Society

70 million. Population consists of the majority of Netherians (Beings from Infernal Abyss), Mythical Creatures (Dragons, Fairies, Elves, , Giants, Sprites, Gnomes,etc) and Humans.

Demonkin

• Noble Demons: Those of ancient bloodlines, usually descendants of the original demons. They wield immense magical power and occupy roles such as generals, councilors, or influential traders.

• Lesser Demons: These demons serve in the military, as mid-level administrators, or as enforcers in the demon lord's courts. While respected, they lack the influence and wealth of noble demons.

• Half-Demons (Demon-Human Hybrids): Often seen as second-class citizens even among demons, but they are still above humans in status. Many serve as diplomats between the demon lords and human communities.

Humans

• Enslaved Humans: A vast majority of the human population used to be enslaved, working in demon-owned fields, mines, and households. They are often treated harshly and have little hope of social mobility.

• Free Humans: A small percentage of local humans are free, mostly living in urban areas where they work as merchants, craftsmen, or scholars. However, they remain under the rule of demon lords.

• Hybrid Families (Human-Demon Unions): Some humans have interbred with demons, giving rise to hybrid families. Though still looked down upon by full-blooded demons, they often occupy positions of minor authority and are allowed more freedom than most humans.

Mystical Creatures

• Fae and Otherworldly Entities: Highly respected for their neutrality and magical expertise, mystical creatures such as fae, nymphs, giants, centaurs and unicorns serve as potion makers, scholars, priests, and advisors.

• Elemental Beings: Creatures of shadow, fire, and darkness, these beings maintain close ties to the natural magic of Asorium. They often act as ambassadors between the human realm and the mystical forces of the world.

• Adyssal Beasts: These are mystical creatures summoned or birthed from the energy of the Infernal Abyss. They are rare but are often used as symbols of power and strength, bred by demon lords.

Reverence for the Deity of Darkness

Here is Asorium, the Lady of Darkness, Asriah, is deeply revered across all species. Daily routine involve offering to her statue, especially during important life event. Even though Asriah vanished, her presence and aura remain so strong in Asorium making everyone believe that Asriah is still alive, guiding Asorium's fate and inhabitants—whether demon, human, or mystical creature—are expected to pay homage.

Offering at Night: Asriah's power feels powerful at night that most offerings are encouraged to do during at dusk. These offerings typically include dark flowers, obsidian stones, or enchanted objects.

Shadow Festival: A week-long celebration of Asriah. Asorium is decorated with Dark Crystals from the Crystal Cavern's Shadow Crystal Tree,

Festival of Darkness: A week-long celebration of Asriah, where the kingdom is decorated with dark crystals and enchanted lanterns, ending with grand offerings at the lake of dark matter in Glowmin City.

Social Hierarchy and Mutual Respect

Asorium’s society is structured around species, with demons typically occupying higher social positions due to their closer connection to the underworld. However, the government enforces laws that prevent overt species discrimination, and public interactions are expected to be respectful.

Hierarchy Etiquette: While demons hold higher ranks in governance and society, mystical creatures and humans are treated with dignity, and any explicit discrimination in public is discouraged.

Formal Address: Demons and other high-ranking individuals are addressed as "Abyssal" in formal situations, while mystical beings of prestige are often referred to as "Elderkin."

Dark Aesthetic and Fashion

Asorians take great pride in their unique, gothic-inspired fashion and architecture. Clothing is often dark in colour—deep purples, blacks, and rich reds—embellished with glowing runes and symbols that reflect one’s status, magical abilities, or connection to Asriah.

Enhanted Clothing: Many garments are enchanted to shift their patterns based on the time of day, reflecting the wearer’s emotional state or magical energy.

Architecture: Buildings are constructed from dark stone, often adorned with arcane symbols, and designed to evoke the mystery and power of the underworld. Towers and spires are common, mimicking the landscape of the abyss.

Respect for Mystical Creatures

Mystical creatures hold a sacred place in Asorium's society. They are considered wise and often play the roles of advisors, healers, or spiritual guides. Interactions with these creatures are governed by respect, and it is customary to bow or present an offering when meeting one of higher status.

Speaking to Elders: Mystical creatures are addressed with reverence, and direct eye contact is avoided unless invited. It is believed that some can see into one’s soul, so their wisdom is sought in times of crisis.

Cultural Exchange: The diverse backgrounds of the mystical creatures are celebrated through cultural exchanges, where their art, traditions, and magical practices are shared during annual gatherings.

