https://tiraas.net--- section: "Magical Patrons" category: "infernal" tags: ["#Infernal", "#Demons", "#Magical-Patrons", "#Warlock"] source: "The Gods Are Bastards - Web Serial"

Demons

Demons are infernal entities that Warlocks form pacts with to gain infernal power. Each demon type represents a category of demonic entity, and individual demons within that type may have variations in power, personality, and the specific terms of their pacts.

Note: This page lists demon types (categories of demons), not specific named demons. Individual demons will have unique names, but they belong to these broader classifications.

Overview

Demons are powerful infernal entities from the lower planes who grant power to mortals through pacts. Warlocks can form multiple pacts with different demons, each granting a summonable thrall that the warlock can call upon for aid.

Different types of demons have different minimum level requirements (1, 5, 10, 15, or 20) that determine when a warlock can first contract with them. More powerful demons require more experienced warlocks.

Note: Additional demon types may be mentioned during major events such as the Hellgate incident and the Invasion in Book 15. Demon names in this setting frequently feature complex consonant combinations, making them difficult to pronounce. This table should be updated as more demon types are discovered in the source material.

Minimum Warlock Level Requirements

Demons can only be contracted with once a warlock reaches certain levels. The minimum warlock levels are:

Level 1 Demons

Vanislaad (Incubi/Succubi)
Khethix (Imps)
Hethelax
Katzils
Sshitherosz

Level 5 Demons

Hthrynxkhs (Shadowlords)
Kankhradahg
Ikthroi
Horogki
Bhagvai
Baerzurg

Level 10 Demons

Djinn (Lesser)
Khaladesh
Vrardexi
Hiszilisks

Level 15 Demons

Khelminash
Gnagrethyct (Priestkillers)
Rhaazke

Level 20 Demons

Nurdrakhaan
Daughters of Elilial

Greater Demon Variants

Most demons (with exceptions noted below) can evolve into more powerful Greater variants if the warlock maintains their contract long enough. When a warlock keeps a contracted demon alive and reaches the next demon contracting tier (level 5, 10, 15, or 20), that demon evolves into its Greater form.

How Greater Variants Work

Evolution Trigger: A demon evolves when its warlock reaches the next demon tier level while the demon is still contracted and alive
Example: A Katzil contracted at level 1 becomes a Greater Katzil when the warlock reaches level 5
Example: A Hthrynxkhs contracted at level 5 becomes a Greater Hthrynxkhs when the warlock reaches level 10
Power Increase: Greater variants are significantly more powerful than their base forms
Greater variants are approximately CR +5 compared to their base form
They retain their core abilities but with enhanced power and sometimes additional capabilities
Which Demons Have Greater Variants:
YES: All Level 1, 5, 10, and 15 demons can become Greater variants
NO: Level 20 demons (Nurdrakhaan and Daughters of Elilial) cannot become Greater variants - they are already at peak power
NO: Djinn do not have Greater variants due to their unique nature as knowledge entities
Benefits: Greater variants provide more powerful summonable thralls while maintaining the same contracted relationship

Greater Variant Summary

Base Level	Demons That Can Become Greater
Level 1	Vanislaad, Khethix, Hethelax, Katzils, Sshitherosz
Level 5	Hthrynxkhs, Kankhradahg, Ikthroi, Horogki, Bhagvai, Baerzurg
Level 10	Khaladesh, Vrardexi, Hiszilisks (NOT Djinn)
Level 15	Khelminash, Gnagrethyct, Rhaazke
Level 20	None - already at maximum power

