Nocturnal Compendium Entry #002: Void Demons [PT 6 Teaser]
Your (Mostly Failed) Guide to Void Demons - EotWI Lore.
SUMMARY
Free Substack Grimoires Are A Bad Idea.
Subject
Void Demons (Probable Designation: Lesser Dimensional Intruders)
IMAGE
Two observed variations of these…things. There are ones you encounter in the shallows of space, on the routes most traveled. You can find those here.1
…then there are the deep space ones. Shiver. Only ever observed from very, very far away. No images…yet.
Observed Location
Ruined Earth (Post-Event - Ref: EotWI Pt. 6)
Nocturnal Hazard Index
Class I (Intrusion)
Assessment: Direct manifestation requiring active response. Potential for physical harm, especially in groups. Annoyance level: High.
Researcher
Your Narrator (Regretfully)
Initial Notes
Following the unpleasantness detailed in EotWI Part 6—specifically, the sudden manifestation of hostile entities distinct from the Devoratus Animarum—further data was required. Passive observation yields limited results when one is simultaneously trying not to be dismembered. Therefore, a controlled observation (i.e., summoning) was deemed... necessary. Ish.
Methodology
Utilized a "Beginner-Friendly Void Resonance Circle" schematic discovered on a rather alarming GeoCities-esque corner of this platform. Incantation involved enthusiastic, possibly inaccurate, Latin and the strategic placement of three lukewarm Earl Grey tea bags (resource constraints, you understand). Ambient mood lighting provided by flickering emergency exit sign across the street. High expectations were maintained.
Results
Abject failure punctuated by mild annoyance. Instead of a terrifying glimpse into the Void's denizens, the primary manifestation was my smart speaker suddenly activating and playing smooth jazz at an inappropriate volume. This was followed by a distinct smell of Axe body spray, and profound disappointment. A typical Thursday. No visual confirmation achieved via summoning. The online grimoire received a scathing one-star review (see Character Lost & Found: Thalia's Review for stylistic comparison, though mine involved more justified cursing).
Direct Observation Data (From EotWI Pt. 6 Encounter)
Despite the failure of controlled summoning, direct (and highly involuntary) observation yielded the following:
Appearance: Unstable, vaguely humanoid figures composed of shifting, oily darkness and seemingly jagged edges. Move with disconcerting speed and unnatural gait. Claws observed. Do not appear to require traditional physical space occupancy. Think angry Rorschach test meets oil slick.
Auditory: Emit a low, multi-toned, deeply unpleasant hissing that seems to scrape directly on the nerves. Piercing shriek noted upon suffering significant physical trauma (see below).
Abilities: Aggressive lunging attacks. Appear capable of materializing directly from shadows or ambient ruin. Seem drawn to specific targets (Ref: Adam/Alex, Pt. 6), suggesting guidance or basic predatory instinct. Confirmed Summoning/Control possible by powerful entities (Ref: EotWI Pt. 6), reinforcing Elliot's dismissive term "shadow puppets."
Confirmed Weaknesses:
Physical Trauma: Vulnerable to well-aimed blades in core mass (Exhibit A: Alex, Badass). Dissolved upon "death" (Pt. 6).
Concentrated Will/Power: Recoiled significantly when subjected to Adam Harper’s—uncontrolled—'Pride-flare' / 'GET THE FUCK OFF MY LAWN' psychic emanation (Ref: Pt. 6). Suggests sensitivity to dominant energy fields or assertions of domain.
Unconfirmed Weaknesses/Observations:
Light Sensitivity: Unknown. Encounter occurred in low light; no specific aversion noted, unlike the general caution advised for many Void-adjacent phenomena (including Devoratus Animarum). Further observation needed (preferably with a very long stick and protective eyewear).
Conclusion
While my direct summoning attempt proved only that my Wi-Fi password might be known to lower-tier demonic entities, observation confirms Void Demons are dangerous combatants, particularly in groups. Their apparent link to a controller makes them unpredictable tools. Less existentially horrifying than space spiders (NHI Class H), perhaps, but considerably more direct in their aggression (fitting Class I). Avoid if possible. If unavoidable, aim sharp and think loudly about property lines.
Further Research
Pending acquisition of a reputable grimoire (perhaps one related to The Book Elliot seems so worried about?) and possibly better tea bags. Continued funding appreciated (see funding options).
[End Compendium Entry // File Under 'Reasons To Stay Indoors']
Until the next story,
—Your Narrator 🖤🌙
Image courtesy of A.C. on Unsplash. Original image was posted for an unrelated project
I need you to know that read this has made my entire night so much better.