Bestiary

Xosian Imp - Created by S.A. Robles ©2017 v1.0

Stats Description

The Xosian Imp is undeniably one of the weakest and thus most subservient Xosian Castes: an absolute truth reflected in each and every one's appearance. Comparable in size to a lemur, these minor demons nevertheless put on display the aberrant nature of Xos, as no one Imp bears a resemblance terribly close to another beyond certain commonalities. They hold the distinction of being one of the few Xosian Castes whose physiology can be reptilian, mammalian, avian, a blend of the three, or even on occasion something more exotic.

Approximately three-fourths of Imps possess wings, most of which are leathery with membranes akin to that of a bat though a smaller number instead feature mottled feathers, resemble those of insects, or even bear a skeletal aesthetic void of connective tissue; the appearance never seems to greatly impact their ability to fly short distances. In addition, almost all Imps are quadrupeds capable of bipedal locomotion, with individuals holding a preference between one of the two modes.

Individual imps' defining features are largely determined by their mortal lives, wherein one who lived a life of theft or burglary might have spindly digits reminiscent of -- and functioning akin to -- lock picks. Another who had been a thug might have a slightly more muscular, if still emaciated physique with callouses or asymmetry parallel to injuries they received in life. A prolifically noisy rabble rouser or glutton might similarly contribute a mouth of disproportionate size. An imp's skin and eye colors can vary widely, and are likewise correlated but not always identical to that which they had as a mortal.

Lore

Xoxian Imps are born most often from the souls of criminal sheep: people who instigate or permit evil deeds from a mixture of fear, apathy to others, and disregard for conventional law and order, but have no particular aspirations or addiction to cowing others. While residue from their mortality lingers upon the stained effigy of their soul, any one particular imp is liable to retain only the barest recollection of their past life. This faraway imprint bears a faint influence their scampish proclivities, but rarely anything else.

Although unusual, it has on occasion occurred where an imp acquires enough energy to acquire a True Name. More unprecedented is when an aforementioned Named Imp amasses further energy, transmogrifying into a superior Caste befitting either their current or mortal achievements. Demons resulting of such transitions are regarded with caution, as they are often spiteful things who seek retribution on those who tormented them as an Imp.

Due to their position in the Xosian hierarchy, Imps are generally regarded by all Xosians -- even the larvae below them that readily dine on them for sustenance -- as expendable. This is due to the dismal quality and quantity of their essence, however, as while a powerful Xosian can take anywhere from months to centuries to reconstitute their far more dense essence, an Imp will reform within hours. Imps are generally spry on their feet, at least when pushed to it, and capable of gliding or non-sustained flight.

A lone Imp is a paltry threat, and it isn't an exaggeration to say that a well-prepared farmer with no access to magical arms or prior experience with them can at the very least fend it off by surprise, and sustain minimal injuries for it. Some Imps are capable of producing projectiles such as sonic booms, fireballs, and flurries of hoarfrost using their eldritch anatomy. More mundane ones may be possessed of a comparably sturdy skull useful for headbutting, serrated talons, whip-like tails, or other similar natural weapons. Overall, though, Imps are only a threat in large numbers.

The Xosian Imp's Caste is known as the Plaach, for no reason but its similarity to the sound they make when crushed by any number of things. Imps are generally claimed without consent by demons of higher stature, often those with True Names, and used for a variety of purposes such as subterfuge, delivering messages, or simply to relieve stress or boredom. Elaborate traps and devices are designed to torment them in different ways, competitions are held in which mighty demons see who can fling them the farthest, and sometimes they are just stepped on, squeezed to death, or eaten.

They grumble amongst each other in private, but are too fearful to protest or voice discontent to their superiors. It's worth note, though, that they become contrary and rebellious when gathered together in large numbers. There have been countless instances over the millennia of newly Named demons being overthrow by a Plaach insurrection, and such demons are seen as a laughingstock by their peers.

Due to their ability to reform at unparalleled speeds, mortals who serve Xos -- and sometimes others -- call upon them to use as messengers or entertainment. More sinisterly, during the Peasant's Rebellion and thereafter they have been seen outfitted with explosives and forced to perform suicide bombings. In addition, they can be used to harvest Xosian reagents by repeatedly summoning and slaughtering them, but this has led to more than one Warlock or Demonologist being swarmed and killed by angry imps.