Demon Types

Demon Type	Min Level	Physical Description	Infernal & Magical Abilities	Role in Hell / Hierarchy
Daughters of Elilial	20	Variable forms, extremely powerful. Direct descendants of the Queen of Demons.	Each daughter has unique powers reflecting Elilial's aspects. Varied and powerful abilities unique to each individual.	Highest Tier. Seven daughters of Elilial, each with unique abilities. Extremely rare and powerful. Direct descendants and independent agents who command respect from all other demon types.
Khelminash	15	Notably tall (7-9 feet), robust and muscular build. Skin tones from dark blue to deep red. Elongated pointed ears, prominent horns curving back from forehead, bony frills or facial spikes. Clawed hands, cloven hooves, longer muscular tails. Some may have wings.	Advanced spellcasting, infernal magic mastery, summoning expertise, ability to teach infernal magic. Advanced resistance to infernal corruption through developed rituals. Can lead other demons in coordinated attacks.	Elite Caste. High-ranking demons specializing in infernal magic. Elite sorceresses who form the backbone of Elilial's sorcerous forces. Live in structured caste-based cities with Khelminash at the top. Serve as advisors, teachers, and leaders in demonic organizations.
Rhaazke	15	About seven feet tall, very muscular. Mottled skin, slitted eyes, claws, horns, clawed feet. Spaded tail (no wings). Physically quite powerful and gifted magically.	Combat prowess, enhanced strength and durability, natural weapons, hellfire attacks, magical gifts. Physically quite powerful and gifted magically.	Elite Caste. Elite demons known for formidable strength and resilience. Serve in high-ranking positions within demonic society. Often serve as rulers of Khelminash cities, managing the caste system.
Hthrynxkhs (Shadowlords)	5	High-caste demonic form. Stronger than they appear but less agile. Very durable armor-like skin. Capable of commanding other demons.	Shadow-jumping (short-range teleportation), limited inherent camouflage, combat command abilities, bypassing defensive lines. Non-caster but possesses inherent shadow abilities. Very durable skin (armor-based, not magical resistance).	Upper Tier. High-caste sentient demons. Used as shock troops and field commanders to break defensive lines. Can command other demons and coordinate attacks.
Vrardexi	10	Humanoid caster demon form with elongated limbs and ethereal features. Designed for magical work and soulcraft rather than physical combat. Often display spectral or shadowy qualities reflecting their soul-based magic.	Soulcraft, necromancy, soul-based spell work, demon creation. Use human souls barred from paradise by Vidius in their spellwork. Advanced infernal magic theory.	Upper Tier. Upper tier caster demons specializing in soul-based spell work and necromancy. Assistants to Khelminash, below them in hierarchy. Preferred servants of Prince Vanislaas who assist in the creation of Vanislaad demons.
Khaladesh	10	Graceful and deceptively dainty humanoid figures with clawed feet, thick tails, and curling horns. Muscular build despite dainty appearance. Wears armor designed for guard duty and defensive positions.	Guard duty, protection, defensive combat, soldier caste duties. Disciplined and reliable for security duties and military service.	Middle Tier. The soldier caste in Khelminash cities. Serve as guards and soldiers, standing guard at important locations such as hellgates or strategic points. More disciplined than many demon types.
Ikthroi	5	Slightly larger than human norm with significantly greater strength. Hulking, brutish demonic form with muscular build. Horns and demonic features typical of heavy infantry demons.	Swarm tactics, overwhelming weight, massed assault capabilities. Possess an inherent but quite minimal capacity for infernomancy. Attack in waves, piling against defensive formations through sheer weight and numbers.	Middle Tier. Sapient demons used for massed assault tactics. During the Hellwars these were by far the largest contingent of Elilial's ground forces, though sightings have diminished markedly since. Overwhelm defensive positions through coordinated massed assaults.
