The Demons

The Demons are a group of people located somewhere off the coast of Corcyra and are feared and despised by most Greeks.

They were first seen in the forest near Corcyra when sailors and fishermen returned in panic as they believed they saw demons emerging from the edge of the woods.

The relationship between Greeks and the Demons are poor, especially following the widely publicised discovery of the Demons which encouraged a wave of entrepreneurial Greeks to capture the Demons for slavery.

Clashes occur between the Demons and Greeks as the Greeks aim to dominate the Demons and take many into slavery or simply out of morbid fascination.

First Sight
A Corcyran naval officer by the name of Kaenas, was on a routine patrol around the city when his deputy spotted several dark figures emerging from the treeline. Immediately, it was assumed to be some sort of forest nymph but their appearance suggested a much more demonic and evil purpose. Kaenas described the figures as "Speaking the devil’s tongue and were garmentless, had huge beards and long hair and had weapons at the ready. They quickly dispersed into the woods upon seeing our contingent".

Kaenas immediately returned to Corcyra which was concurrently experiencing mass desertions by the navy. He reported his sightings to the city council and other members of the navy and word began to spread quickly, laced with both fear and excitement.

Reactions
Many Corcyrans panicked and believed the Demons would land on the shores of the city and kill everybody.

When word spread to the rest of Greece, many people became fascinated with the Demons and wished to study who they really were. Some also wanted to take them into slavery.

Politicians, soldiers, scholars and priests across Greece became fascinated at the prospect of capturing the Demons for various purposes. The Empire was quickest to react, sending a Thebian taskforce to go into the northern wilds and locate and abduct several Demons. In reaction, Sparta sent a Corcyran taskforce to do the same. Sparta promised Corcyra money for every demon captured with Corcyra aiming to use the funds to convince its navy to lift the blockade on itself.

The Demon Show
Preparations for the Demon Show began almost as quickly as troops were sent to capture the Demons.

The event was to be an public exhibition where the Demons would be studied and their behaviours recorded. They would be introduced to several Greek sports and forced to play for the crowd. In addition, it was highly implied that they would also be forced to fight each other to the death in certain events.

The event was to be hosted in Epidaurus and its multiple entertainment venues. Thebes struck a deal with Epidaurus and promised to sell many slaves to help construct new arenas.

Actual Origins
The Demons are likely just Balkan tribesmen and therefore have no affiliation to Heaven or Hell. It is highly possible that they are just normal people.