Demonkind
The Harrowing
Physiology
There are countless shapes and forms included in the classification of Neðérim. The name refers to a place of origin rather than a physical form. Neðérim are the Awakened of the Nether. Adding to the confusion, it is unclear whether their perceived forms have any relevance to their actual forms. A popular hypothesis claims that Mortals cannot see the true forms of Neðérim (nor Eðérim) and instead substitute a form that their minds can comprehend. Perhaps the most famous student of the Withering Veil, Jzar the Mad, is believed to be one of the few Mortals to have seen the Neðérim in their true shape, tragically.
Dissolution occurs when a Neðérim’s Waking form loses connection with the Nether. Because a constant flow of magic permits the Neðérim to manifest and maintain a material body, an interruption of that magic causes the body to decompose into its Waking elements. Dissolution is normally achieved by severing the creature’s Celestial Cord. Only spells and weapons that are attuned to Vorgòstra can affect the threads that bind creatures to their home Worlds.
Psychology
The Neðéri mindset is alien and difficult to understand. All Neðérim, with the possible exception of Yarðir, appear to act on instinct before any rational thinking occurs (if indeed it ever occurs). They act on basic impulses of survival and pleasure, often preferring pleasure over survival. The creatures however are not completely bestial. Many have shown a keen and sadistic intelligence when plotting ambushes, devising torture, or manipulating the unaware. It is unclear where the tipping point between instinct and cognition occurs in lower Neðérim. The ability of Neðérim to think clearly may be tied to their state of arousal, blood-lust, or anxiety. Neðérim in the throes of concupiscent excess, for instance, are unlikely to think about consequence or peripheral dangers.
Culture
Social order among the Neðérim seems to be determined by power, i.e., the ability to eat those of lesser power. There are countless minor demons among the Neðérim host, many of which seem to serve no greater role than morsels for their larger kindred. The greatest and most powerful Neðérim are known as the Yarðir.
Language
The Neðérim share a malefic language called Neðàric.
Names
Erédgredrūdzek, Yar Zàkgrūdzek
Religion
Though there does not appear to be any form of organized religion among the Neðérim, the least powerful of the creatures do seem to “worship” the more powerful ones. It is debatable whether this is worship or some form of ingratiation in the hopes that they will not become the next meal. While greater Neðérim may not care for the concerns and wishes of the lesser demons, they do appear to milk some pleasure from worship.
Magic
The Neðérim do not use magic in the same manner as the Waking. All Neðéri magic is dependent on their tie to the Nether, i.e., Channeling. A Neðérim whose connection to the Nether is broken, cannot access magic and will likely face Dissolution (rf. Physiology). A Neðéryn that has uninterrupted access to the Nether is a powerful ally or adversary.
Nomenclature: Neðérim Dekàlic: Neðérim (race), Neðéri (pertaining to), Neðéryn (individual), Neðérim (people), Neðéric (language)