Sshitherosz	1	Scrawny, diminutive, ugly, disturbing-looking and twisted. Resembles a skeletally thin man about four feet tall with wings and an elongated skull. Capable of flight.	Recruitment, persuasion, manipulation, temptation magic. Masters of getting on people's good sides. Highly skilled at identifying and exploiting vulnerability. Can fly. Excel at making others feel comfortable and valued despite their appearance.	Middle Tier. Specialize in recruiting warlocks from vulnerable individuals. Find those who are outcast, alone, or weak and coax them into accepting infernal power. Favorite targets are the young, naïve, and ambitious.
Hethelax	1	Armored demon with plating on limbs causing elbows and knees to remain permanently flexed, resulting in hunched ape-like posture. Scales and chitin on forehead and cheekbones give perpetual scowling appearance. Very tough chitinous plates.	Physical might, combat resilience, potent magic resistance (more or less immune to most Arcane magic, resistant to Infernal magic), berserker rage. Channel aggression from infernal corruption into a berserker state when harmed.	Low Tier. Some of the lowest tier sentient demons. Typically servants in the Khelminash caste system. Used as shock troops in battle due to magic resistance and tough natural armor. Can be half-blooded with mortals.
Horogki	5	Red-skinned hobgoblin-like appearance. Stronger than they look and very durable. Physically similar to hobgoblins but demonic in nature.	Labor, crafting, physical work, genetic memory for different crafting skills. Can eat almost anything. Infernal corruption gives them unfocused frenetic energy requiring diligent supervision. Rapid reproduction (6 week gestation, mature in 18 months, litters of up to 30).	Low Tier. Some of the lowest tier sentient demons. On the same rung of the Khelminash caste system as Hethelax. Primary labor force in Khelminash cities. Bred into distinct bloodlines with genetic memory for crafting. Dangerous if left uncontrolled due to rapid reproduction.
Baerzurg	5	Very large (up to 15 feet tall) with pronounced hunch. Bronze metallic scales covering body and tail. Sharp scales make direct attacks dangerous. Head sunken into torso with no functional neck. Mouth opens in three petals lined with razor sharp teeth.	Immense physical strength, durability, destructive power, extremely potent bite attack. Sentient but quite dumb.	Low Tier. Ultimate demonic shock troop. Low tier in the Khelminash caste, used primarily for their strength. Sentient but quite dumb. Function as powerful frontline combatants in demonic armies.
Vanislaad (Incubi/Succubi)	1	Humanoid with wings, tail, garnet-colored eyes, alabaster skin. Can shapeshift into any human form, typically appearing as attractive humans of any gender. Can blend seamlessly into social situations.	Shapeshifting (can assume any form), invisibility, charm, manipulation, seduction magic, ability to evade magical wards and senses. Cunning, intelligent tricksters who excel at manipulation, deception, and infiltration. Weak in direct combat.	Low Tier. Reincarnated damned human souls transformed by Prince Vanislaas. While incredibly dangerous on the material plane due to manipulation and espionage, they are fairly low in Hell's caste system. Have a supernatural compulsion to cause discord and chaos—forcing lawful behavior causes physical distress.
Khethix (Imps)	1	Gangly little creatures, rather like a monkey with some features of a goat: horns, hooves, and an elongated face. Greasy, matted fur and smell worse than sulfur. Small demonic form.	Minor magic, mischief, familiar duties. Mischievous nature, limited power, familiar abilities, minor magic.	Low Tier. Sentient demons, but generally outside the caste system. Too small and weak to be of any standard use to the Khelminash. When able to live in Khelminash cities, typically serve as servants and messengers.
Gnagrethyct (Priestkillers)	15	Large, imposing red-skinned demons with muscular humanoid builds. Glowing eyes and large curved horns. Sharp fangs in snarling maw. Often carry glowing lanterns. Thick plumes of smoke billow from their lower bodies. Dark, shadowy, menacing presence.	Energy transmutation (can convert divine energy into infernal), anti-divine magic, phase shifting (can move through solid matter), priestkilling abilities. Living insult to the Circle of Interaction. All divine blessings used against them convert to infernal energy.	Special Entity. Favored and rare servants of Elilial. Only 7 in existence. Operate outside normal hierarchy. Extremely rare and powerful anti-divine specialists. Do not bumble about the mortal plane indiscriminately. Only avoid bigger, meaner demons.
