's Sign (Quest)|Ogden's Sign]]''</ref>
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Many demons hoard all the wealth they can find, even if they have no use for the [[gold]] used by mortals.<ref name = "D1M"/>
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Demons have a sense of "justice" (such as it is), but it is a cruel and sadistic form of it.<ref>''[[Heroes of the Storm]]''</ref> Demons can be notoriously clever, and should not be trusted by mortals. However, they hide their lies within the truth.<ref name = "TO"/>
   
 
==History==
 
==History==
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{{Quote|Once you see the kind of things I've seen, you'll be a pacifist too. Demons don't count.|The [[Memory of Caldessan]]|Diablo Immortal}}
[[File:DemonInBattle.png|thumb|196px|Demon in battle]]Demons originate from the [[Black Abyss]] or are spawned within the Hells themselves. It is not known how the first demons came into being, but it is revealed that other entities - even humans - can eventually become demons (see the [[Goatman]] article for instance). Demons have been in creation ever since [[Tathamet]] was killed and his body became the foundation for Hell. Demons are enlisted in the [[Demonic Legion]], serving their masters with a bloodthirsty appetite for battle and blood. The demonic armies usually greatly outnumber the opposing force, but are very unorginized because of their bloodthirsty behavior. There are thousands of different kinds of demons, ranging in size from a small imp to a massive [[Siegebreaker Assault Beast]].
 
