Qarinah
The seducers of hell, qarinah are hell’s recruiters on the mortal realm. Servants of Lilith, demon prince of lust, these devils frequently act as spies, courtesans, dancers and bodyguards for demon and mortal alike. Qarinah are often called succubi or incubi by mortals, depending on their sex.
Qarinah are considered the weakest devil, with less spiritual mass than even simple demons. So spiritually weak are these demons that they can actually be called to the mortal realm by strong emotions of desire and longing. This inherent emptiness is only filled by others, the qarinah sapping mana from surrounding beings through physical touch and intimate acts. As a qarinah feeds it gains spiritual power and weight, slowly turning it into a living wellspring of mana.
Qarinah are defined by their shapeshifting ability, their ability to change sex on a whim. What was once perceived as a female qarinah may appear male a few moments later. While the sex changes, the aesthetics of the devil do not. Qarinah who shift sex will retain similar skin, hair and eye color and horn and hair styles.
Regardless of their presenting sex, qarinah display similar physical features. Atop their head grow an outcropping of small horns in a crown-like pattern. Behind soft lips are hidden fangs and a long, thick prehensile tongue. Long, powerful reverse jointed legs end in wide spread feet, tipped with cruel looking talons and behind them a thick, prehensile tail helps steady their balance.
Regardless of an individual’s tastes, they find them oddly appealing. Subtle magic draws the viewer’s eye to points of interest and each person seems to view the same qarinah slightly differently, personally idealized to their desires. Reports from two separate individuals of the same demon hold subtle differences in facial features, skin tone and body type.
In all things, qarinah want to please others. They seek approval from outside sources, be they mortal or demon, and their first priority is to find something they can submit and offer their service to. Those who have their affection soon become consumed by it, by the qarinah's seemingly rapt attentions, their eagerness to please and the heaping adoration they offer. Few can contend with a qarinah's ability to instill confidence and joy in another.
Yet despite their attentions, there is something empty about these demons. Their mentality is relatively childish and they are things who act upon another’s wishes, with little desire for themselves. The relationships created by a qarinah are hollow and one sided, though the victims of the demons can rarely see that.
Additionally, qarinah are also fickle creatures, regardless of their affectionate natures. Without a firm hand to keep their attention, these devils may wander off and eventually find themselves infatuated with another individual. They are not known for their fidelity and their attentions are an intense yet quick burning flame.
One should never be lulled into a sense of security around a qarinah. Even though they may seem outwardly soft and pleasing, these demons will jealously protect those who have their attention. A qarinah will gladly sacrifice itself to destroy a threat to their current love and they will often take preemptive measures to dispose of potential enemies. This can lead to conflict between a qarinah's obsession and their friends, family or allies, as the demon will attempt to guard against them.
If they are free to a qarinah will dance. Dancing is this demon’s ingrained passion, built with strong legs and tail to perform nimble, breathtaking motions that weave magic and art together as one. A group of dancing qarinah can entrance and instill yearning in the heart, drawing in prey like a moth to a flame.
If offered a choice, a qarinah will attempt misdirection and seduction before a direct encounter. The demon may use illusions to disarm suspicion or disguise itself, creating false leads and misinformation to lead others astray. If presented with a group of targets, the qarinah may insert itself and attempt to fan minor jealousies and insecurities into destructive internal conflicts. However, pressed into a fight, a qarinah won’t shy from the challenge.
In combat, qarinah perform a dizzying wardance, mixing magic and their own natural allure to distract opponents, while their speed and grace help them avoid harm. Spinning, leaping and twirling, those razor sharp talons upon their feet can rend flesh like paper and the force of their kicks can shatter bone. Their prehensile tail and tongue lash and snare, creating havoc in the midsts of enemy ranks.
If paired with a warlock or another demon, a fully fed qarinah serves another purpose. The stored mana within the devil can be tapped, reinforcing spells and enchantments beyond their normal means, all while replenishing their master’s reserves. Several qarinah together, paired with even a moderate skill in magic can produce frightening results.
Qarinah Pacts
Due to their lack of spiritual power, qarinah are rarely, if ever, called upon to make pacts. Qarinah prefer to act as liasons between other demons and mortals, opening up the opportunity for creating pacts. Instead, a qarinah will be used as a bargaining chip to encourage pacts, tempting mortals into binding the demon permanently to them.
Within cults devoted to Lilith, qarinah can be found in moderate numbers, tending to the needs and wants of their cultists. They serve as both guards and recruiters for the cult, while simultaneously pushing the cult into greater acts, gaining more power and summoning more dangerous demons to the mortal world.
Artwork by Tomis-JB Support Beyond the Pale via Patreon!
