The Demons of the abode

"Welcome to our part of the Abode."

"Do you care for a snack while you read?"

"My cool Wormwood diffusion, is to die for"

-"Please, don't be shy, take two, they're small..."

- ....

Demons, devils, devas and dimensional travellers:

All those who can travel between worlds will find that in some worlds, if not most, they will be considered as demons or devils (or if they fit in physically and use their power sparingly, as magician and witches, which may be just slightly less dangerous). Many actually enjoy this, and play their role either as benevolent or malevolent, while others hate even the notion of being called such. To put it simply: most of those called demons, devils, devas or even angels, are beings that somehow have, or have gained, the ability to go between realities, and since that is not a common trait, they are outsiders.

There are however beings with far more powers, residing in planes which most would refer to as heaven or hell by different names, there are those who influence other worlds and harvest for souls and other strange things. These could be considered as Gods and Devils, Angels or Demons, in the words' true meanings.

For the "normal" dimension travelling entity it is advisable to try to blend in with the locals and keep any use of "magic" (any technology or ability unknown in the world visited) to a minimum. Long cloaks with hoods are an essential dress code if you do not conform to the normal look, it might be better to let people think you are eccentric, rather than classify you as a demon...

Note: per above definition, everybody who ever gains entry to the Abode, even as a transient visitor, is a demon...

Some specifics about some different types:

Demons & Daemons:

The epithet demon usually signifies an evil being, or fallen angel, daemons however are not necessarily evil. Unfortunately most people would never be able to know one from the other, so demon is used rather indiscriminate. It is often up to the one getting the title to accept one description or the other, if they care they usually hide the fact that they are demons (or daemons).

Creatures from the so-called "Nether Planes" usually accepts being called demons and act as most expect demons to act, most of these have limited power in all aspects. The more powerful creatures from the same planes despise them and won't hesitate to send them back where they belong.

Succubus:

These are a variation of powerful demons originating from several different planes, but usually enrolled by the nether planes (often called Hell, Hades, Gehenna or something similar) to collect souls. They specialise in contracts where, for earthly pleasures, simple beings (being defined as those who are thus lured) give their soul. Usually they don't expect them to be collected soon, and are often surprised by how quickly time will pass before it is time. Others collect directly after delivery, which may be even more surprising for the one to pay the price. The male form is incubus, and both females and males are lovely, but deadly.

Beings who, instead of craving peoples' souls for bodily pleasure, buy their souls for money or glory, are referred to as devils, in most cases (see below).

Devils:

An overall epithet for those who professionally trade between realities. These beings are usually from the lower planes, and if not of true evil disposition, they are definitely not interested in anything unless it's profitable for them.

If you ever think you made a good deal with the devils, be sure to count your belongings including fingers, and other vital parts, before you leave. And never ever think that selling your soul is a good idea...

Imps:

A classification used for several races of lesser devils. Most are of small stature and are often hired as mercenaries, guards or cannon fodder. They are considered to be less dangerous than devils and far more faithful to their employer. In some cases they are known to develop strong bonds with their partner/counterpart/owner/leader over time and will be faithful until death.

Asura:

Refers here to beings in demigod status, good or evil, that are developing their powers or in the process of change. It could reefer both to angels falling, or demons rising.

Shadow Demon:

According to legend they are demons created from pure shadows, that are angered easily by those who hurt others. Most mistake them for evil but they are benevolent and try to save people, rather than hurt them, but people are often to scared by their appearance too let them help. Their reputation as cold-blooded assassins probably comes from those who met them while trying to wreck evil themselves. They are sometimes referred to as the Twilight Guardians.

Psychopomp:

They are beings that have the special ability to soothe the dying and guide the deceased souls to the afterlife. They are also mediators between the conscious (visible) and unconscious (hidden) world around us. Demonkind also refer to them as the eternal midwives, they do not only help people who die, but are also known to help new-born to survive. A being born under their supervision is bound to become strong and special. When they can't show themselves as they are, they usually take the form of an animal (usually a bird). They are also known as Reapers or Shinigami.

Deva:

In most cases reefers to good, usually female, superhuman beings. They usually stay out of human affairs, keeping their involvement to a minimum, quite the opposite of the others above. Winged devas are commonly refereed to as Angels. Although most would think these beings of messengers of benevolent deities, they, as several of those above, have been known to wield great destructive powers indiscriminately.

- ...

-"You like em? I picked them myself. You should try a blue one, they're my favourites".

And then we have the races:

Observe: Demons as those specified above are usually not divided into races.

Humans:

The normal bipeds with a developing intelligence, but usually almost no ability for higher manipulative skills or any sense of multiverse borders. There are a few exceptions, otherwise we would not even mention them.

Old Magician, Tomomi, the Shinju girls, Li NiChang, Ren, Shiomi (she is only possessed) and Wot are classified as humans

Elves:

Tribes of an old powerful society that at one time or another have been present on any world where humans or humanoids developed. Today they are widespread and divided in several groups. Some even have gone native in their new homes as they lost contact with the elven council. They are extremely long-lived, but not immortal.

Erendil and Evaleigh are of elven ancestry

Goblin/Orc:

Old races, just as elves, but interested neither in peace nor longevity, as much as having their fun. This usually consists of looting human or elves (or any civilized beings). There are exceptions though, and when they want they can pass off as respectable humans (or demi-humans)

Some say that Lir is of Goblin-kind

Dwarves:

Another one of the older industrious races of the multiverse. Known for their short sturdy built and their ability to work their physical surrounding to their will.

Other Demi-humans:

Many mixed bloods are classified as demi-human, among them humans with demon or dragon ancestry.

Sus, Bel (demon ancestry), Alma (dragon ancestry), Shade (shape-shifter) and Palatyne (fae)

Humanoids:

In this category you will find other anthropomorphic beings that only are human-like in their outer appearance. Some dragons and alien bi-pedals can be called humanoid.

"We are all Demons in the Magicians Abode..."

Please observe that the above definitions are made for the story of the Old Magicians Abode, and are not necessarily a correct ordinary definition, or reflect the accepted real-world view of author and his accomplices.