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===Early History===
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{{Quote|Demonic hordes spawned from the vile cavities of the Burning Hells - a host of ravenous, furious monstrosities that reflected the poisonous elements of their progenitor. There are demons beyond counting in the Burning Hells.|[[Lorath Nahr]]|Book of Lorath (Web Series)}}
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[[File:Angels vs. Demons.jpg|thumb|Angels and demons do battle]]
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Demons originated from the corpse of [[Tathamet]], whose body became the [[Burning Hells]]. For ages they fought against angelkind in the [[Eternal Conflict]]. It came to a halt with the disappearance of the [[Worldstone]]. It was eventually revealed that the Worldstone had been used to create the mortal realm, a revelation that gained the interest of the Prime Evils. The result was the [[Sin War (Event)|Sin War]],<ref name = "BoC"/> which ended with a pact between Heaven and Hell to allow Man the freedom to choose his own path.<ref name = "TVP"/>
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===The Dark Exile and Civil War===
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{{Quote|How dare you question! How dare you deny yourselves victory! Long have the Primes lorded over us. Long have they thought themselves our betters. Diablo...Diablo will fall, as will the rest. Do not be swayed or led to fear by him. Do not, for each of you will reign. Each of you will share the power we will earn.|Belial addressing Duriel and Andariel prior to the coup|Theater Macabre: The Dark Exile}}
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{{main|Dark Exile}}
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The aftermath of the Sin War led to a falling out between the Prime and Lesser Evils. Not only had the Lesser Evils been kept in the dark about the existence of Sanctuary, but they were furious that the Primes were intent on weaponizing humanity's nephalem potential rather than continuing the Eternal Conflict against Heaven.<ref name = "BoC"/> As the centuries plodded along, many in Hell began to wonder just what it was they were fighting over. The Lesser Evils of Hell were growing tired of the endless ebb and flow in the tides of mortal favor, as well as those in the elaborate schemes of the Primes. The Lesser Evils longed to return to the epic days of the Great Conflict, and lay siege again to the gates of the High Heavens.<ref name = "Duriel">[http://classic.battle.net/diablo2exp/monsters/act2-duriel.shtml Duriel], ''The Arreat Summit''. Accessed on 2014-08-16</ref> In their ignorance, the Lesser Evils began to believe that the Three were afraid to continue the war with Heaven.<ref name = "D1M"/> Believing themselves superior to mortalkind,<ref name = "BoC"/> and frustrated by the cessation of the war, Azmodan and Belial saw the situation as their chance to overthrow the Prime Evils and take control of Hell for themselves. The two demon lords made a pact with their minor brethren, assuring them that the wretched plague of humanity would not deter the ultimate victory of the sons of Hell. Azmodan and Belial devised a plan to end the stalemate, achieve victory in the Sin War and ultimately ride the bloody crest of the Great Conflict straight into the very arms of Armageddon. Thus, a great revolution was set into motion as all of Hell went to war against the Three Brothers.<ref name = "D1M"/> The Primes, despite their efforts, were defeated and banished into the mortal realm, bodiless, where Azmodan hoped they would remain trapped forever. Furthermore, with the presence of the Primes in the mortal realm, Azmodan believed that Heaven would be forced to divert its attention towards humanity, thus potentially leaving Heaven vulnerable.<ref name = "BoC"/>
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The few demons who still pledged allegiance to the Primes entered Sanctuary to serve their masters.<ref name = "D1M"/> Yet relations between Azmodan and Belial quickly soured as they began arguing over who should ascend to the highest rank in Hell. When the bickering turned to violence, their alliance ended, and the remaining denizens of Hell found themselves in a second civil war.<ref name = "BoC"/> This state of affairs continued until at least the [[Darkening of Tristram]], by which point Azmodan had gained the upperhand for quite awhile.<ref name = "LoB">''[[Legacy of Blood]]''</ref> However, the two demons nonetheless came to share the same goal of subjugating humanity into their fold.<ref name = "D3CED">''[[Diablo III]] Behind the Scenes DVD''</ref>
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===The Reawakening of the Three===
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{{Quote|And the Evil that was once vanquished shall rise anew. Wrapped in the guise of man, shall he walk amongst the innocent, and Terror shall consume they that dwell upon the Earth. The skies shall rain fire, and the seas will become as blood. The righteous shall fall before the wicked, and all of Creation shall tremble before the burning standards of Hell!|Mephisto|The Harrowing}}
  +
The awakening of Diablo in Tristram sparked a chain of events that upset the status quo for demonkind. Andariel and Duriel concluded that the Primes would inevitably use the powers of Man to reclaim Hell, and thus endevoured to gain favor by allying themselves with the Lord of Terror as he traveled across Sanctuary with a [[Aidan|mortal host]].<ref name = "BoC"/> It was believed that with Andariel's presence on Sanctuary, the forces of Hell were once again aligned with the Primes.<ref>[http://classic.battle.net/diablo2exp/monsters/act1-andariel.shtml Andariel], ''The Arreat Summit''. Accessed on 2014-08-16</ref> Diablo, Baal, and Mephisto gathered in [[Travincal]], where they enacted their final stratagem to retake Hell and gain vengeance against those who overthrew them. Opening the [[Infernal Gate]], Diablo entered Hell to rally demons still loyal to the Primes. Baal journeyed north to corrupt the [[Worldstone]], which would corrupt humanity in turn and enslave Man to the will of Hell. Mephisto stayed behind, intent on destroying any who would attempt to thwart their plan. In truth, the Three had masterminded the Dark Exile and their banishment with the aid of the fallen [[angel]] Izual, who had told them of the [[soulstone]]s and how they might use them to further their own ends.<ref name = "D2A4">''[[Diablo II]]'', ''[[The Harrowing]]''</ref>
  +
  +
Yet the Primes' plans were thwarted by a [[Classes#Diablo II|group of heroes]]. The group that had slain Andariel and Duriel, Mephisto, and Diablo in Hell itself. Baal himself was slain on [[Mount Arreat]], though not before the Worldstone was corrupted. To save humanity, the [[archangel]] [[Tyrael]] destroyed the stone. While this saved humanity from corruption,<ref name = "BoC"/> it left Sanctuary open to demonic invasion.<ref name = "MotS">''[[Moon of the Spider (novel)|Moon of the Spider]]''</ref><ref name = "TO">''[[The Order]]''</ref>
  +
  +
===Dawn of Damnation===
  +
[[File:Dawn of Damnation.jpg|thumb|Demons invade Sanctuary]]
  +
With the destruction of the [[Worldstone]], demons were able to travel east further than they'd done so in the past, coming into conflict with the [[Priests of Rathma]].<ref name = "SoL"/> [[Timeline#1270|Five years]] after the destruction of the Worldstone, [[Skarn]] rallied a demonic army in order to obtain its fragments, intending to resurect Diablo and reignite the Eternal Conflict.<ref name = "ImmortalWebsite">[https://diabloimmortal.com/en-us/ Diablo Immortal], ''Blizzard Entertainment''. Accessed on 2018-11-05</ref> Skarn's demonic forces launched an [[Dawn of Damnation|invasion]] of Sanctuary, sweeping over [[Westmarch]]. Soon, only the [[Westmarch (City)|capital]] stood against them.<ref name = "DoD">2021-11-25, [https://news.blizzard.com/en-us/diablo-immortal/23746935/introducing-new-in-game-event-dawn-of-damnation INTRODUCING NEW IN-GAME EVENT: DAWN OF DAMNATION]. ''Blizzard Entertainment'', accessed on 2022-04-16</ref> Similarly, the [[Wrathborne]] also launched a series of invasions.<ref>2022-08-02, [https://news.blizzard.com/en-us/diablo-immortal/23833254/diablo-immortal-mini-update-season-three-battle-pass-begins-soon DIABLO IMMORTAL MINI UPDATE: SEASON THREE BATTLE PASS BEGINS SOON]. ''Blizzard Entertainment'', accessed on 2022-08-06</ref> Demons also sought control of the [[Accursed Towers]].<ref name = "AgeofFallingTowers">2023-3-28;[https://news.blizzard.com/en-us/diablo-immortal/23922651/reign-supreme-in-the-age-of-falling-towers#Top/ REIGN SUPREME IN THE AGE OF FALLING TOWERS]. ''Blizzard Entertainmen''t, accessed on 2023-3-30</ref>
  +
  +
{{Section Stub}}
  +
  +
===The End of Days===
  +
{{Quote|We are lost. Diablo is too powerful. Always before, the Lords of Hell bickered and worked against each other. They undid themselves. Within Diablo, within the Prime, there is no such division, and now the halls of the High Heavens quake beneath his steps.|Tyrael|Act IV (Diablo III)}}
  +
[[File:Demons.png|thumb|Demons emerge in Sanctuary]]
  +
Belial and Azmodan came to share the same goal of subjugating humanity into their fold.<ref name = "D3CED">''[[Diablo III]] Behind the Scenes DVD''</ref> Belial sank his claws into [[Caldeum]], ruling [[Kehjistan]] through his [[Hakan II|mortal host]], yet his plans were thwarted by [[the Nephalem]] and his [[soul]] imprisoned inside the [[Black Soulstone]]. <ref>''[[Diablo III]]'', ''[[Act II (Diablo III)|Act II]]''</ref> In a bid to retrieve the stone, Azmodan unleashed his [[Army of Sin|army]] upon Sanctuary and laid [[Siege of Bastion's Keep|siege]] to [[Bastion's Keep]], yet was also defeated and imprisoned. Yet it was here that Diablo's plan was revealed as the artifact was turned on the mortal [[Leah]], bred as a vessel for the Lord of Terror by her own mother, [[Adria]], for his rebirth as a singular Prime Evil.<ref>''[[Diablo III]]'', ''[[Act III (Diablo III)|Act III]]''</ref> Now, as a singular Prime Evil, Diablo led the legions of Hell in an assault on Heaven. For the first time in the history of the Eternal Conflict, the [[Diamond Gates]] were breached, and demons ran rampant throughout the [[Silver City]]. Yet once again, Diablo was defeated, and the demon invasion thwarted.<ref>''[[Diablo III]]'', ''[[Act IV (Diablo III)|Act IV]]''</ref>
  +
 
