Galahim (fantasy)

Because Galahim can shapeshift, there are few things about xem that never change. Xeir skin is black, xeir hands and feet have sharp white claws, and xeir eyes are blue. On xeir head(s), xey have a pair of backwards-curved horns, with a sharp, hilt-like tip at the front. Xey also have (a) thin, pointy-ended tail(s).

Galahim wasn’t born on Terra, but often visited it as a sumōn. As a shapeshifter, xey had a range of coveted abilities; impersonating others, giving summoners brand new bodies, or altering the appearance of researched criminals.

One day, a Human merchant named Vesper Arpagone called Galahim, and asked xem to protect him from a political opponent, by cursing them.

Galahim had no such powers and initially refused; but Vesper insisted, and promised to give xem his most exotic and precious riches. And so Galahim obliged, establishing a contract on Eldritch Parchment as all Demons do.

But as the old man signed the contract, Galahim noticed a large portion of its text was rewriting itself in front of his eyes. As xey stood here in shock, Vesper looked Galahim in the eye, and began to laugh; the Demon was barely able to planeshift in time, as Vesper syphoned xeir energy.

After hours that felt like years, Galahim woke up in a Terran orchard; half-dazed, exhausted, naked, and in much pain. Xey tried to planeshift again, but nothing happened. After many more tries, xey realised xey were fully stranded on Terra. Xey tried to shapeshift, but in vain; all of xeir powers were gone.

Completely lost, from both the loss of xeir powers and xeir arrival in a strange new plane, Galahim had a couple of very rough first months on Terra. Quickly realising Humans weren't exactly fond of Demons, xey had to hide and steal food to survive for a while. But eventually, xey managed to somewhat blend into Terran society (though with a lot of friction).

With the help of various sorcerers here and there, Galahim was eventually able to regain xeir shapeshifting abilities, albeit to a small extent.

Due to xeir knowledge of monsters, battle prowess and shapeshifting abilities, Galahim now makes a living as an efficient mercenary and a ruthless beast hunter. But xey're still very much fixated on one goal: get revenge on this Human who, inexplicably, managed to modify and exploit a sumōn contract; a feat no mortal should be capable of.

Galahim hasn’t quite adapted to the Terran way of life yet, with all its customs and social rules; many of those xey despise, many others xey simply don’t understand. Xey still can’t accept xey went from feared Demon to otherworldly freak, and this frustration causes xem a lot of trouble wherever xey go.

Galahim used to be a powerful shapeshifter; xey could rapidly grow any number of limbs, heads and body parts as xey please. But nowadays, xeir options are much more limited; the best xey can manage is 3 heads, or 4 arms, or 3 legs, etc; Xey simply can't manipulate as much body mass as before.

Xey also can't change skin colors, eye colors, etc; Xeir form is always a combination of parts from a "base" Galahim of sorts.

When Galahim woke up from xeir failed planeshift, xey had so little energy left that xey took a bite of the first thing in xeir immediate vicinity that looked like food. And that’s how xey developed a taste for cherries.

As a sumōn, Galahim had extravagant demands for xeir summoners, depending on xeir mood. To one xey would request bizarre but ultimately worthless Terran-made objects; of another xey would ask a full litre of their own blood only to taste it.