Daemons in “The Ancients” are supernatural creatures that in ancient times evolved to thrive in various biomes. They possess inherent magical abilities that allow them to sustain themselves and heal rapidly. The daemons follow a caste system based on subspecies size and powers, with different types of daemons adapted to their natural environments.

• Role: The most numerous and basic caste, serving as the foot soldiers and scouts of the daemon society.
• Capabilities: Drones cannot directly manipulate magic but have natural abilities and instincts suited to their environments. They rely on their physical prowess and camouflage for survival and combat.
• Behavior: Drones may be controlled or guided by higher-caste daemons. When not under direct influence they follow their primal instincts. They act as the first line of offense and defense.

• Role: Mid-tier daemons that are drawn from the same species as drones and serve as enforcers and elite fighters for Lords.
• Capabilities: Warriors possess limited magical abilities that enhance their combat effectiveness, such as temporary boosts in strength or speed. They are stronger and more resilient than drones.
• Behavior: Often lead groups of drones into battle and but mainly act as guardians for higher-caste daemons.

• Role: The ruling class of daemons, possessing immense power and authority.
• Capabilities: Lords have the strongest magical abilities and can control vast areas of influence. They can manipulate the environment, summon other daemons, and possess near-impenetrable defenses.
• Behavior: Lords are rare and often remain in their natural biomes, unconcerned with the developments of the wider world. When they or their territory comes under threat they can exert control over their daemons. While they have evolved in a similar manner to the drones, they are from an entirely different species.

• Cave Daemons
• Fire Daemons
• Lord Daemons
• River Daemons
• Rock Daemons
• Sand Daemons
• Sea Daemons
• Snow Daemons
• Swamp Daemons
• Wind Daemons

• Caste-Based Roles: Daemon society is strictly hierarchical, with each caste performing specific roles. Drones handle basic tasks and frontline combat, warriors act as enforcers, and lords rule and command.
• Territorial: Daemons are highly territorial and often guard their biomes fiercely. Lords oversee large territories, with warriors maintaining control and order within these areas.

• Magical Signals: Daemons use pheromones to communicate over distances, often coordinating attacks and defenses through these means.
• Hive Mind: There is a degree of hive-mind behavior, especially among drones and warriors, allowing for seamless coordination during battles.

• Egg Clusters: Daemons reproduce by laying egg clusters, which are fiercely protected until they hatch. The environment influences the development and abilities of the young daemons.
• Rapid Growth: Young daemons grow quickly, maturing within months to join their respective castes. This rapid growth requires protein.

• Magical Sustenance: Mature Daemons draw sustenance from ambient magical energy in their environments, negating the need for physical food. This energy also fuels their rapid healing abilities.

• Human Prey: Daemons and humans frequently clash because daemons view humans as a vital food source. Areas where humans have settled or where magical energy is abundant are often hotbeds of conflict.

• Resource Scarcity: As human populations concentrate around ancient burial sites and other safe zones protected by runes, these areas become prime targets for daemonic attacks seeking sustenance.

• Natural Magic: Daemons can naturally use magic to sustain themselves and heal, without the need for runes. This makes them formidable opponents as they do not rely on external sources for their magical abilities.

• Runic Vulnerability: Despite their natural magic, daemons are vulnerable to the runic magic used by humans. Properly inscribed and maintained runes can repel or harm daemons, disrupting their natural magic.