===The Great Enmity===
  +
In the aftermath of Diablo's defeat in Heaven, and that of Belial and Azmodan on Sanctuary, lesser demons still wandered Sanctuary, thirsting for the blood of the innocent. However, the loss of their leaders meant that they acted without larger organization, and did not make much of an impact (at least in the eyes of Heaven).<ref name = "SoL">''[[Storm of Light]]''</ref> During the [[Reign of Enmity]], demons still roamed Sanctuary unchecked. Demonic invasion reduced [[Kehjistan]] to ruins,<ref name = "D4Announced">2019-11-01, [http://diablo.blizzplanet.com/blog/comments/blizzcon-2019-diablo-iv-announced BlizzCon 2019: Diablo IV Announced]. ''Blizzplanet'', accessed on 2019-11-03</ref> and after the empire's fall, demons continued to roam the desert sands.<ref>2019-11-11, [https://diablo.blizzplanet.com/blog/comments/blizzcon-2019-diablo-iv-world-and-lore-panel-transcript/5 BlizzCon 2019 Diablo IV: World and Lore Panel Transcript]. ''Blizzplanet'', accessed on 2020-05-12</ref> Demons gained influence over various areas of the mortal realm, the most afflicted being those subsumed by [[Helltide]]s.<ref name = "April23Stream">2023-04-21, [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fT9fxgSRCVI&t Diablo IV Developer Update Live Stream - April 2023]. ''YouTube'', accessed on 2023-04-23</ref> After [[Lilith]] was summoned into Sanctuary, more demons rose from Hell to infest the mortal realm.<ref>2023-06-06, ''Diablo IV is now live'' (promotional email). Accessed on 2023-06-07</ref>
  +
  +
After Lilith's [[death]], demons from the darkest depths of Hell made their way into the mortal realm, ushering in a new era of death and wanton destruction.<ref name = "BiteDown">2023-10-04, [https://news.blizzard.com/en-us/diablo4/24009152/bite-down-on-darkness-in-season-of-blood BITE DOWN ON DARKNESS IN SEASON OF BLOOD]. ''Blizzard Entertainment'', accessed on 2023-10-06</ref>
  +
  +
==In-game==
  +
  +
In all [[Diablo Series|''Diablo'']] games, demons are one of the three (the others being [[undead]] and [[animals]]) major types of enemies the heroes will encounter, and perhaps the most numerous category. Within the user interface, a demon is usually associated with the [[Life]] indicator.
  +
 
===Diablo===
  +
In ''[[Diablo (Game)|Diablo]]'', demons are "normal" enemies, and receive full [[damage]] from all weapons. In return, [[Holy Bolt]]s have no effect on them. Demons are vulnerable to some specific weaponry, however.
  +
 
===Diablo II===
  +
The concept of demons as enemies was further expanded in ''[[Diablo II]]''. Many items offer bonus damage or [[attack rating]] against demons. Most demons are immune to [[Fire]] on [[Hell difficulty]].
  +
  +
===Diablo Immortal===
  +
{{Section Stub}}
   
==Powers==
+
===Diablo III===
  +
Demons are more or less encountered in nearly every location of ''[[Diablo III]]''. Bonus effects against Demons are less common than in the second game, but still exist: for example, {{3|Tyrael's Might}}. The only act that has less demons than other enemies is {{3|Act V}}.
[[File:SerpentMagus.png|thumb|left]]Most demons can only use weapons to fight, but other demons, like [[Demonic Hell-Bearers]], can scale walls and spew out more forces to combat enemies. Many larger demons are used to decimate forces so smaller troops can get into enemy lines. Demons like [[The Butcher]] are very skilled in different weapons, such as chains or swords. Some demons, like [[Serpent Magus|Serpent Magi]], are gifted in magic and can teleport and cast spells. The [[Great Evils]] are much more powerful than normal demons, and they can bend them to their will. [[Arreat Crater Flyers]] have the ability to soar above the enemy with their wings.
 
==Great Evils==
 
The [[Great Evils]] are manifestations of the beast [[Tathamet]], and they lead demons into battle against the [[High Heavens]]. The [[Triune]] worships these demons as gods, along with the [[Dark Coven]]. The evils can only be killed if they are trapped in a [[soulstone]] and it is smashed. There are seven evils in all, the three [[Prime Evils]] and the four [[Lesser Evils]].
 
