Shadow Demon

Shadow Demons, also known as Shadow Fiends, are the product of a Demon whose essence can not properly reform in the Plane of Demons. Trapped within the form of a living silhouette, these Demons are merely shadows of their former selves. 

Appearance

The physical form of a Shadow Demon is normally vague and undefined as it is often confused with the dark contours of the environment or the shadows of onlookers. Although they resemble wraiths or shadows they are in fact entirely different creatures. By shiniing a light source on Shadow Demons one can resolve the nearby darkness to reveal their distinct shape. The true form of a Shadow Demon is that of an angular and macilent, 6ft humanoid figure with a pair of bat-like wings, inky talons and lower half that bled away into nothingness. 

Combat

Shadow Demons carefully stalk their targets and struck them when and where they are least expected to appear. Being the shady figures they are, Shadow Demons prefer to lurk within the darkness where they are practically invisible and some are known to be able to create it themselves. They flicker throughout the shadows with supernatural speed, nimbly gliding without a sound. Ghastly claws tore away not only the flesh but the fabric of the mind, allowing them to consume a targets nightmares, fears, memories, and other negative mental aspects. Being incorporeal, they could phase through walls and other mundane barriers with ease. Their forms are unaffected by mortal ailments, severe temperature, fatigue and are generally hard to injure by all but magic. Fortunately, their weakness laid in their predictable aversion to light, as without darkness to hide in, their true forms are exposed and vulnerable.

Behaviour

In terms of active behaviour, Shadow Demons are very similar to Devils in that they have interest in corrupting mortals and tempting them towards evil. They also revel in capturing souls as they could be use as currency when dealing with other beings of the Lower Planes like Night Hags. The key difference between Devils and Shadow Demons are their end goal. Shadow Demons are like the Undead in that their aim is the complete obliteration of all mortal life, and unlike the Devils, they do not acquire souls in a bid for power and status.

Society

Shadow Demons are unique among their Demonkin in that they exist outside its conventional hierarchical structure, as they are not created like most Demons. Unlike the most current Demons, they are not Tanar'ri or Loumara either, or so occupy no place in their personal system. Shadow Demons normally work under the employ of more powerful agents of evil as spies, assassins, scouts, advisers, and assistants. Those beings include evil Dragons, wicked mortal rulers, influential demonologists, Demon Lords, and other dark powers who the Shadow Demons serve well and effectively. They prompt these beings towards acts of great and destructive evil, especially the killing of evil mortals, and take their masters' souls when they die whenever possible. Souls are recognized as having value to Shadow Demons who try to trade them with greater Demons and other inhabitants of the Lower Planes for raw evil magic. Although they often try to steal the minds of great intellects and Wizards of which they can fetch a high price, they occasionally end up with braggarts trapped within their gems. Shadow Demons rarely interacted with creatures of equal strength to themselves like Tanar'ri or other Demons, only doing so when working towards a common goal or when asked to by their masters.

Ecology

When a Demon's body is destroyed on the Material Plane, they are often either cast back into the Plane of Demons, eternally destroyed, or reincarnated. Sometimes when a Demon is destroyed however, their demonic essence is released, but incapable of reforming for whatever reason. This pure, unfiltered evil is channelled back into the Plane of Demons and given an insubstantial, physical form, birthing the nightmare-inducing Shadow Demons. Shadow Demons can craft evil magic into more of their kind and it is rumoured that powers of the Lower Planes can command them to do their bidding.

In-Game Stats

Monster Manual 5e

Shadow Demon CR: 4

Medium fiend (demon), chaotic evil

Armor Class: 13 (Natural Armor)

Hit Points: 66 (12d8 + 12)

Speed: 30 ft , fly: 30 ft

STR

1 -5

DEX

17 +3

CON

12 +1

INT

14 +2

WIS

13 +1

CHA

14 +2

Saving Throws: Dex +5, Cha +4

Skills: Stealth +7

Damage Vulnerabilities: Radiant

Damage Resistances: Acid Fire, Necrotic, Thunder; Bludgeoning, Piercing, and Slashing from nonmagical attacks

Damage Immunities: Cold, Lightning, Poison

Condition Immunities: Exhaustion, Grappled, Paralysed, Petrified, Poisoned, Prone, Restrained

Senses: Darkvision 120ft., Passsive Perception 11

Languages: Abyssal, Telepathy 120ft

Challenge Rating: 4

Incorporeal Movement: The Demon can move through other creatures and objects as if they were difficult terrain. It takes 5 (1d10) force damage if it ends its turn inside an object. 
Light Sensitivity: While in bright light, the Demon has disadvantage on attack rolls, as well as on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight.
Shadow Stealth: While in dim light or darkness, the Demon can take the Hide action as a bonus action.

Actions

Claws: Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5ft., one creature. Hit: 10 (2d6 +3) psychic damage or, if the demon had advantage on the attack roll, 17 (4d6 + 3) psychic damage. 

Scientific Name

Miscellaneous Demons

Geographic Distribution

• The Plane of Demons