The Value of the Darkness

In Asorium, darkness is not seen as something to fear, but rather as a source of power and comfort. Shadows are believed to be connected to the last layer of the underworld and are considered an extension of Asriah’s will. Citizens are taught from a young age to respect the shadows around them.

Shadow Language: Some Asorians learn the ancient art of communicating through shadows, a mystical practice believed to be a form of divine speech passed down by the Deity of Darkness.

Light Sensitivity: Bright lights and overly illuminated spaces are frowned upon, as they are thought to disrupt the natural balance. Public spaces are softly lit, often by enchanted lanterns that glow with a cool, eerie light.

Rituals of Passage

Asorium society is marked by a series of life passage rituals, each deeply connected to their spiritual beliefs and magical practices. Every significant life event, from a person’s coming of age to death, involves rituals that honor Asriah and the underworld.

Coming of Age: When an individual turns 21, they undergo the Rite of Shadows, a sacred ceremony where they are granted their adult status by pledging allegiance to Asriah. A shadow is magically bound to them during the ritual, symbolizing their connection to the underworld.

Funerary Rites: The dead are cremated, and their ashes are scattered in the Voidwell, a mystical lake said to connect to the realm of Asriah. This ensures their spirit returns to the deity’s embrace.

Magic in Daily Life

Magic is an essential part of Asorium society, woven into everyday life. Whether for protection, communication, or art, it is customary for citizens to use magic in public and private settings.

Enchanted Objects: Almost every household possesses enchanted items for mundane tasks, such as cleaning or lighting. Public spaces are also filled with magical lanterns and statues that shift based on the time of day.

Magical Greetings: It’s common for Asorium to exchange simple enchantments as a greeting. For example, casting a gentle glow or shadow over someone is considered a sign of goodwill.

Privacy and Secrets

Privacy is highly valued in Asorium culture. Many residents believe that one’s true power and influence should remain hidden, much like the shadows. As a result, secrecy is respected, and prying into another’s affairs is considered deeply dishonorable.

Secret Names: Many Asorians keep their true names hidden, using pseudonyms in public life. Revealing one’s true name is seen as an intimate gesture and only shared with those deeply trusted.

Shadowbound Contracts: Agreements, both business and personal, are often sealed through the casting of a "shadowbound" spell, which binds the terms to the shadows of the signers. Breaking such a contract is a serious offense and can result in one’s shadow being permanently altered.

Public Versus Private Behavior

• Public Respect: In public, demons are expected to treat humans with a degree of respect, in line with the government's anti-slavery laws and policies of peaceful coexistence. Both demons and humans participate in communal festivals, trade, and social activities, though the hierarchy between them remains evident. Humans may show deference to demons but are no longer required to bow or submit publicly.

• Private Enslavement: Although slavery has been officially outlawed, it is an open secret that some demons continue to enslave humans in private. These hidden practices are done in secret, with the use of magical contracts and dark rituals that bind humans to their demon masters. While these actions are illegal, enforcement is difficult due to the influence and wealth of the demon elite.

Mystical Creature Roles

• The Elementals: Elemental beings—creatures tied to earth, fire, water, and air—are often in charge of maintaining the natural order in Asorium. They are guardians of sacred spaces and natural resources, and their connection to the Deity of Darkness makes them powerful but detached from everyday politics. The elementals often arbitrate disputes between demons and humans, and their word is considered final.

• The Fae: Fae creatures are influential in the arts, magic, and trade. Known for their trickery and cunning, fae manage the magical markets and are sought after for their craft in spell-weaving and enchanting. Their society within Asorium is one of loose alliances, where they form factions based on power and influence. While some fae work with demons, others remain staunchly independent, pursuing their own interests.

• Dragons and Serpents: Ancient beings like dragons and serpents reside in the country’s volcanic regions or deep underworld caverns. Revered as symbols of power and fortune, they are rarely seen but hold immense sway over the country's economics. Many of Asorium's wealthiest mines and forges are said to be blessed by these creatures, and those who gain their favor are guaranteed wealth and success.

Social Hierarchy

• Demonic Supremacy: Demons continue to be seen as the natural rulers, not only because of their numbers but due to their direct connection to the 'Lady of Darkness'. High-ranking demons occupy positions of power and influence in the government, religious institutions, and military. However, demons are not alone in their power. Many mythical creatures hold key roles in society, often acting as mediators, advisors, or wielders of ancient magic.

