Envy Demon

Envy demons are one of the rarer varieties of demon. They are consumed by the need to not only emulate mortal beings, but become them.

Background

Envy demons are equal parts arrogance and cowardice. They isolate their victims to study them at length, seeking to become them. Once the demon is satisfied it knows its chosen subject, it takes on their form, leaving the poor soul to rot. Envy is never satisfied, however. The demon's bottomless cravings to be more - more powerful, more skilled, more inspired - cause it to seek fresh prey, leaving a trail of stolen identities behind.

— Scholar Esmar Treviento

The Chantry teaches that envy of the living was the first new thing spirits actually created. Envy demons are among the most insidious spirits of the Fade. They seek out hosts of significant merit, specifically those who hold a position of leadership, then study them. They may spend weeks doing so, carefully observing their target's mannerisms and interactions with others. Once they have learned enough to emulate their target's psyche, they assume their target's physical form and identity. The original person becomes almost impossible to recognize from the demon, who is a perfect replica of its target. Its mannerisms, tics, and opinions are identical to those of the original person. The unfortunate soul is usually quietly disposed of thereafter, so as to eliminate any possibility of controversy.
Despite their ambition, envy demons are also cowardly. They are cautious not to alert those they have deceived to their true identity. They usually flee if they are exposed, retreating behind arcane barriers of their devising. Envy demons are weakest when they are moving from one body to another.

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Demon