===The Prime Evils===
 
Commonly known as "The Three", they were the most powerful demons in Hell until the [[Dark Exile]]. Mephisto is the oldest brother, followed by Baal, and then the most powerful, Diablo.
 
*[[Diablo]], Lord of Terror - Youngest of the Evils but the most powerful
 
*[[Mephisto]], Lord of Hatred - Eldest of the Three
 
*[[Baal]], Lord of Destruction - Middle brother, demons he leads are more stupid than his brothers'
 
===The Lesser Evils===
 
These evils are very powerful, but not as powerful as the Prime Evils. They were the demons who revolted against the Prime Evils and banished them to [[Sanctuary]] during the Dark Exile.
 
*[[Azmodan]], Lord of Sin - Greatest military tactician in the Burning Hells, last Evil to be trapped in the [[Black Soulstone]]
 
*[[Belial]], Lord of Lies - Likes to hide in the shadows, beseiges Caldeum until a group of nephalem kill him
 
*[[Duriel]], Lord of Pain - Has the appearence of a bug, killed by a group of heroes
 
*[[Andariel]], Maiden of Anguish - Sided with Diablo to protect him from the heroes, killed shortly after
 
===Plots===
 
Some demons have plotted to overthrow the Great Evils, like [[Lilith]] and Kabraxis. Neither were successful.
 
==The [[Khazra]]==
 
The Khazra, or "Goatmen" are a lesser form of demon. They were once human, until the powerful [[Vizjerei]] turned them into satyrs during the [[Mage Clan Wars]]. They now serve under the seven lords of Hell, and inhabit many [[File:Khazra.jpg|thumb|left|154px]]areas around [[New Tristram]].
 
===Abilities===
 
   
  +
* [[Succubus]]
Some Khazra, like [[Serpent Magus|Serpent Magi]], are gifted in magic and the spiritual arts, sometimes even in magic. The Khazra are agile, quick, and efficient in melee and ranged combat. They wield long, deadly polearms that can be fatal if stricken with. They like to travel in packs, so they can overpower the opponent. Khazra are described as sluggish and filthy [[beasts]].
 
  +
* [[Subjugator]]
===Clans===
 
  +
* [[Armaddon]]
The Khazra are divided into many different clans, and they often war with each other over resources or land. The following are the clans of the goatmen:
 
*[[Blood Clan]]
+
* [[Armored Destroyer]]
*[[Moon Clan]]
+
* [[Oppressor]]
*[[Night Clan]]
+
* [[Demonic Hellflyer]]
*[[Hell Clan]]
+
* [[Demonic Tremor]]
*[[Death Clan]]
+
* [[Terror Demon]]
  +
* [[Soul Ripper]]
===Lore===
 
  +
* [[Phasebeast]]
''"Though I have searched every corner of the Great Library of [[Caldeum]], I can find no references to the true fate of the Blood Clan khazra. Some crumbling papers hint that they made a pact to serve the mythical [[Lesser Evils]], but surely such a thing cannot be considered proper scholarship... can it?" ''-[[Abd al-Hazir]] on the Blood Clan
 
  +
* [[Morlu Caster]]
  +
* [[Morlu Legionnaire]]
  +
* [[Fallen One]]
  +
* [[Demon Trooper]]
  +
* [[Colossal Golgor]]
  +
* [[Demonic Hell Bearer]]
  +
* [[Siegebreaker Assault Beast]]
  +
* [[Treasure Goblin]]
  +
* [[Deceiver]]
   
 
===Diablo IV===
''"Some time ago, I revealed that the khazra, or goatmen, were originally humans until the [[Vizjerei]] corrupted them. For many years these creatures were simple and lethargic. These days have ended. Khazra attacks are widely reported, and the number of fatalities is higher than anything in my records..." ''-[[Abd al-Hazir]] on the Khazra
 
  +
{{Section Stub}}
==Hellflyers==
 
Hellflyers are a very special kind of demons, bred by [[Azmodan]] himself. After many victories for the Heavenly Host against Azmodan's forces, he wanted to design a demon that could soar through the air and reach the angels. The outcome was the Hellflyer, which had long wings, sharp teeth, and rigid claws that were powerful enough to rip angels apart. Some Hellflyers set their wings on fire. Hellflyers appear in [[Act III (Diablo III)|Act III]] of [[Diablo III]].
 
==Other Demons==
 
There are no ranks in Hell, except for the Great Evils. However, there are many important demons worth mentioning.
 
*[[Assur]] - Leader of demons in [[Demonsbane]], Diablo's favorite
 
*[[Astrogha]] - Fought in the [[Sin War]]
 
*[[Gulag]] - Servant of [[Baal]]; killed by [[Uldyssian]]
 
*[[Lilith]] - Daughter of the Prime Evil [[Mephisto]] and brother of the demon Lucion. Led demon rebels into the void and created [[Sanctuary]] with the [[Worldstone]]. Mother of the [[Nephalem]].
 
*[[Lucion]] - Son of Mephisto and brother of Lilith. led the Triune into the world and was killed by Uldyssian
 
*[[Xazax]] - Transforms an army of mortals into demons. Diablo kills him because of his power.
 
