Shadow Daemos

Born of pure shadow, the Shadow Daemos are creatures of malice and cunning, forged in the depths of darkness. These entities thrive in the absence of light and answer the summons of mortals with promises of wealth, power, or innocent souls. Their form is a constantly shifting mass of shadow, humanoid in shape but fluid, with faintly glowing, piercing eyes that stare like twin voids.

Summoning and Bargains
The Shadow Daemos are drawn to greed and desperation, thriving on the lure of golden treasures, pure silver, or the souls of the untainted. The more radiant the offering, the quicker they respond to the call. Once summoned, they are bound to fulfill the terms of their agreement, though their deals are often twisted with treacherous loopholes. The Daemos find joy in exploiting the weaknesses of mortals, sometimes leaving ruin in their wake even as they fulfill their side of the deal.

Possession and Control
The Shadow Daemos can merge with those who harbor darkness in their hearts. The corrupted host becomes an extension of the Daemos, gaining shadowy powers but losing all semblance of control. Those who can resist their desires may attempt to harness the Daemos as soldiers, but such control is a dangerous game—one slip, and the Daemos will turn on its master.

Strengths in Darkness
Within the shadows, the Shadow Daemos are nearly invincible. Their forms blend seamlessly into the darkness, making them impossible to strike effectively. Cities have fallen overnight to a single Daemos, its attacks swift and precise as it weaves through the shadows, destroying without warning. The Daemos can teleport between areas of darkness, using even the faintest shadow to close in on prey, making them nearly impossible to corner in the absence of light.

Weakness to Light
The one weakness of the Shadow Daemos is light. The Holy Church of the Flame discovered that divine light scorches their shadowy forms, banishing them back into the void. Torches, radiant spells, and daylight burn through their essence, rendering them powerless until the shadows reclaim the area. While they can heal within darkness, prolonged exposure to light destroys them completely.

Tactics and Behavior
The Shadow Daemos are intelligent and strategic. They stalk their prey from the shadows, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Their attacks are sudden and devastating, often targeting the weakest or most isolated individuals to instill fear. When in groups, Daemos coordinate their strikes, using their shadowy abilities to divide and overwhelm their enemies.

Weaknesses in Binding
While the Daemos are bound to their summoner through deals, they are not loyal. If the terms of their contract are broken or unclear, the Daemos will exploit any opportunity to twist their service into destruction. The summoner must exercise extreme caution in their wording, for even the smallest loophole can lead to catastrophic results.

Role in the World
The Shadow Daemos are feared by all who know of them. They are whispered legends in the dark corners of taverns, used to frighten children into obedience and as a reminder of the dangers of greed and desperation. However, for those bold—or foolish—enough to summon them, they offer unparalleled power, albeit at a terrible cost.