I need a reasonable explanation

[georgelee5786]

I have, once more, dug myself a hole and need a ladder to get out. My species, I use demons as a placeholder name, are innately superior to humans. They require less blood, less oxygen, less food and water, are less prone to illness, and rarely are with mental or physical impairments. They have more muscle and stronger bones. They are like this because they are descended from demons from the devil's army. Their ancient ancestors, who were part of the army of the devil, didnt even need anything i listed. The reason the today demons need these things is because they have human blood in them, giving them human traits. Because of this, demons can experience the seven deadly sins, but rarely to the extent of a human. A demon either does not have any particular drive to engage in one of the seven deadly sins or they are basically one of the sins personified. No in between. They are like this because of their mixed blood. The OG demons could feel the seven deadly sins, but only in incredibly small amounts.

My problem is how do I explain this? Why did the devil strip away the ability for the OG demons to feel the seven deadly sins? My current explanation is that it made them easier for the devil to control. The OG demons were meant to serve as meatshields for the more powerful troops, so control over them was important. But I feel like there is a better explanation. Any ideas, oh wise men and women of SHF?

 

[Deleted member 54065]

I think that's a 'reasonable' enough explanation. No need to give a more elaborate and complicated background for it; after all, the moment you let your desires out is the moment others can control you.

 

[RepresentingCaution]

Yes, it makes perfect sense.

 

[Shard]

I agree with the idea as well, but expand on it, even if you don't fully explain it in-story. Why stop lust/wrath/greed/sloth/etc? A demon that wants to indulge itself will either take more time to respond to orders due to being busy, or might be distracted, significantly reducing their usefulness and increasing chance of fatalities. Even if you don't care about your troops, it is bad form to throw away more lives than is required to accomplish your goal. Additionally, do you want troops with pride and greed trying to usurp your position?

It would be even better if you muted their emotions as well. A soldier that can never feel upset or fearful is much more effective than otherwise. Similar to them changing due to human blood influence, you can have the muted emotions rather than total lack that the original had if you go that route. Perhaps even say the emotions came faster than the physical changes so they don't have to match in severity.

But you also need to keep in mind how such things would influence their mentality and any society they would create, as well as tools they use, and other similar things.

 

[Cipiteca396]

Just occurred to me... My demons EAT emotions. That and mana. But It makes sense that a species that feeds on emotions wouldn't feel them as strongly, or at least would have tighter control over them.

Imagine if you shot light out of your eyes, or your saliva tasted like shit. You wouldn't be able to see or taste anything properly. So demons evolved to prevent their emotions from leaking, both to avoid stronger demons and to properly savor the 'taste' of other people's emotions.

They still have emotions of their own, they just suppress them as soon as the scent leaks. Or devour the leaking emotions themselves.