About Demon Reproduction - Mayo Ex

Excerpt on Metamorphosis, and Other Forms of Demonic Reproduction

From: A Study on Demon Behaviour, by Lyra Lunareth

It would be an error of both scholarship and wisdom to assume that demonkind reproduces in any singular manner. Unlike mortals bound by fixed biological laws, demonic propagation is a fluid and multifaceted phenomenon, manifesting differently across species, temperaments, and magical affinity. Historically, demons pursued reproduction as a tool of war. In modern times, their motivations would better be described as compulsory, a lingering instinct embedded deep in their essence that many of their kind do not understand.

The most fascinating, albeit ethically troubling, form of demonic reproduction I have observed (though never personally witnessed, I should clarify) is Metamorphosis--a transformative process by which a demon infuses a significant quantity of its essence into a human host, thereby rewriting their very soul and reshaping them into a new demonic entity. This procedure is rarely done lightly, as it requires special circumstances to be performed without incidence. Consent from the human--such as a wish to become corrupted--is one such circumstance, as this would allow the demon to corrupt their essence instead of using their own. Once transformed, the new demon can never return to normal, and their spirit's will be sent to the Underworld, should they ever perish. Some may retain fragmented memories of their past life, but these are often distant, unimportant--mere echoes of a lost humanity.

There is no universally agreed-upon terminology for the relationship between the "parent" demon and the newly born. Some refer to them as daughters or sisters, while others view the result as a mere extension of their will, denying any responsibility for the creature they have created. Others prefer the term servant or thrall, if they intend to subjugate their progeny.

Side Note:

While I use gendered terms when referring to demons--almost always female--I would like to clarify for the sake of precision that metamorphosis can occur through male hosts as well. However, only male demons seem capable of transforming mortal men, and male demons have become increasingly rare, even more so than elves. It is possible they have even gone extinct on the surface, but for the sake of clerical consistency, I shall refrain from using gendered language moving forward, at least where it makes sense.

Metamorphosis comes at a significant cost. The sheer volume of essence required to birth a new demon is staggering. Most demons cannot afford to part with so much of their strength, and fewer still would risk weakening themselves to create a potential rival. That said, some do precisely that--often with the previously stated intention of subjugating the new demon as a servant, bound to them by shared essence. Others may do so for sentimental reasons: curiosity, loneliness, even desire. I do not pretend to understand these impulses myself, although my assumption would be that it is an unconscious command instilled by the Goddess of Demons. At the very least, it occurs often enough to merit further academic interest.

A related but less demanding process is spiritual possession. In this case, a demon spirit enters a mortal body, gradually overtaking it until the soul is either expelled or subsumed. This requires far less essence than metamorphosis, but presents its own dangers. The possessing demon could be of equal or greater strength, and once fully embodied, may no longer be controllable. Demon cults occasionally employ this technique to "resurrect" deceased masters, a term I use loosely. Let it not be forgotten: demons are spirits first, flesh second. Their bodies may die, but unless their essence is scattered or sealed, they remain intact within the Underworld. It is this persistence of soul that allows them to return--sometimes centuries later--by being drawn back into the world through ritual or willing sacrifice.

Other forms of demon reproduction involve sexual coupling to produce a co-mingling of mortal and demonic essence. Unlike animal reproduction, which depends on physical fertilisation, this fertilisation is arcane in nature. The act of physical intimacy may serve as the conduit, but the creation of new life is a spell--woven through emotion, essence, and intent. The offspring, when conceived this way, draws its spiritual form from the parent demon, not the human partner. The human provides the necessary energy, but has little to no say in the shape or disposition of the child. There are exceptions, naturally. There always are.

Notable Exception #1:

Egg-laying demons, often matriarchal and tribal, exhibit a more communal approach to reproduction. The soul of the child is shaped not solely by the "mother" but by the consensus of the tribe--typically guided by one or more elder matriarchs. Their young are thus crafted with specific roles in mind, born to fulfill archetypes useful to the group: hunters, soldiers, shamans, and so on.

Notable Exception #2:

Plant-based demons are a peculiar case. Largely immobile, they rely on seed production to spread their influence. These seeds, formed from the demon's essence and the extracted life-force of a human male; yes, male, as evidence suggests these demons can only ever be female. When planted, they will eventually grow into a new demon if properly nurtured. Demon seeds are exceptionally potent and have sometimes been bestowed upon human worshippers as gifts--or more troublingly, as a sort of curse. A man given such a seed may feel an overwhelming need to plant it, care for it, and even remain near it until it germinates. Often, he will willingly offer himself to the newborn demon, allowing it to drain the last of his essence. This fatal first act, sometimes referred to as imprinting, becomes the foundation of the new demon's identity. If the man was kind and trusting, the demon will be born docile and cooperative. If he resisted or responded with violence, the demon would grow hardened, suspicious, even cruel. It is a deeply formative moment, often compared to the similar instinct shared by birds, hence the name; although, the emotional consequences are far greater.

In conclusion, the reproduction of demons is not so much a biological process as it is a magical and spiritual one. While acts of intimacy are often involved, they are merely the spark that ignites the fire, while essence is the fuel that is burned, or more accurately, tainted. Corruption is the root of demon magic, as it is for demon reproduction.

From the Author:

I do not expect this study will ever be complete. Every time I delve into behavioural studies of demonkind, I uncover yet more conflicting accounts, unreliable testimonies, and mythologies folded upon mythologies. Still, I find the subject compelling. I would like to revisit it again in the future, although I find myself wondering if such a time will ever come.

I have found, with growing disquiet, that many of my peers--scholars of the arcane--are vanishing. Some have left no trace; likely succumbing to madness or the rising disquiet of demons. Mortal practitioners in particular seem vulnerable to the pursuit of this knowledge, being drawn away by some whispering call I cannot identify. It may be that in a centuries' time, there will be no one left to debate my works, no readers to pass my findings onto. Still, if these writings miraculously survive me, I can only hope they will one day reach curious hands. Perhaps someone, somewhere, will find use in the questions I've asked--even if they arrive at different answers. That, at least, would be enough.