CACKLE- Book 1

Chapter 4- Demonology, A Survivors Guide.

Though many demons display different origins, shapes, and ability- there are three primary categories.

A summary is as follows;

Fliers: referring to demons with wings that often attack from an aerial vantage point.

Pigs: very prominent pig-like snouts with small beady eyes. These demons can also fly.

Medium in size with rounded purple wings that appear to be too small to carry their chubby bodies. A forehead that juts out far over their squinty little eyes. As with the bat-like fliers, these varieties are known to lay eggs of approximately 2-3 at a time. Their young can only consume decaying flesh whereas the adults can tolerate fresh. There is no chance of confusing them with non-demonic animals as all such creatures died out approximately five to eight years Post Apocalypse. They're not very intelligent but their razor-sharp talons, heavy weight and sharp tusks make them an irritating demon to deal with. They often hunt in packs and their shriek like cried can be heard from miles away.

Threat Level: 4/10

Methods of destruction:

- Arrows

- Swords

- Burning

- Submerge in water

Uglies: Demons without eyes, that have long pointed fangs.

The smallest of which are generally one to two feet in stature, they resemble a bat-like creature with needle sharp fangs, no eyes, and keen hearing. Nicknamed 'uglies' due to their general appearance.

Threat Level: 6/10

Methods of destruction:

- Arrows

- Swords

- Burning

- Submerge in water

Walkers: refers to most demons that lack the ability to fly.

Unlike fliers there are not many varieties of this species, but they do come in a wide range of sizes. The most documented species are wolf-like creatures, or as some know them, werewolves. Just as legends suggest a werewolf has the head of a wolf, the body of a man and is covered in fur, with razor sharp claws. Walking completely upright unless charging or fleeing, the werewolf prefers to kill its prey swiftly. Typically lunging for the neck in order to rapidly shake their prey, they sever the spinal cord and render the animal deceased within seconds. Werewolves can reach a height of ten feet, though some only grow to around seven feet in stature. Their sense of smell is unmatched as is their night vision. As with hellhounds the werewolf can sometimes be observed hunting smaller fliers when food is scarce. They are solitary creatures that do not travel or hunt in packs and can often be found sleeping in caves. Commonly referred to as 'wolves' or simply 'walkers'.

Threat Level: 8/10

Methods of destruction:

- Arrows

- Swords

- Burning

- Submerge in water

Hellhounds: refers to extremely large dog-like creatures. Their bodies can be twice the size of a domestic, adult mastiff. Similar faces to that breed but significantly gnarled features.

The smallest hell hounds are typically the youngest of the pack. They scout for prey and on occasion attack smaller fliers that come too close. It is not typical to see more than two large hellhounds in a pack, with four to six younglings. When food is scarce the largest hounds are known to kill and eat the smallest and weakest of their younglings.

As pack hunters, they like to surround their prey and herd them into what is known as a kill zone before they attack. Not always killing their prey instantly, they often enjoy playing with their food. They allow the youngest of the pack to practice pouncing, biting and gnawing through flesh and bone before removing the extremities one at a time. Sometimes a hell hound will keep their prey alive for days before finally finishing it off.

The saliva of a hellhound is incredibly acidic. However, their drool can sometimes be used to cauterise a wound, which can unfortunately keep their victims alive for extended periods of time. Though the saliva is poisonous it is slow acting, burning its way from the bite site and up the rest of their prey's flesh. Eventually infection will set in if the wound goes untreated.

Hellhounds cannot climb. By nature, they are not heavily affected by fire or heat, though it can hold them off for a brief period. Typically, the only way to destroy a hell hound is by arrow through the heart, sword (if you're unlucky enough to be in close proximity) or submerging in water.

Water causes blisters, cracking and eventually sluffing. As hellhounds are not organic beings their wounds will never become infected. Their skin can eventually heal if they are given the chance to escape. Nicknamed 'hounds', as their relation to hell is obvious.

Threat Level: 9/10

Methods of destruction:

- Submerge in water

- Arrow to the heart or head

- Sword to the heart or head

Serpe; aka Snakes: most dangerous fliers

Largest in size with faces like a serpent. Their bodies are covered in sharp scales, which are too thick to be pierced by any sword or arrow. The only way to survive an encounter is to find shelter or use magic, but even then... Good Luck.

Their bodies can be as long as ten feet in length. Their talons can be two to three feet in length. A wingspan of almost twenty feet keeps their massive bodies airborne. If you're lucky enough to escape them, but unlucky enough to have suffered a bite- the venom will cause paralysis to the extremities within fifteen to twenty minutes. After twenty minutes the parasympathetic nervous system will shut down entirely and the victim's heart and lungs will stop working.

These creatures enjoy playing with their food prior to consumption, like hounds. Nicknamed 'Snakes' due to their serpentine-like facial structure. Luckily this particular demon is incredibly rare.

Threat Level: 10/10

Methods of destruction:

- Unknown.