Deep in the dusky gaseous clouds of the Horsehead Nebula, there exists a lone planet known as Arcadia, home to a peculiar race of people called demons. Residing in secrecy for their entire existence, the many classes of demons are in constant confli...
What's in a name? Well, a lot more than one might think. For a demon, a name is a source of power. A demon's name is connected to their identity, their destiny, their very soul. In the world of Arcadia, there exist demons born with names that make them more powerful than others- and determine their place in the demonic hierarchy.
The names of demons are mysterious things. When a demon is born, they are not named by their parents. After all, some demons spawn from the void with no parents at all. Their name is presented in the form of a birthmark on their upper thigh, in the shape of a rune. In the demonic language, these runes correspond to a name, and the demon inherently knows this name from birth.
Most demons born in the world possess typical names, each with their own meaning, but not indicative of much worth on the social ladder of Arcadia's society. However, some demons are born with extraordinary names, rare titles that only exist for one demon every generation. These are the seventy-two names of the Ars Goetia, and those lucky enough to be blessed with them are known as the Goetial demons. Names like Sabnock, Belial, Morax, Kimaris, Paimon, Vassago, and Astaroth- these are regal titles for Goetial demons, and those born with them are destined to be kings, queens, and rulers. Goetial names can occasionally be passed down from parents to children, but are otherwise incredibly rare.
The Goetial demons are far stronger than others of their kind, and may possess exotic types of magic. The names of Goetia are symbolic of the cardinal directions, and may even match with astrological alignments. This symbolism and meaning lends immense power to the demons gifted with these names. Since the beginning of demon civilization, every single one of the Sins representing each of Arcadia's rings were demons with a Goetial name. It seemed to guide the destiny of these beings without their own accord.
Since the names of Sins are almost always those of the Goetia, a Sin without a Goetial name is considered unlucky, a bad omen for war, bloodshed, and discord. In fact, there is a legend that a demon who becomes a Sin without bearing a Goetial name is destined to live a brief life of hardship and meet a tragic early death. Such things we cannot explain- because there is no explanation for them. The forces that guide Arcadia and its people are beyond our understanding. Perhaps they are far too advanced to be understood by mere demons, or are the result of some spiritual presence or higher power. Whatever the case, we have no way of controlling them, we may only live by their whims.
The universe is a cruel mistress in that way.
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