Djinn (Lesser)	10	Blue skin with aquiline features. Humanoid from waist up, but below navel the body transitions into a long tendril of smoke connected to a lamp or bottle. Can only manifest in incorporeal form through their focus.	Knowledge, information, contract observation, chaos through words. Somewhere between clairvoyant and omniscient—entities made of knowledge. Can twist words to cause maximum chaos. Bargain in knowledge. Cannot be summoned like other demons; only manifested through a focus (lamp/bottle).	Special Entity. Once human warlocks from Calderaas who were punished by being bound to Hell. Not proper demons but human souls bound to Hell. Essential for higher-tier demon contracts as observers. Warlocks practically required to contract with one around level 10. Operate outside normal hierarchy.
Nurdrakhaan	20	Massive, serpentine demon form reminiscent of dragons. Huge and unmistakable in size and configuration. Serpentine bodies that can stretch to immense lengths. Dragon-like appearance.	Massive size, immense strength, destruction. Can emit distinctive hissing sounds that can be fear-inducing or disorienting. Requires complex summoning spells with advanced matrices and significant power to summon. Destructive capabilities rival those of true dragons.	Infernal Animal. Hell's equivalent to dragons. Massive serpentine demons with immense power. Often used in large-scale assaults. Rare and formidable. Considered among the most powerful and dangerous entities in the infernal realms. As dragon-equivalents, they possess high intelligence but are essentially infernal animals.
Kankhradahg	5	Ape-like demon bodies with crocodile-like snouts. Approximately eight feet tall with powerful muscular builds. Muscular build with the power of apes and the deadly bite of crocodiles. Often wear leather wraps and spiked iron bracers.	Brutal combat prowess, warlike nature, enhanced strength, exceptional combat skills, enhanced durability, brutal attacks. Cannot speak, cannot command. Sapient but non-sentient, barely above animals.	Infernal Animal. Brutal, warlike demons frequently used as vanguards in demonic assaults. Highly aggressive. Sapient (capable of basic reasoning and understanding simple commands) but non-sentient (lacking true consciousness). Function as powerful but barely-controlled weapons of war.
Katzils	1	Flying demonic entities, often resembling draconic creatures with wings. Can curl up like a cat when at rest. Dark coloration. Hellish flying animals.	Aerial combat, fire attacks, agile flight. Capable of flight and emitting flames. Can spit flames. Can be trained to work in groups but lack true sentience. Vulnerable to immobilization tactics.	Infernal Animal. Hellish animals kept as pets by high-tier demons. Lack true sentience or higher intelligence, functioning more like intelligent beasts than conscious beings. Valued as flying fire-breathing pets rather than for tactical importance.
Bhagvai	5	Bat-like or wyvern-like creatures with leathery wings, dark coloration (black, purple, or dark red), and sharp demonic features. Hellish flying animals.	Aerial combat, flame and acid attacks, agile flight. Capable of flight and spitting both flame and acid. Can be trained to work in groups but lack true sentience.	Infernal Animal. Hellish flying animals that spit both flame and acid. Similar to katzils, they are "dumb animals and demons" rather than truly sentient beings. Lack true sentience or higher intelligence, functioning more like intelligent beasts. Used as aerial support in demonic armies.
Hiszilisks	10	Dire wasp-like demonic form. Large insectoid demons resembling massive wasps. Attack in coordinated swarms.	Swarm combat, overwhelming numbers, venom attacks. Highly venomous stings that cause excruciating pain and potentially fatal reactions. Despite individual fragility, their swarm tactics make them particularly dangerous.	Separate Communities. Demon type that resembles dire wasps. Hive-mind coordination suggests limited individual sentience but effective pack intelligence. Extremely dangerous in large groups. Can overwhelm even powerful opponents through coordinated swarm attacks. Live in their own communities separate from normal hierarchy.