*[[Thonos]] - Summoned by Lilith to kill [[Achilios]] and Uldyssian, killed by Achilios
 
*[[Hephasto]] - Works at the Hellforge
 
*[[Kabraxis]] - Extreamly powerful demon; rivaled the Three
 
*[[Shenk the Overseer|Shenk]] - Commander of Baal's seige of [[Sescheron]]
 
*[[Cydaea|Cydaea, Maiden of Lust]] - Azmodan's consort, Sin Leuteniant, killed by a group of nephalem
 
*[[Ghom|Ghom, Lord of Gluttony]] - Sin Leuteniant, kills anything in it's path, killed by a group of nephalem
 
*[[The Butcher]] - Type of powerful demon, one was killed by a group of nephalem in [[Leroic's Manor|Leroic Manor]]
 
   
  +
==Trivia==
  +
{{trivia}}
  +
*Some demons appear superficially fair on the surface. The intended theme behind such demons is that these demons tempt mankind, but beneath their elegance, they're monsters deep down.<ref>''[[Forging Worlds: Stories Behind the Art of Blizzard Entertainment]]''</ref>
  +
*The demons of the ''Diablo'' series served as part of the inspiration for the [https://stormgategame.fandom.com/wiki/Infernal Infernals] in ''Stormgate''.<ref name = "StormgateReveal2023">2023-06-11, [https://videogames.si.com/news/stormgate-gameplay-reveal Stormgate fuses StarCraft and Warcraft in new gameplay footage]. ''Video Games'', accessed on 2023-06-14</ref> It has been suggested, if not necessarily by the developers themselves, that the Infernals are representative of the ''Diablo'' IP as a whole within the game.<ref name = "PerfectMix">2023-06-12, [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyvAUznX1Zg&t= The Perfect Mix of Warcraft & Starcraft? Stormgate Developers Deep Dive]. ''YouTube'', accessed on 2023-06-14</ref>
   
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==References==
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<references/>
 
[[de:Dämon]]
 
[[de:Dämon]]
[[Category:Lore]]
 
[[Category:Characters]]
 
 
[[Category:Monsters]]
 
[[Category:Monsters]]
 
[[Category:Races]]
 
[[Category:Demons]]

Latest revision as of 11:57, 24 February 2024

"We have come for you. Our neglected kin. To cleanse you of the sin of Heaven. Only with us will you find salvation. Join us. Immortality...awaits you."
Demons2

Demons

Demons, otherwise known as Hellspawn,[1] Demonkind,[2] Hell-beasts,[3] and the Minions of Darkness[4] are evil entities native to the Burning Hells, and are the primary enemies of the Diablo series. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can wield a wide range of magical powers depending on their type. They propagate and serve to spread pure chaos, making them diametrically opposed to the angels of the High Heavens (who stand for Order and fight for the Light). The never-ending war between angels and demons is known as the Eternal Conflict.

Lore

"Thieves of hope and wellsprings of rot."

- Zoltun Kulle on demons(src)

Characteristics

"Who can say what drives a demon?"
SerpentMagus

A Deceiver, a type of demon

Hell's servants number many and will stop at nothing to see Sanctuary crumble in their maw.[5] There are demons "beyond counting" who reside in Hell alone.[6]

Demons can wield powerful magic.[4]

At least some demons can possess humans and masquerade as angels.[7] To best knowledge, demonic possession of a human cannot be forcefully ended without killing the host in the process.[8] There are measures that can be taken which can ward off demonic possession, though some practices make humans more vulnerable to possession (e.g. practicing dark magic).[9]

Angels can be turned into demons (e.g. Overlords[4] and Corrupted Angels[10]), as can humans.[11]

Demons are cowardly, and will attack using strength of numbers to their advantage whenever possible.[4] They are prone to "unnatural" levels of distrust, even towards their own kind.[12] Many demons are vain to the point of self-denial.[13]

Wounds suffered from demons' blades don't close easily (at least wounds inflicted against humans).[14] Lorath Nahr urged mortals to never use a demonic weapon, no matter how rightous their cause may be. He warned that inevitably, a demonic weapon would always turn a human to serve its will.[15]

Physiology

Wing Demon

A winged demon

Demon physiology differs greatly. Thick hides and claws may be possessed by demons, but that aside, demons of the same dimensions may still have dramatically different weaknesses, depending on their master.[4] Megademons are considered to be archetypal demons.[16] Some demons possess wings.[17] Red is the most common color for demons (in appearance).[18] Every demon possesses a withered, beating heart that propels it forward.[19]

Demons, unlike angels, are physical beings, and their bodies remain after death.[20] Some make use of demonic remains,[15] and demonic remains can (and have been) used in experiments, giving birth to new monstrous creatures. This is considered to be an "unspeakable act."[21] Demon skin is durable and protective,[22] and tomes written by the Horadrim suggested that it could be forged into armor. However, there was uncertainty as to how this armor would affect the user's mind, as to whether it would turn them into a mindless spawn of damnation.[23]

Demons do not age, or at least not in a manner recognisable to mortals.[24] They do not require sleep.[25]

Demon-immortal

A demon

The skulls of some demonic creatures are said to work much like gems.[7] As with mortals and angels, demons carry Essence within their bodies.[26] At least some demons possess blood.[27] Dry demon's blood left on armor can react adversely to water, causing the armor to be destroyed in a flash of green light, after generating sulphur/blood-scented smoke.[14] At least some radiate arcane energy.[28] Most greater demons possess lots of horns.[8]

