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Description

Baalastor started his life as a young demon in the Underworld, looking to gain glory and honor on the battlefield. He trained and prepared himself for years, until he reached the right age to enlist. At the time, the Underworld was still fractured into many domains, with many kingdoms fighting one another for resources and power. He joined the army of his home domain and dove into battle. For many years he fought valiantly, growing in strength and name with each passing battle. Soon, he went from a simple warrior to captain, leading a band of fellow warriors into the fray. In this position, he quickly showed others his ability to lead and command, impressing his higher ups. From captain, he made his way to lieutenant when he became victorious in several legendary battles. Stories of his power and might spread throughout the Underworld, and many growing imps saw him as a legend and a role model. His tales became folklore, and many called upon them for inspiration. Before he could ascend any higher up the ranks, the Underworld came to peace. The quarreling domains at last came together and settled their differences. At last, the Underworld was united and the many battles came to an end. Like many warriors, though, this grew boring for Baalastor. He was not one for everyday life, and he joined the others in eyeing the surface world. Many centuries ago, their kind had tried to cleanse the surface world, but had failed. Now seemed like a prime opportunity to resume their feud with those up above. The divided armies came together, and soon the surface was faced with raids and attacks from down below. Baalastor joined in, adding his mind and might to the battles. Through these legendary skirmishes, he at last became general, holding one of the highest ranks within the army. More stories poured out from these battles, and any demon or shade who was interested in the army knew Baalastor's name by heart. He was an inspiration, a legend. Young ones wished to be him, while warriors wished to fight under his name. There was no greater honor than to fight by the side of Baalastor himself. His speeches and presentations drew in hundreds, and his very words were inscribed in stone. His ideas and plans brought new innovations to the army, and inspired better and brighter fighters to join the cause. Rumors began to spring up about how Baalastor was slated to become one of the Grand Overseers of the entire army. Some believed that he would accept this inevitable offer so that he could bring forth an army mighty enough to cleanse the surface for good. Others said that he would refuse this offer, as he was one so humble and wise that he would see no need for such a lofty title. Before any of this could happen, though, something else occurred. Something truly strange. A thing so odd, many refuse to believe it even happened. After a century and a half of fighting, Baalastor was tired of war.

The change in heart came gradually, but it was one that Baalastor could not ignore. The fights no longer invigorated him, the bloodshed no longer quenched his thirst. The battles became too loud, too chaotic. Things grew repetitive, and no joy could be found with his actions. After years of work and battle, everything just seemed the same. The chants of battle and songs of victory grew muted to his ears and the endless sea of praise and fawning was exhausting. In the end, Baalastor had to admit that the battlefield and war rooms were no longer where he wished to be. It was not that he was out of shape or dull of mind, it was just that he was so tired of the whole mess. It was time for him to find something new, something that he could truly enjoy. It was not like the army truly needed him. With his hand, the army had plenty of recruits and leaders who did extraordinary work and could easily run the show without him. All he was, at this point, was a symbol or banner that they loved to bring into battle. So Baalastor willingly began to fade away from the war rooms and battlefields, with others slowly realizing his lack of presence. With this new time, he sought out a new hobby. It was one that he had heard of some time before, but never had time to pursue. At first he was unsure of it, but after a few trips, he knew that this was what his life needed. Baalastor set down his sword, and took up a fishing rod instead.

While others would find such a hobby silly, Baalastor gained much pleasure from the sport. It was the perfect hobby for him. Relaxing on a nice shore, with a line in the water and drink in hand. The thrill of hooking a fish and the surprise of pulling up what he had caught. It had everything he wanted. From tying flies and crafting rods, to catching rare fish and landing trophy sized creatures. With so many lakes and water bodies in the Underworld, he would have an endless supply of trips and excursions to enjoy. That wasn't even counting the surface, which had entire oceans to choose from! Baalastor was excited at the idea of it all, and was ready for some quality time with the rod and reel. Unfortunately, it turns out, legends never die. Though Baalastor had grown weary of fighting and warring, the rest of the realm still saw him as a legendary warrior. Retirement was simply not a thing for demonkind, especially not for one so famous. Warriors called to him for aid in battles, while many leaders sought him out for tactical advice. Imps and young shades wished to meet him in person, and even grown adults rushed to shake his hand. The Underworld was not done with Baalastor. It didn't matter that he didn't want to fight, no one would accept it. Even when he locked himself in his own home, people lined up for miles, waiting for him to emerge. Requests and summons piled up on his doorstep, and practically anyone who met him was always asking for a favor. Though he no longer wishes to be a part of the whole machine, he always seems to find himself being dragged back into the fray.

