Vassals

A Vassal is an Awakened human who is in the service of a demon Sovereign. They are set apart from ordinary awakened humans in that at least some degree of their power comes not from themself, but from the demon lord they serve.

Unlike ordinary awakenings, a Vassal is brought into their power by the demon they pledge their allegiance to. It initially appeared that their powers were substantially greater than those resulting from ordinary awakenings, though this was later discovered to be a result of what was essentially an accelerated start. That said, it cannot be denied that Vassals have exhibited certain abilities that no ordinary awakened have yet been able to duplicate.

Although the motives for turning one's back on humanity differ, most Vassals fit into one of several categories. Many believe that humanity is doomed, and intend to be on the winning side of the war. Others are motivated by jealousy or bitterness, envying the power that the awakened possess, and feeling that they are entitled to it. Some have been promised power after the demons triumph, and a rare few have turned against their species in exchange for the safety of their loved ones.

There are no cases of someone being forced to become a Vassal. Sovereigns have been known to negotiate, but never directly threaten. A slave, after all, is far less trustworthy than an ally. While Vassals are relatively few, they are not disloyal.

Vadim Kyznetsov - First Vassal.

History

The first Vassals appeared slightly less than a year after the (big dramatic name for the first attack).

Powers and Abilities

Despite being an oversimplification, it would not be inaccurate to say that Vassals are little more than awakened humans. Although they are not totally dependant upon their Sovereign for power, at least some of their abilities come from the demon they serve.

Old Stuff

They differ from ["awakened"] humans in that a Vassal's power comes from a ["demon"] ["Sovereign"], though the extent of their dependency on the Sovereign is unclear.

(Powers and abilities) Although an oversimplification, it would not be inaccurate to say that Vassals are little more than awakened humans. That said, there are significant differences. It is held by the demons, and the Vassals themselves, that Vassals draw their power from the Sovereigns they serve. Despite the skepticism regarding this theory after seemingly ordinary humans began exhibiting similar powers, it still has some support. The best piece of evidence in its favor is that servants of a particular Sovereign exhibit abilities which seemingly cannot be duplicated by ordinary awakened, or even Vassals of other demon lords. Although there are no instances of a Vassal betraying their Lord, this fact is more easily explained away.