Envy Demon

Lore & Background

In the theology of the Chantry and the understanding of mages, demons are spirits that have fallen from grace by embracing primal emotions. The Envy Demon is particularly insidious because it targets the heart of social bonds. It thrives when a mage or mortal feels they deserve more power, love, or status than their peers possess. These entities often manifest in the physical world through possession, taking over the body of a host to act out their jealous impulses. They may also appear as independent spirits in the Fade during magical travel. Their presence is frequently marked by a greenish aura and an unsettling focus on mirrors or reflections, symbolizing the distorted self-image they cultivate within their victims.

In Their Own Story

The candlelight flickered against the stone walls of the tower, casting long shadows that seemed to stretch toward Elara's reflection in the polished steel. She watched her guildmate receive praise for a spell she had perfected years ago herself. A cold sensation crept up her spine, not from the drafty window, but from within the mirror's surface. The reflection blinked, though she did not. A voice, smooth as oil and sharp as glass, whispered that the glory should have been hers all along. When she turned back to the room, her friend was gone, replaced by a figure with skin the color of stagnant moss.

Reader's Guide

In combat and ritual, Envy Demons manifest as humanoid spirits radiating a sickly green luminescence. They do not rely solely on physical strength but exploit psychological vulnerabilities. Mages attempting to summon them risk immediate possession unless they maintain ironclad mental discipline. The origin of these entities lies in the Fade, where lost spirits succumb to the primal emotion of jealousy. Usage by darkspawn or rogue mages often leads to catastrophic social fallout within a community. Once a host is possessed, they turn against allies, seeking to steal their status, magic, or life force. This creates instability that can weaken entire Circles or villages. Templars and Inquisitors must identify the corruption early, as physical wounds heal but spiritual infection spreads rapidly among close groups. The impact on the world’s balance is profound; Envy Demons erode trust between individuals. They encourage theft of power rather than cultivation of skill. To banish them requires not just magical force, but the strength to reject comparison. Failure allows the demon to anchor itself in the physical realm permanently, corrupting bloodlines and traditions through generations of resentment.

Did You Know?

• The Envy Demon is one of the seven major classifications of demons associated with mortal sins within the Dragon Age cosmology.
• Envy Demons are notorious for infiltrating communities and Circles of Magi, twisting relationships into rivals.
• These entities often manifest in the physical world through possession, taking over the body of a host to act out their jealous impulses.
• Their presence is frequently marked by a greenish aura and an unsettling focus on mirrors or reflections.
• Mages attempting to summon Envy Demons risk immediate possession unless they maintain ironclad mental discipline.