Attitude - Some time ago, Baalastor was a force to be reckoned with. A great leader who plowed his way through armies and rallied his troops to victory. His booming voice strengthened the hearts of his soldiers and softened the spines of his foes. There was nothing that could stand in his way. That, however, was years ago. The youthful energy and fighting spirit is gone in Baalastor now. All that remains is a weary, tired demon who just wishes to be left alone. Though he still possesses his legendary strength and mind, he does not want to use it anymore. Requests are met with tired groans, and summons from up high just receive a weary eye roll. Compliments and fans gushing over his legacy is just exhausting to him, and he is sick and tired of hearing about his past victories. Though he is done with it all, Baalastor does not have the heart to really put people in their place. He doesn't want to yell at others or violently exclaim that he is quitting and that everyone should just shut up. He just follows through with the ceremonies and just waits for it all to end. Where Baalastor's heart really lies is with fishing. That is a subject that will cause his eyes to light up and a smile to grow on his face. Baalastor could talk for hours about techniques and fishing experiences. It is a passion of his, but sadly, one that not many people care about. A part of the reason why Baalastor loves to talk about fishing is because there is hardly anyone to talk to about it. No warrior wants to hear about the obsidian rockfish he caught one time, or about the new sets of flies he has been tying. They would rather talk about all the legendary battles he used to fight in, a subject Baalastor has grown tired hearing about long ago.

Relations - Baalastor has many connections from his time in the army, and has an endless list of allies if he ever chose to call upon them. Out of all of them, one of his biggest allies (or nuisances) is the shade Marianess. Some time ago, Baalastor had become impressed with the lieutenant and the cause she was fighting for. He had talked to her personally and offered his aid whenever she needed it. Though he was done with fighting, he was happy to give advice to a good cause. He himself had used his status times before to push movements that would better the Underworld and her cause seemed like one of those. Unfortunately, Marianess had fallen for the same trap like all the others and practically worshiped Baalastor. Rather than using him as an occasional source of help, she became dependent on him and constantly called him in for battles both on the surface and in the council chambers. Since Baalastor had given her information on where to find him, he is now unable to rid himself of her and is constantly badgered by the shade. Tranquil fishing trips are interrupted when she pops up, finding his secret hiding spot and spoiling it for him. Though she greatly respects the demon, she does not take his fishing seriously, and sees it as a mere distraction. She honestly believes that he is still the great warrior she once heard about, and is always trying to drag him back onto the battlefield. At this point, she cares more about his honor than he does. Though Marianess can be quite the nuisance to him, he will never blow up in her face about it. He respects her work and what she has done, but just wishes that she could see that for herself. His fame and status has blinded her to her own abilities, and has caused her to become obsessed with impressing him. Baalastor tries his best to show her that she doesn't need him, but it can be quite difficult.

Subordinates - At his rank and status, practically anyone in the Underworld would willingly be his subordinate. This is something he definitely does not want. He doesn't want to fight and he doesn't want to lead an army into war. Many are quick to throw their allegiances at him, and he does his best to hide from it all. Marianess would believe she is a subordinate to him, but Baalastor keeps trying to tell her that she is on the same level as him.

Abilities - Like all other demons, Baalastor boasts an immunity to heat and, as well as absolute control over it. His powers have advanced to the point where he can absorb heat and flame into his body and use it to fuel his strength and abilities. Powerful blasts of fire and lava can be launched from his hands, tail and mouth, and he is skilled enough to shape them anyway he wishes. He can summon walls of fire from the ground, which he once used as a way of corralling enemy forces and scaring humans. Outside of that, he has his strength to aid him in battle. With a heavy body packed with muscle, he can deliver shattering blows and punch his way through defenses. His long body can coil up and launch himself, which he uses to crush foes and escape traps. All of this, however, has been reduced in his years. He no longer has the spirit to fight, and only does so when required. When dragged onto the battlefield against his will, he will fight halfheartedly. He will only do enough to keep himself and his soldiers safe, but little else. He does not charge or rush his way through the chaos, just wearily slithers his way through the whole mess. He only seeks to incapacitate foes, and usually he's just swatting enemies away from him. Despite his lack of caring on the battlefield, he will use his strength and abilities if his soldiers are put into danger. He would never want someone else to die for his weariness.