Army of Destruction-DI

An army of demons

Demons need to consume meat to sustain themselves.[8] Demons have been known to devour their young if no other nourishment is available.[29] Humans may be consumed by demons for nourishment.[25]

Reproduction

"The seers tell us that as they pass from our world, they are reborn. Demons "die" to dwell in a realm of darkness, and there they change before returning, oftimes in new forms."
Spawn of Destruction

Demons

The souls of deceased demons are always reborn in Hell,[30] even the lowest of their kind. Humans who have been transformed into demons also gain this ability.[31] Demons are apparently spawned from the Black Abyss,[32] and if killed, will return to the Abyss to reform. Oftimes, this process gives the demon a new form.[33]

Examples exist of breeds of demon being created through artificial means.[4][25] Reference has been made to demons being birthed from flame, even emerging as twins.[34]

Demons are wont to breed with each other.[25] They have demonstrated the ability to crossbreed with angels (the results being nephalem),[24] and with humans, usually to the horror of the latter. Few children of such couplings survive childbirth, and fewer still survive into adulthood, as they are generally killed by those who know them for what they are.[13] Deckard Cain also suspected that Barbed Lurkers (a type of Ancient Beast) are partially demonic as well.[35] Encounters with demons by humans can result in psychological scarring that lasts potentially indefinitely, though measures can be taken to minimize harm.[36]

Worship and Summoning

"Ye ain't gettin' me to believe in demons. Stories, that's all them legends are. Just meant to give a man a laugh an' maybe a sense of unease now an' again."

- Tomas(src)

Triune Vessel artwork

Triune Vessel

Many humans do not believe in the existence of demons,[37] though stories of demons became common in folklore of some human cultures. Some philosophical writings within the East have postulated that demons are nothing more than a representation of Man's nature (i.e. "his demons").[38] Yet demons do indeed exist, and some mortals worship(ed) demons, and have engaged in summoning practices. Examples include the Triune (a font for the Prime Evils as benevolent entities during the Sin War, the Coven (remnants of the Triune, turned to the worship of Belial)[39] and the worship of Kabraxis in an attempt to eclipse the Zakarum faith.[38] The Zakarum faith itself was corrupted by Mephisto.[24] Mortals have also summoned demons to the mortal realm, a practice which dates as far back as the Vizjerei Clan.[24] While such a practice has since been banned by the clan,[39] groups such as the Coven continue it.[40] Centuries past, when summoning demons was common, it was common to invoke lesser demons and subdue them in order to gain their power. Many sorcerers ended up being enslaved to their intended servants.[41] Possession by a demon may grant a human increased power, but this comes at the cost of one's sense of self[42] and eventually, a demon can completely overtake the human's form with its own.[4]

The Sanctuary Tarot Deck and Guidebook2

A tarot representation of a demon

If summoning a demon, one is not recommended to do so during the months of Vasan and Lycanum, as during this time, demons are erratic and easy to anger. In contrast, the most ideal times to summon demons is the period of time between the last days of Jerharan and the first days of Damhar. Furthermore, if summoning a demon, one should never attempt to do so alone. Rather, the summoning should be conducted in a group consisting of three, four, or seven individuals (representing the Prime Evils, Lesser Evils, and combination of the two respectively).[42]

Some rituals involve summoning demonic larvae inside a living vessel's stomach, which will deposit eggs and create a nest. As the ritual is close to completion, flies will start to pour from the victim's orifices, which is a sign that the possession has taken hold. At this point, the vessel can be unbound and disposed, allowing the fully formed demon to erupt, bound to the will of its summoner. [43]

While not necessarily summoning or possession, at least some demons within Hell can speak through humans on the mortal plane.[44]

In ages past, it was common in Sanctuary to decorate buildings with stone statues of demons that were enchanted to serve as guardians and protectors of those within. The misshapen figures of the statues were designed to taunt and anger any demons that attempted to gain entrance.[4]

Demons can be unintentionally summoned to Sanctuary through uncontrolled magic, which weakens the fabric between the human world and the Burning Hells. Some individuals can become literal portals to summoning demons, and are said to have "cursed burning blood", as they literally ignite in flames while rifts on the ground open, with demons emerging from them. While these flames don't kill the cursed person, it inflicts excruciating pain to them.[45]

Beliefs and Culture

"I shudder to think what the demon lords might accomplish should they ever stop betraying one another. Such is the self-defeating nature of evil."

