Cambion

Kye, a demon-kin of Pain, in his true form.

Cambions, also called demon-kin, are the accursed offspring of a demon and a mortal, or at least a race that walks the mortal realm. They differ immensely based on each of their parents, and they have the capacity to become true demons. Given the chaos of their nature, they vary almost as wildly as their demonic kin.

This article is taken from an ancient text, Mala Infernorum, by a willfully anonymous knight.

Demonic Nature

Cambions are sometimes referred to as 'demon-kin' as opposed to 'demons' because it would seem that they are not wholly demons immediately. They are born, rather than spawned, and some argue they may even have souls. This gives them the capacity to potentially resist their demonic nature, but it calls to them always, tempting them to give in to sin, especially the sin of their demon blood. If they give in, they steadily become little more than demons, themselves. Cambions are often little more than a myth for several potential reasons: firstly, it is rare for a demon to couple with a mortal; secondly, it is rare for a cambion to retain any elements of their humanity; thirdly, cambions rarely escape the Underworld or are born outside of it.

All cambions feel the constant urge to commit evil, as one of their parents is indeed a very incarnation of sin. It is incredibly difficult to resist this urge, and many, if not perhaps all, of cambions feel no desire to attempt leading lives of goodness. It is said that demon-kin lead lives similar to those possessed by demons, but it is not a possession that can be excised and will haunt them always. This is why killing a cambion is a mercy.

Speculated Appearances

Cambions have a variety of demonic traits, and it is almost impossible to predict what kind of attributes one may have. However, speculation has led to four potential 'categories' of demon-kin based on their abilities and nature.

Sanguine

Sanguine cambions may have some combination of sharp horns, a tail, bright eyes sometimes with serpent pupils, bat-like wings, clawed fingers, and sharp canines. Some sanguine cambions include those related to Lust, Pain, Greed, Malice, and Fury, among others.

Melancholic

Melancholic cambions may have some combination of curved horns, dark sunken eyes, strange misty hair, black-feathered wings, and pitch-black tears and blood. Some melancholic demon-kin include those related to Deceit, Sorrow, Pride, Vengeance, and Famine, among others.

Choleric

Choleric cambions may have some combination of multi-faceted eyes and ragged insect wings, bony horns, and skeletal claws. Some choleric demon-kin include those related to Plague and War, among others.

Phlegmatic

Phlegmatic cambions may have tentacles erupting from various parts of the body such as the face, hands, feet, and back, along with a variety of other, unpredictable demonic features. Some phlegmatic demon-kin include those related to Gluttony, Hate, Fear, and Madness, among others.

Abilities

Cambions possess a terrifying range of abilities. It remains unknown their full range of capabilities, but it is well known that they can assume a disguise to hide their demon traits. This disguise can be broken, however, as it requires their consciousness and concentration to maintain. If they become too startled, fall unconscious, or experience such pain that it disrupts their concentration, then the magic will break and their true form will be revealed.

It is believed all demons may have the ability to use at least some form of demonic magic, and they also have abilities related to the particular type of demon to which they are related. Tales tell of cambions that steal souls and Men themselves away to the Underworld, corrupting all they touch.