Imp
Traits
Imps in Abirelle hardly differ from humans, save for specific identifying features. Imps are characterized by their wings, horns, or pointed tails. It is rare for an Imp to display all of these features, typically only possessing one or two. Imps commonly hide these features of themselves to prevent identification and avoid the judgement of others.
Imps are one of the few living mortal species that can speak Death's Whisper. This language is usually reserved for ghosts and spirits. Imps typically give commands to their servants in Death's Whisper, rather than their primary language.
Horns
An Imp's horns can vary in size, style, and length. Imp horns typically resemble that of a ram's, although some may be similar shape to that of an antelope, bull, or other bovine animal. [source]
![[source]](https://toyhou.se/~r?q=https%3A%2F%2Fi.pinimg.com%2Foriginals%2F4b%2F98%2F31%2F4b983184484d3a8247c30340b8e560f8.png){kind=link}
The texture of an Imp's horns are similar to that of the animal they resemble. This consists of a hardened outer layer of keratine, with soft bone closer to the core. Both male and female Imps may have horns, although males tend to develop larger pairs than females. [source]
![[source]](https://toyhou.se/~r?q=https%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fcommons%2F9%2F9a%2FAnatomy_and_physiology_of_animals_A_horn.jpg){kind=link}
Tails
An Imp's tail is similar to that of a devil's. They are thin and long, usually with a pointed spade shape at the tip. An Imp's tail lacks any fur or hair, and is made of a thick cartliage. An Imp's pointed tail tip is typically spade-shaped, although some appear to resemble a heart or an arrow.
Imp tails are prehensile, meaning they are capable of using their tails to grab objects. [source]
Wings
An Imp's wings have less variety than their tails and horns. Imp wings are almost always bat-like in structure, consisting of an appendage similar to a forearm and connected to a thick membrane. [source]
![[source]](https://toyhou.se/~r?q=https%3A%2F%2Fblogs.bu.edu%2Fbiolocomotion%2Ffiles%2F2011%2F10%2Fanatomy-of-bats-wing-300x176.jpg){kind=link}
Imp's wings are connected to their shoulder blades. The membrane attached to the wing bone is delicate, stretching down to the hip or upper thigh. Imp wing membranes are thick but tear easily. [source]
Imps are not capable of flight; their wings are simply too small to support their weight for full flight. They are, however, capable of gliding. Some Imps adapt to use their wings to create weak air currents.
LORE
Naturally, Imps were indeed blamed by mortals when droughts, diseases, and natural disasters occured. Many mortals refused to see reason and were quick to use Imps for a scapegoat should their crops die among other things. History books written in this era are greatly biased, claiming all Imps as evil despite those that offered their abilities to aid rather than hurt.
As the centuries passed and other magic users honed their abilities, Imps were overthrown from their thrones and order was restored. Ashamed, many Imps went into hiding. This spawned legends and rumors of monsters hiding in ramshackle cabins in the woods, or living under bridges. Mortals used tales of Imps to scare their children into behaving. Many children's books were written, starring Imps as the villain who would be defeated in the end.
Overtime, many assumed Imps simply went extinct. They were a rare breed as most were killed in seiges to reclaim kingdom territories. Those who survived were either too embarrassed to show themselves, or ashamed by their ancestor's actions. It didn't help that mortals feared Imps, much like how they feared ghosts and other spooky creatures.
Modern Imps are still extremely reclusive. Many fear judgement and exile, while others simply depise humans. Imps often hide their identifying features, hiding their horns underneath hats or tucking their tails under their skirts. Imps often prefer to be called by pseudonyms and generally do not reveal their surnames. Despite this, news spreads quickly if there is an Imp rumored to be living nearby.
Despite their reputation, Imps in Abirelle are highly sought after. Many mortals seek necromancers to resurrect departed loved ones in a desperate attempt to hang onto the past. Word gets around quickly when an Imp has been spotted in the area, often leading to visits from invidiuals begging for their family member, friend, or even pet to be revived.
Notable Imps in Abirelle
Abilities
Imps have a bad reputation in Abirelle due to their necromanctic abilities. Many mortals assume Imps to be evil people simply because of this fact. Due to this stigma, many Imps often prefer keeping to themself and out of the public's eye whenever possible.
Necromancy
Imps are the only magicians in Abirelle capable of necromancy, often done through the use of grimoires. This ability is viewed as taboo for many reasons, one being the fact that the soul of the reanimated person has likely passed on by the time they are resurrected. The soul of the once living individual is ripped from their current plane of existence, be it Heaven or Hell, to reaccompany their former body. As a result, this soul is essentially lost in a purgatory until they are dismissed by their Imp master. This also poses an issue for Abirelle's spiritual guides, as they are unable to retrieve the soul until it has been properly dismissed.
Imps are also capable of creating talismans. These special talismans have multiple uses depending on what is written on them. Some Imps use them to keep the magic of their servants in check; this is typically done for undead that were powerful in life, and thus have strong magical energy which can be potentially damaging to the Imp.
Additionally, a zombie can function in the presence of his Imp master regardless of any physical injuries recieved prior to reanimation. Many Imps take it upon themselves to repair wounds of their servants shortly after they are resurrected, be it simply so they can remain productive longer or otherwise. However, should a zombie servant wander too far from his master, this magic will wear off; any magical energy used to hold limbs together or provide function to broken bones will wear off, and the zombie will be left waiting to be retrieved.
One of the many repercussions of zombification is the absolute loss of most prior personality traits. While its not uncommon for a zombie to exhibit old habits, their personality in general is reduced down majorly. Imps such as Merle generally turn away mortals seeking revival for their loved ones due to this fact, although some Imps agree simply so they will be left alone.
HTML by Pinky