- Tyrael(src)

Prime Evils

The Prime Evils

Demons believe that absolute chaos is the true nature of Creation. Many lesser demons despise humanity, seeing the existence of Man as offensive to their "higher" position in the greater scheme of things. Many demons hoard wealth. Attitudes of demons otherwise depend on their master—the legions of Mephisto were driven by a hatred of all living things, especially those who were pure of heart. The soldiers of Baal sought the undoing of Creation, striving for disorder and destruction. To them, order was an abhorrence. The minions of Diablo used illusion and fear as their greatest weapons, preferring to wait for an opponent to show weakness before they attacked.[4] Demons frequently scheme against one another,[24] but otherwise, a hierarchy of sorts can be observed for demonkind:

  1. The Prime EvilsDiablo, Mephisto, and Baal.
  2. The Lesser EvilsAzmodan, Belial, Duriel, and Andariel.[24]
  3. The Mallet Lords (roam the outer reaches of Hell, do not answer to the Great Evils)[46]
  4. The Balrogs (often allowed contact with the Prime Evils, oversee lesser demons)[25]
  5. Counselors (often rise to positions of power within Hell, some only answered to Balrogs and the Prime Evils)[25]
Beledwe and Gishtur

A pair of demons

Of these Evils, many believe that if there can be said to be one single ruler of demonkind, it is Mephisto.[47] At the very bottom of the hierarchy are the Fallen, who are despised by all of demonkind.[48]

Lesser demons will not follow one of their own kind. Only a demon of higher standing can lead them.[8] Most demons rely on force to enact their will.[42]

The Primes and Lessers (collectively known as the Great Evils) each had their own realm of Hell,[24] while the Mallet Lords control the outer reaches of Hell.[46] It was rare for the Primes to work together.[49] Few demons are allowed the honor of direct contact with one of the Lords of Hell.[25] Many servants of the Great Evils exist(ed), such as the Sin Lieutenants of Azmodan.[49]

Demons maintain a symbol-based writing system. Few, if any humans are capable of reading it.[38]

Demons-D4

Demons

Many demons fear the light of the sun.[50]

Many demons hoard all the wealth they can find, even if they have no use for the gold used by mortals.[4]

Demons have a sense of "justice" (such as it is), but it is a cruel and sadistic form of it.[51] Demons can be notoriously clever, and should not be trusted by mortals. However, they hide their lies within the truth.[36]

History

"Once you see the kind of things I've seen, you'll be a pacifist too. Demons don't count."

- The Memory of Caldessan(src)

Early History

"Demonic hordes spawned from the vile cavities of the Burning Hells - a host of ravenous, furious monstrosities that reflected the poisonous elements of their progenitor. There are demons beyond counting in the Burning Hells."
Angels vs

Angels and demons do battle

Demons originated from the corpse of Tathamet, whose body became the Burning Hells. For ages they fought against angelkind in the Eternal Conflict. It came to a halt with the disappearance of the Worldstone. It was eventually revealed that the Worldstone had been used to create the mortal realm, a revelation that gained the interest of the Prime Evils. The result was the Sin War,[24] which ended with a pact between Heaven and Hell to allow Man the freedom to choose his own path.[20]

The Dark Exile and Civil War

"How dare you question! How dare you deny yourselves victory! Long have the Primes lorded over us. Long have they thought themselves our betters. Diablo...Diablo will fall, as will the rest. Do not be swayed or led to fear by him. Do not, for each of you will reign. Each of you will share the power we will earn."

- Belial addressing Duriel and Andariel prior to the coup(src)

Main article: Dark Exile

The aftermath of the Sin War led to a falling out between the Prime and Lesser Evils. Not only had the Lesser Evils been kept in the dark about the existence of Sanctuary, but they were furious that the Primes were intent on weaponizing humanity's nephalem potential rather than continuing the Eternal Conflict against Heaven.[24] As the centuries plodded along, many in Hell began to wonder just what it was they were fighting over. The Lesser Evils of Hell were growing tired of the endless ebb and flow in the tides of mortal favor, as well as those in the elaborate schemes of the Primes. The Lesser Evils longed to return to the epic days of the Great Conflict, and lay siege again to the gates of the High Heavens.[52] In their ignorance, the Lesser Evils began to believe that the Three were afraid to continue the war with Heaven.[4] Believing themselves superior to mortalkind,[24] and frustrated by the cessation of the war, Azmodan and Belial saw the situation as their chance to overthrow the Prime Evils and take control of Hell for themselves. The two demon lords made a pact with their minor brethren, assuring them that the wretched plague of humanity would not deter the ultimate victory of the sons of Hell. Azmodan and Belial devised a plan to end the stalemate, achieve victory in the Sin War and ultimately ride the bloody crest of the Great Conflict straight into the very arms of Armageddon. Thus, a great revolution was set into motion as all of Hell went to war against the Three Brothers.[4] The Primes, despite their efforts, were defeated and banished into the mortal realm, bodiless, where Azmodan hoped they would remain trapped forever. Furthermore, with the presence of the Primes in the mortal realm, Azmodan believed that Heaven would be forced to divert its attention towards humanity, thus potentially leaving Heaven vulnerable.[24]

The few demons who still pledged allegiance to the Primes entered Sanctuary to serve their masters.[4] Yet relations between Azmodan and Belial quickly soured as they began arguing over who should ascend to the highest rank in Hell. When the bickering turned to violence, their alliance ended, and the remaining denizens of Hell found themselves in a second civil war.[24] This state of affairs continued until at least the Darkening of Tristram, by which point Azmodan had gained the upperhand for quite awhile.[53] However, the two demons nonetheless came to share the same goal of subjugating humanity into their fold.[54]

The Reawakening of the Three

"And the Evil that was once vanquished shall rise anew. Wrapped in the guise of man, shall he walk amongst the innocent, and Terror shall consume they that dwell upon the Earth. The skies shall rain fire, and the seas will become as blood. The righteous shall fall before the wicked, and all of Creation shall tremble before the burning standards of Hell!"

