Demonspawn

Version 0.31: This article is up to date for the latest stable release of Dungeon Crawl Stone Soup.

This page refers to the player species. For the monster, see Demonspawn (monster). For a list of all monstrous demonspawn, see List of demonspawn. For a list of their mutations, see Demonspawn mutations.

Demonspawn are horrible half-mortal, half-infernal creatures. Demonspawn can be created in any number of ways: magical experiments, breeding, unholy pacts, etc. Although many Demonspawn may initially be indistinguishable from those of pure mortal stock, they will inevitably grow horns, scales or other unusual features. Powerful members of this class of beings also develop a range of unholy abilities, which are listed as mutations. Demonspawn advance slowly in experience and learn most skills slightly slower than Humans, although they are talented at some forms of magic. They learn Invocations especially quickly, although the good gods will not accept their worship due to their unholy nature.

Innate Abilities

• Demonspawn are considered evil - they cannot worship any of the good gods (Zin, Elyvilon, or The Shining One), have vulnerability to holy and holy wrath, and can't wield weapons of holy wrath. However, they aren't true demons, so you don't get any of the demonic resistances by default (e.g. no poison/torment resistance without a mutation).

Demonspawn have a base Strength of 8, Intelligence of 8 and Dexterity of 8 (before Background modifiers).

Preferred Backgrounds

• Warriors: Gladiator
• Zealots: Berserker
• Mages: Hedge Wizard, Necromancer, Fire Elementalist, Ice Elementalist, Venom Mage

Level Bonuses

• +1 to a random stat every 4th level.
• Average HP and MP.
• +3 willpower per level.
• Gain more of your "demonic ancestry" (random demonspawn mutations) as you rise in level. The levels this occurs at are randomized, but will include at least five full-ranked mutations by level 27. Some of these mutations are available only to Demonspawn. Note that demonspawn mutations will increase the damage you take from silver weaponry.

Starting Skills and Equipment

Demonspawn begin with the equipment and skills listed for their background, adjusted for their aptitudes.

Difficulty of Play

Demonspawn can be a moderately difficult race to play. They are similar to Humans, but with worse aptitudes and leveling. To compensate, you'll get random mutations over time - these vary from irritating, to interesting, to game-changing. See the demonspawn mutation page if you want to figure out the ways your character can grow. It can take a while for these mutations to really develop, so their early game can be difficult.

Since Demonspawn can't worship good gods or wield holy wrath weapons, their options in extended are more limited. However, by the time you reach extended, you'll have a full gamut of mutations to take advantage of.

Skill aptitudes

The higher the value, the better the aptitude.

Skill	Aptitude	Skill	Aptitude	Skill	Aptitude
Attack		Miscellaneous		Magic
Fighting	0	Armour	-1	Spellcasting	-1
		Dodging	-1
Maces & Flails	-1	Shields	-1	Conjurations	0
Axes	-1	Stealth	0	Hexes	0
Polearms	-1			Summonings	0
Staves	-1	Invocations	3	Necromancy	1
Unarmed Combat	-1	Evocations	0	Translocations	-1
Throwing	-1	Shapeshifting	-2	Alchemy	0
				Fire Magic	-1
Short Blades	-1			Ice Magic	-1
Long Blades	-1			Air Magic	-1
Ranged Weapons	-1	Experience	-1	Earth Magic	-1

Tips & Tricks

Some combinations of demonspawn mutations have great synergy with some character types:

• Casters with knowledge of Freezing Cloud will greatly enjoy having Icemail; dropping a cloud around you will cancel out most fire based spells.
• Powered by Pain / Powered by Death and Mana Shield can give you fantastic mana regeneration and durability.

Trivia

Demonspawn are by far the most popular species, judging from the number of online games played. Note that, due to the prevalence of start scumming for a 'good' mutation set, this number is most likely inflated.

History

Demonspawn are as unstable as they are in game. For changes in their mutation set, see Demonspawn mutation's History.

• Prior to 0.31, Demonspawn had 1 more intelligence, for base attributes of 8 Str / 9 Int / 8 Dex.
• Prior to 0.14, Demonspawn dealt more damage than normal while wielding demonic weapons (demon tridents, demon whips, and demon blades).