Demons Type I-VI

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

Does anyone know the origin of why there were six "typed" demons in the earliest versions of D&D, even though other demons, I believe, were present from the beginning -- like succubi?

Why number them at all? And if they're numbered, why didn't they go beyond six?

 

[Daztur]

I believe types of demons go back to Jack Vance...

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

I believe types of demons go back to Jack Vance...

Hmmm, I don't recall them in the Dying Earth stories, but then -- heresy alert! -- they weren't really my cup of tea, so maybe I just blocked it out.

 

[fireinthedust]

maybe so you had an ability package but could alter the visuals to suit you? Generic demons of various power levels. Fill up holes in a horde, that sort of thing.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

maybe so you had an ability package but could alter the visuals to suit you? Generic demons of various power levels. Fill up holes in a horde, that sort of thing.

That'd be pretty awesome, but that's definitely not how they were in AD&D nor, as I recall, in the LBBs.

 

[grodog]

For random generation of creatures from the lower planes, you should check out Jon Pickens article in TD13 and Gary's in TD23 that piggy-backs on it (this was later included in the DMG as Appendix D, page 194).

Gregory Rihn's article on demonology in TD20 makes for good inspirational reading too (as well as Alexander Von Thorn's seminal Politics of Hell in TD28).

 

[trancejeremy]

Originally there was just the Balrog, who later became the Type VI demon in Eldritch Wizardry (along with the other 5 types and Orcus & Demogorgon)

 

[blargney the second]

I'm given to understand that the numbered demons were to get around problems caused by inappropriately concerned fundies.

 

[Dausuul]

I'm given to understand that the numbered demons were to get around problems caused by inappropriately concerned fundies.

Really? I didn't think that came up until 2E, when they excised all mention of demons and devils from the game.

 

[Voadam]

Does anyone know the origin of why there were six "typed" demons in the earliest versions of D&D, even though other demons, I believe, were present from the beginning -- like succubi?

Why number them at all? And if they're numbered, why didn't they go beyond six?

Good question. I assumed the type ones started out as the only ones but according to wikipedia

Dungeons & Dragons (1974-1976)Demons were among the first monsters introduced in the earliest edition of the game, in the Eldritch Wizardry supplement (1976).[1] This booklet introduced the type I demon, the type II demon, the type III demon, the type IV demon, the succubus, the type V demon, and the type VI demon, as well as two of their lords, Orcus and Demogorgon.

succubi are there as well from the beginning. Interesting.

I don't have the OD&D books, it would be interesting to read what they have to say about demons.