The Flesh Demons

Common across all of Castordia and perhaps even beyond, is a fear of flesh demons. The most gruesome of all things, demons of the flesh, have no life of their own, and to sustain themselves must consume the life of those around them. Preying on the young and the old, the demons are universally feared. The spindly demon of white flesh abhors salt, and sits by the riverside coaxing young fishfolk from the sea. It crouches on its hind legs, and leaps to snatch birds from the sky, gnawing upon their bodies whole and massaging its face in blood.

Summary

A number of siblings from oldest to youngest, meet a demon of the flesh. Each until the last is tricked away from safety, doing even so little as to turn their ear to the beast and hear from it an irresistible request. Once the youngest of the siblings meets the demon, it is at its most grotesque and cunning. The child reveals they are the youngest of their family. Knowing it will need to feed yet again, the demon asks to meet the child's friends. The child goes as instructed, but returns with their parents. The parents attack the demon, but ultimately are consumed. Ultimately the child survives to be the storyteller, warning others of the demon until their death.

Historical Basis

Demons of the flesh are in fact very real, and anybody with family will know a story of their regional flesh demon. Flesh demons are amongst the oldest creatures in Castorida, and survive solely through stealing the lives of others. Young, Old, and those close to death are common targets for the demons, as they adore simple prey and they can smell the life on a body.

Spread

Myths of these creatures are universal. The Flesh demons have been known to pick bodies to the bone in every land and province, since time immemorial. Everyone will know a story of these creatures, but the mention of such things is taboo.

In Literature

Most libraries will have a book on the subject of flesh demons or related tales. These books are kept as a matter of public interest and importance, but are likely to be under lock and key.

In Art

Any who survive an encounter with a demon are likely to become obsessed with it, and it is by such individuals that a majority of related art is produced.