How to Use This Table

When creating a Warlock character or gaining a new pact:

Choose a Demon Type: Select from the available demon types that match your warlock level
Individual Demon: Work with your GM to create or select a specific demon of that type (demons have individual names and personalities)
Pact Terms: Negotiate the pact's terms, costs, and requirements (Charisma checks)
Gain Summonable Thrall: You gain the ability to summon that specific demon to aid you

Demon Hierarchy

The infernal hierarchy is complex, with different demon types holding different positions of power and status within demonic society. The hierarchy reflects both raw power and social organization:

Highest Tier

Daughters of Elilial: The most powerful demons, directly descended from the Queen of Demons herself. Each has unique powers and serves as a major infernal force. They operate independently and command respect from all other demon types.

Elite Caste

Khelminash: High-ranking demons specializing in infernal magic. Elite sorceresses who form the backbone of Elilial's sorcerous forces. They live in structured caste-based cities and are among the most intelligent and magically capable demons. They serve as advisors, teachers, and leaders in demonic organizations.
Rhaazke: Elite demons known for their formidable strength and resilience. Significantly larger and more powerful than humans, with intelligence comparable to humans. They serve in high-ranking positions within demonic society and often serve as rulers of Khelminash cities, managing the caste system. Their elite status is underscored by their roles and the respect they command among other demon types.

Upper Tier

Hthrynxkhs (Shadowlords): High-caste sentient demons. Non-casters but possess limited inherent camouflage and short-range shadow-jumping abilities. Very durable armor-like skin. Stronger than they look, but less agile. Can command other demons and coordinate attacks. Used as shock troops and field commanders to break defensive lines.
Vrardexi: Upper tier caster demons specializing in soul-based spell work and necromancy. Assistants to Khelminash, below them in the hierarchy. Preferred servants of Prince Vanislaas who assist in the creation of Vanislaad demons. They use human souls barred from paradise by Vidius for their spellwork, making them powerful and dangerous practitioners of infernal magic.

Middle Tier

Khaladesh: The soldier caste in Khelminash cities. Graceful and deceptively dainty humanoid demons with clawed feet, thick tails, and curling horns. Serve as guards and soldiers, standing guard at important locations such as hellgates or other strategic points. More disciplined than many demon types, reliable for security duties and military service.
Ikthroi: Sapient demons, slightly larger and significantly stronger than the human norm. Possess an inherent but quite minimal capacity for infernomancy. During the Hellwars these were by far the largest contingent of Elilial's ground forces, but sightings of them have diminished markedly in the centuries since. Attack in waves, overwhelming defensive positions through sheer weight and numbers. Can bury defenders under their mass through coordinated massed assaults.
Sshitherosz: Specialize in recruiting warlocks from vulnerable individuals. Masters of getting on people's good sides, they find those who are outcast, alone, or weak and needing support, then coax them into accepting infernal power. Their favorite targets are the young, naïve, and ambitious. Despite their scrawny, ugly appearance, they excel at persuasion and making others feel valued and understood.

Low Tier

Hethelax: Some of the lowest tier sentient demons. Typically servants in the Khelminash caste system. Used as shock troops in battle due to potent magic resistance (more or less immune to most Arcane magic, resistant to Infernal magic) and very tough chitinous plates (high natural AC). Channel aggression from infernal corruption into a berserker state when harmed. Can be half-blooded with mortals.
Horogki: Some of the lowest tier sentient demons. Physically basically stronger red-skinned hobgoblins. On the same rung of the Khelminash caste system as Hethelax. Primary labor force in Khelminash cities. Bred into distinct bloodlines with genetic memory for different crafting skills. Can eat almost anything. Infernal corruption gives unfocused frenetic energy requiring supervision. Rapid reproduction makes them dangerous if left uncontrolled (6 week gestation, mature in 18 months, litters of up to 30).
Baerzurg: Ultimate demonic shock troop. Low tier in the Khelminash caste, used primarily for their strength. Sentient but quite dumb. Very large (up to 15 feet tall) with pronounced hunch. Bronze metallic scales covering body and tail—scales are sharp, making direct attacks dangerous. Head sunken into torso with no functional neck. Mouth opens in three petals lined with razor sharp teeth, giving extremely potent bite attack.
Vanislaad (Incubi/Succubi): Created by or descended from Prince Vanislaas. While incredibly dangerous on the material plane due to their manipulation and espionage capabilities, within Hell they are fairly low in the caste system. Reincarnated damned human souls give them unique perspectives and capabilities, but their low status in Hell reflects their relative weakness compared to elite demon castes. Above all else, they have a supernatural compulsion to cause discord and chaos—forcing them into lawful behavior causes them physical distress like a drug addict needing a hit.
Khethix (Imps): Sentient demons, but generally outside the caste system. Too small and weak to be of any standard use to the Khelminash. When able to live in Khelminash cities, they typically serve as servants and messengers. Known for mischievous nature and limited power. "Imp" is the mortal colloquialism; their true infernal name is Khethix.