- Mephisto(src)

The awakening of Diablo in Tristram sparked a chain of events that upset the status quo for demonkind. Andariel and Duriel concluded that the Primes would inevitably use the powers of Man to reclaim Hell, and thus endevoured to gain favor by allying themselves with the Lord of Terror as he traveled across Sanctuary with a mortal host.[24] It was believed that with Andariel's presence on Sanctuary, the forces of Hell were once again aligned with the Primes.[55] Diablo, Baal, and Mephisto gathered in Travincal, where they enacted their final stratagem to retake Hell and gain vengeance against those who overthrew them. Opening the Infernal Gate, Diablo entered Hell to rally demons still loyal to the Primes. Baal journeyed north to corrupt the Worldstone, which would corrupt humanity in turn and enslave Man to the will of Hell. Mephisto stayed behind, intent on destroying any who would attempt to thwart their plan. In truth, the Three had masterminded the Dark Exile and their banishment with the aid of the fallen angel Izual, who had told them of the soulstones and how they might use them to further their own ends.[32]

Yet the Primes' plans were thwarted by a group of heroes. The group that had slain Andariel and Duriel, Mephisto, and Diablo in Hell itself. Baal himself was slain on Mount Arreat, though not before the Worldstone was corrupted. To save humanity, the archangel Tyrael destroyed the stone. While this saved humanity from corruption,[24] it left Sanctuary open to demonic invasion.[13][36]

Dawn of Damnation

Dawn of Damnation

Demons invade Sanctuary

With the destruction of the Worldstone, demons were able to travel east further than they'd done so in the past, coming into conflict with the Priests of Rathma.[56] Five years after the destruction of the Worldstone, Skarn rallied a demonic army in order to obtain its fragments, intending to resurect Diablo and reignite the Eternal Conflict.[57] Skarn's demonic forces launched an invasion of Sanctuary, sweeping over Westmarch. Soon, only the capital stood against them.[58] Similarly, the Wrathborne also launched a series of invasions.[59] Demons also sought control of the Accursed Towers.[5]

The End of Days

"We are lost. Diablo is too powerful. Always before, the Lords of Hell bickered and worked against each other. They undid themselves. Within Diablo, within the Prime, there is no such division, and now the halls of the High Heavens quake beneath his steps."

- Tyrael(src)

Demons

Demons emerge in Sanctuary

Belial and Azmodan came to share the same goal of subjugating humanity into their fold.[54] Belial sank his claws into Caldeum, ruling Kehjistan through his mortal host, yet his plans were thwarted by the Nephalem and his soul imprisoned inside the Black Soulstone. [60] In a bid to retrieve the stone, Azmodan unleashed his army upon Sanctuary and laid siege to Bastion's Keep, yet was also defeated and imprisoned. Yet it was here that Diablo's plan was revealed as the artifact was turned on the mortal Leah, bred as a vessel for the Lord of Terror by her own mother, Adria, for his rebirth as a singular Prime Evil.[61] Now, as a singular Prime Evil, Diablo led the legions of Hell in an assault on Heaven. For the first time in the history of the Eternal Conflict, the Diamond Gates were breached, and demons ran rampant throughout the Silver City. Yet once again, Diablo was defeated, and the demon invasion thwarted.[62]

The Great Enmity

In the aftermath of Diablo's defeat in Heaven, and that of Belial and Azmodan on Sanctuary, lesser demons still wandered Sanctuary, thirsting for the blood of the innocent. However, the loss of their leaders meant that they acted without larger organization, and did not make much of an impact (at least in the eyes of Heaven).[56] During the Reign of Enmity, demons still roamed Sanctuary unchecked. Demonic invasion reduced Kehjistan to ruins,[63] and after the empire's fall, demons continued to roam the desert sands.[64] Demons gained influence over various areas of the mortal realm, the most afflicted being those subsumed by Helltides.[65] After Lilith was summoned into Sanctuary, more demons rose from Hell to infest the mortal realm.[66]

After Lilith's death, demons from the darkest depths of Hell made their way into the mortal realm, ushering in a new era of death and wanton destruction.[67]

In-game

In all Diablo games, demons are one of the three (the others being undead and animals) major types of enemies the heroes will encounter, and perhaps the most numerous category. Within the user interface, a demon is usually associated with the Life indicator.

Diablo

In Diablo, demons are "normal" enemies, and receive full damage from all weapons. In return, Holy Bolts have no effect on them. Demons are vulnerable to some specific weaponry, however.

Diablo II

The concept of demons as enemies was further expanded in Diablo II. Many items offer bonus damage or attack rating against demons. Most demons are immune to Fire on Hell difficulty.

Diablo Immortal

Diablo III

Demons are more or less encountered in nearly every location of Diablo III. Bonus effects against Demons are less common than in the second game, but still exist: for example, Tyrael's Might. The only act that has less demons than other enemies is Act V.

Diablo IV

Trivia

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This section contains facts and trivia relevant to this article.
  • Some demons appear superficially fair on the surface. The intended theme behind such demons is that these demons tempt mankind, but beneath their elegance, they're monsters deep down.[68]
  • The demons of the Diablo series served as part of the inspiration for the Infernals in Stormgate.[69] It has been suggested, if not necessarily by the developers themselves, that the Infernals are representative of the Diablo IP as a whole within the game.[70]

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