• Mystical Creatures: Creatures such as fae, elemental spirits, gargoyles, and shapeshifters are revered for their age-old wisdom, arcane knowledge, and neutrality in the political game. The fae, for example, govern forests and natural magic, while elemental spirits control the land's forces. Some mythical beings, like the nightmares (shadow-horses of legend), serve as messengers and protectors. They hold a middle tier in the hierarchy—respected, but not considered rulers like demons.

• Humans: Humans are the labor force and artisans of the country, providing goods and services but not magical prowess. While officially equal under the law, they are often overlooked by the powerful creatures that dominate Asorium. Despite the protection laws in place, some mythical beings and demons still exploit humans for their personal gain, though doing so is illegal.

Social Norms Around Magic

• Magic as Power: Dark magic is the foundation of Asorium society as it is once performed by the 'Lady of Darkness', with demons wielding it as both a tool of governance and personal power. Magic is used in all aspects of life, from agriculture to warfare, and is deeply tied to the social hierarchy. Humans are forbidden from practicing dark magic but are allowed to learn elemental and healing spells for everyday use.

• Forbidden Magic: The use of magic to enslave humans is illegal, but secret rituals and forbidden spells circulate in the underground market. The possession and use of these dark artifacts are strictly forbidden, and those caught engaging in these practices face severe consequences—if they are discovered.

The Balance of Magic and Might

• Demonic Magic: Demons wield dark magic drawn from the Infernal Abyss, specializing in binding, shadow manipulation, and curses. This magic is feared and respected.

• Human Magic (Limited): Some free humans practice magic, but they are restricted to weaker forms, like elemental manipulation or minor healing. Any human found practicing dark magic faces severe punishment.

• Mystical Magic: Mystical creatures possess natural magic connected to the cycles of the moon, stars, and ancient forces. Their magic is neutral and often seen as a stabilizing force in the chaotic land of Asorium.

Relationships between species

• Demons and Humans: Cross-species relationships between demons and humans, while not forbidden, are socially frowned upon in upper-class circles. In rural areas, more relaxed attitudes allow for friendships and partnerships between humans and demons, though these relationships are often met with suspicion in the capital and among the nobility.

• Demons and Mythical Creatures: 

• Demons and mythical creatures, such as gargoyles, phoenixes, and spectral wolves, share a symbiotic relationship. Many mythical creatures act as advisors or magical enforcers for demon lords. Others, like golems or gargoyles, serve as sentinels protecting Asorium's cities and borders. While demons are the official rulers, they heavily rely on the knowledge and power of mystical beings.

• Humans and Mystical Creatures: Humans is Asorium will most likely to have better relationship with any mythical creature than with demons. Humans tend to live with mythical creatures like fairies, nymphs, sprites and dryads, offering their ability that could benefit the mythical creature for protection and labour. Despite how humans are at the bottom of the social hierarchy, the relationship between a human and mythical creature could improv their social standing.

Social Customs and Traditions

• Worship of the Deity of Darkness: The Deity of Darkness, who vanished after creating Asorium and the creatures of the underworld, remains central to daily life. All beings—demons, mystical creatures, and humans—pay homage to the deity. In the heart of Glowmin City stands a statue of Asriah, the Lady of Darkness, surrounded by a lake of dark matter that radiates her aura. This serves as a symbol of her continued existence, even though no Munians or Asorians have been able to find their beloved deity. Despite her absence, the people of Asorium regularly offer tributes to the statue.

• Festivals of Harmony: To promote peace and unity, the Harmony Festival is held every year, during which demons, mythical creatures, and humans are encouraged to work together. While in public, they cooperate and celebrate their shared history, the private reality is often much more segregated, with groups of creatures keeping to their own kind.

Laws and Enforcement

• Peaceful Coexistence Laws: The government, led by the Queen and Prime Minister, enforces laws that aim for peaceful coexistence between all beings. It is illegal to enslave any creature, especially humans, though some mythical creatures may privately keep human servants or familiars. Enforcement of these laws varies, with some demon and creature nobles ignoring them in their private estates.

• House of Elders: The House of Elders, comprised of ancient beings such as dragons, elementals, and immortal fae, exists to settle disputes and advise the queen. Their influence is immense, and they often act as a balance against demonic overreach, ensuring that the country's laws reflect the interest of all magical beings.