Demon Debts

Demons manage all their relationships much more transactionally than the typical human - and for this reason, they tend to find human senses of boundaries difficult to understand. Their sense of indebtedness is so deep in their psyche that is impossible to say anything in the language without knowing if you are indebted, owed, or even with the person you are addressing. Humans frequently struggle to recognize the importance of this on a fundamental, psychological level.

This is not to say Demons are unemotional. On the contrary, Demons feel their emotions deeply and are known for acting impulsively - they are simply much more willing to deal with the consequences - or "The Debt". Similarly, Demons still form deep bonds and relationships - a good friend or family member is someone you can trust to repay their debts and not use your debts to manipulate you.

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While debts are paid and owed in many ways, from buying and trading goods and services, favors, and injuries, the ultimate debt is a life debt - saving or sparing someone's life. It is expected that a life debt is paid indefinitely in whatever way the person to whom the life is owed desires.

The Royal Family are the only Demons who are exempt from the moral implications of forcibly indebting someone. Their power, magically and physically, is significantly greater than the other Demons due to the magic in their blood. In times of strife, the Royal Family is expected to lead the Demonlands as well as protect the Demons from external threats. To thank them for this, every Demon serves and protects them in turn.