Special Entities (Outside Normal Hierarchy)

Gnagrethyct (Priestkillers): Favored and rare servants of Elilial. Only 7 in existence. Have the gift of transmuting divine energy (and to a lesser extent other types of energy) into infernal, making them a living insult to the Circle of Interaction. Can phase through solid matter. Do not bumble about the mortal plane indiscriminately. The only thing they do not want to mess with is a bigger, meaner demon. All divine blessings used against them would only kill their targets faster by being converted to infernal energy. Extremely rare and powerful anti-divine specialists. Operate outside the normal hierarchy.
Djinn (Lesser): Lesser Djinn do not have wish-granting ability. They are somewhere between clairvoyant and omniscient—entities made of knowledge who delight in sharing it. Their preternatural cognizance means they know exactly how to twist words to cause maximum chaos. They bargain in knowledge. Warlocks are practically required to contract with a lesser Djinn around level 10, as higher tier demons will not contract unless a Djinn observes the contract. If a warlock reneges on a Djinn-observed contract, the Djinn can spread that knowledge, cutting the warlock off from infernal resources. Former human warlocks bound to Hell, not proper demons but human souls bound to Hell. Operate outside the normal hierarchy.

Infernal Animals (Not Part of Hierarchy)

Nurdrakhaan: Hell's equivalent to dragons. Massive, serpentine demons with immense power and destructive capabilities. Rare and formidable, considered among the most powerful and dangerous entities in the infernal realms. Their rarity and power grant them significant status despite not being part of the organized caste system. As dragon-equivalents, they possess high intelligence but are essentially infernal animals rather than members of the social hierarchy.
Kankhradahg: Brutal, warlike demons used as shock troops and vanguards in demonic assaults during invasions. Their combination of reptilian and primate features makes them both powerful and agile. They are sapient (capable of basic reasoning and understanding simple commands) but non-sentient (lacking true consciousness or subjective experience), and are barely above animals. They cannot speak, cannot command others, and function as powerful but barely-controlled weapons of war. Not part of the social hierarchy; treated as infernal animals.
Katzils: Hellish animals kept as pets by high-tier demons. Flying fire-breathing creatures that can be trained but lack true sentience. Valued as exotic companion animals rather than strategic assets. Not part of the social hierarchy; simply pets and infernal animals.
Bhagvai: Hellish flying animals that spit both flame and acid. Similar to katzils in intelligence and function, described as "dumb animals and demons." Used as aerial support in demonic armies. Lack true sentience or higher intelligence, functioning more like intelligent beasts. Not part of the social hierarchy; infernal animals used for their combat utility.

Separate Communities (Outside Normal Hierarchy)

Hiszilisks: Dire wasp-like demons that attack in large swarms. Limited individual sentience but effective pack intelligence through hive-mind coordination. Used as swarm combatants. Demon type that resembles dire wasps. Known for swarming behavior and highly venomous stings. Extremely dangerous in large groups despite individual fragility. Can overwhelm even powerful opponents through coordinated swarm attacks. Live in their own separate communities outside the normal infernal hierarchy, forming their own social structures.

Prince Vanislaas: A major demon prince who created the Vanislaad line. His work in creating incubi and succubi involves transforming reincarnated damned human souls into these powerful demonic entities. As a demon prince, he exists above the typical hierarchy.

Elilial and Demon Organization

Elilial, the Queen of Demons, is the primary ruler of demonic forces. The Black Wreath serves as her primary organization in the mortal world, and many warlocks who serve demons are connected to Elilial's influence.

Pact Negotiation

All pacts require negotiation with the demon. The complexity and danger of negotiation depends on: - The demon type's power level - The specific demon's personality - What the warlock is offering in return - The warlock's Charisma modifier

Corruption and Multiple Pacts

Having multiple demonic pacts increases a warlock's corruption risk. Different demon types may conflict with each other, and some combinations may be particularly dangerous or unstable.