| Incubus | |
|---|---|
 "What? Have sex in MY bed? Oh, no, I think not, love. Far too messy." --Anonymous incubus | |
| Information | |
| Alternate Names/Spellings | |
| Origins | Medieval European mythology, legend and folklore |
| Alignment | Neutral Evil, Chaotic Evil |
| Element | Air/Wind/Sky, Darkness/Shadow, Fire, Mind/Spirit/Psychic, Sleep/Dream/Nightmare |
| Species | Demon |
| Appearance | Infernal humanoid seducer... |
Also Called
- (pl) Incubi
Origins
The Incubus is a creature whose origins are first recorded in Medieval European mythology, legend and folklore.
In particular, the earliest references to its existence come from the famous Malleus Maleficarum (Hammer of the Witches or Witches' Hammer), a text published in 1486.
As human sexual predators were nearly unimaginable in olden times, Incubi were almost always blamed (rightly or wrongly) for sexual attacks on the community's women and girls, whether scoundrels or otherwise "good" and "respectable".
And despite the undoubted momentary physical pleasure of the experience, sexual encounters with Incubi actually carried with them a stigma of tremendous shame.
The name "Incubus" itself comes from the Latin "incubo" meaning "nightmare", akin to "incubare", meaning "to lie upon" (a combination of the Latin "in" meaning "on top", and "cubare" meaning "to lie", denoting either a nightmare or a dominant sex partner, regardless of gender).
The Incubus is the male counterpart of the female night demon, the Succubus.
"Hm...I think you missed a spot, dear."
Appearance
Due to the fact that many are shapeshifters, the appearance of an Incubus can vary greatly, from one to the other.
Some like to take on a more human appearance (or "human mien"), while others retain a fully demonic mien (horns, wings, tail, etc.). Still others are obliged to combine the two natures.
However, no matter how their appearance changes, an Incubus is always physically appealing. In fact, ugly Incubi are so rare, many believe they only take on ugly appearances to scare and attack foes. Even while in their normal form, most Incubi are very handsome.
He is not amused.
And their fashion is no different. Often, an Incubus wears very luxurious fabrics; handsome to look at, and pleasant to the touch. Likewise, their fashion choices are typically sexually provocative, hinting seductively at their handsome physiques. That is, when they decide to wear any clothes at all.
Behavior
Incubus behavior is based primarily on its sexuality. Their nature is proud, hedonistic and charismatic, and they are always on the hunt for potential female prospects. They scoff at ideas like virginity, celibacy and monogamy. Though, each has his own approach.
Some are reclusive, disdaining social company, and preferring the most guarded secrecy until the mood suits them, to feed, or to engage in...other pursuits. Others prefer to interact with potential prey in more gregarious settings, like in parties, and at brothels (as sex workers or as patrons), to feel out the people to whom they feel the greatest physical attraction.
"Mmm...last night sure was fun."
However, incubi have little to no respect for women. Aside from going out to rape them at a whim, incubi often keep a harem of runaways or sex workers waiting at their lair; they keep house for the lazy incubus, and often put up with any change in mood, in exchange for just one more night of erotic pleasure.
As it happens, incubi are actually incapable of reproducing (some accounts even remark on the coldness of the incubus' penis). The only means by which they may produce children is to shapeshift into a Succubus, sleep with a man, collect that man's semen and deposit it into a woman. The union of sperm and egg produces a child tainted by the creature's touch, a Cambion.
Alternately, a non-shapeshifting Incubus and Succubus work together; the Succubus mates with a human male, collects the semen, passes it on to a non-shapeshifting Incubus, who deposits it into a human female during copulation.
Moreover, while a homosexual or bisexual incubus is not unheard of, many incubi have a great dislike for other males (even sometimes other incubi). This often prevents them from even being friends, let alone lovers. Some simply find subjects of the same gender unappealing, and sexual intercourse with them unpleasant, while others cannot engage sexually with the same gender for fear of death.
Another night well spent...
Likewise, for some unknown reason, sexual relations and romantic relationships between incubus and succubus are nearly unheard of.
Abilities
- Hypnotic Charm- the ability to channel hypnotic power through gestures and social interactions.
- Peak Condition- the ability to make use of an anatomy with optimum function and/or aesthetic appeal.
- Sexual Vampirism-
- Immortality- the ability to potentially live forever, if one continues to sustain oneself on sexual energy.
- Rapid Regeneration- the ability to heal from illness and injury to an extent beyond human norms.
- Superhuman Durability- the ability to resist physical injury beyond human norms.
- Superhuman Strength- the ability to exert physical force beyond human norms.
- Shapeshifting- the ability to alter physical appearance to assume a new form.
- Astral Form
- Hypnotic Beauty- the ability to channel hypnotic power through aesthetically appealing features.
- Succubus Form- some Incubi can assume the form of Succubi.