Tools - Baalastor's preferred tools are a fishing rod and a nice barrel of aged Montmilch. However, in battle, these are not accepted. So instead, Baalastor enters the fray with just his fire powers, brute strength and bare hands. At one time, Baalastor did carry a weapon onto the battlefield. He once wielded a mighty mace that he used to crush opponents with. During one climatic battle in the Underworld, he dueled with an enemy lieutenant. His warriors were growing weary, and the other side was rising up to crush them. As the two fought, his foe smashed his mace into fragments, disarming the great warrior. His enemy roared with victory, and the fiends laughed at his apparent defeat. Baalastor was not finished, though. Seeing his men fall and his weapon broken, he called upon a great rage in his heart. Furious, Baalastor rose up and beat the enemy leader to death with his bare hands. The stunning act of violence disrupted the enemy forces, giving his rallied warriors the chance to seize the day and claim victory. Though the day was won, Baalastor never repaired his broken mace. He would then on go into battle with no weapon, using the legends to terrify opponents and send enemy soldiers fleeing for their lives. The shattered mace was kept and mounted as a trophy, forever a symbol of his might and victory. Sadly, Baalastor has grown sick and tired of the trophy, having packed it away so he no longer has to see it. The bigger reason he hid it away was because everyone who saw it just had to talk about that stupid legend and ask him all sorts of questions. If he has to hear that dumb story told one more time he is going to go crazy...

Weaknesses - His biggest weakness on the battlefield is the fact that he doesn't want to be there. While fighting, he will never use his full strength or powers, and just does enough to take out enemies. Foes never have to worry about dealing with the full brunt of his abilities, as he never really wants to use them. Since he hates fighting, he is always looking for a way out. If things go south he is first to voice the idea of retreat. If there are options that will end the fighting prematurely, he will be quick to take them. If it is just him and Marianess, he will often use his status to call off the battle if things are getting dicey. Outside of his lack of caring, he suffers from the weaknesses all other demons have. Rapid changes in lighting hurts his eyes and can temporarily blind him. Powers of cold and ice can weaken and hurt him, if they are strong enough to overpower his fire. As a large demon, he is a big target and open for attacks from many sides. Since he is getting old, his tough leathery hide has started to weaken and thin, losing some of the natural armor that younger demons possess.

------------------------------------------------

An update and color of one of my favorite villains(?), the wish-he-was-retired Baalastor.

On another note, his design is one that continually gives me trouble whenever I want to draw him. Be it his tendrils or lanky body, something about it is just super tough for me.

Description

Baalastor started his life as a young demon in the Underworld, looking to gain glory and honor on the battlefield. He trained and prepared himself for years, until he reached the right age to enlist. At the time, the Underworld was still fractured into many domains, with many kingdoms fighting one another for resources and power. He joined the army of his home domain and dove into battle. For many years he fought valiantly, growing in strength and name with each passing battle. Soon, he went from a simple warrior to captain, leading a band of fellow warriors into the fray. In this position, he quickly showed others his ability to lead and command, impressing his higher ups. From captain, he made his way to lieutenant when he became victorious in several legendary battles. Stories of his power and might spread throughout the Underworld, and many growing imps saw him as a legend and a role model. His tales became folklore, and many called upon them for inspiration. Before he could ascend any higher up the ranks, the Underworld came to peace. The quarreling domains at last came together and settled their differences. At last, the Underworld was united and the many battles came to an end. Like many warriors, though, this grew boring for Baalastor. He was not one for everyday life, and he joined the others in eyeing the surface world. Many centuries ago, their kind had tried to cleanse the surface world, but had failed. Now seemed like a prime opportunity to resume their feud with those up above. The divided armies came together, and soon the surface was faced with raids and attacks from down below. Baalastor joined in, adding his mind and might to the battles. Through these legendary skirmishes, he at last became general, holding one of the highest ranks within the army. More stories poured out from these battles, and any demon or shade who was interested in the army knew Baalastor's name by heart. He was an inspiration, a legend. Young ones wished to be him, while warriors wished to fight under his name. There was no greater honor than to fight by the side of Baalastor himself. His speeches and presentations drew in hundreds, and his very words were inscribed in stone. His ideas and plans brought new innovations to the army, and inspired better and brighter fighters to join the cause. Rumors began to spring up about how Baalastor was slated to become one of the Grand Overseers of the entire army. Some believed that he would accept this inevitable offer so that he could bring forth an army mighty enough to cleanse the surface for good. Others said that he would refuse this offer, as he was one so humble and wise that he would see no need for such a lofty title. Before any of this could happen, though, something else occurred. Something truly strange. A thing so odd, many refuse to believe it even happened. After a century and a half of fighting, Baalastor was tired of war.

The change in heart came gradually, but it was one that Baalastor could not ignore. The fights no longer invigorated him, the bloodshed no longer quenched his thirst. The battles became too loud, too chaotic. Things grew repetitive, and no joy could be found with his actions. After years of work and battle, everything just seemed the same. The chants of battle and songs of victory grew muted to his ears and the endless sea of praise and fawning was exhausting. In the end, Baalastor had to admit that the battlefield and war rooms were no longer where he wished to be. It was not that he was out of shape or dull of mind, it was just that he was so tired of the whole mess. It was time for him to find something new, something that he could truly enjoy. It was not like the army truly needed him. With his hand, the army had plenty of recruits and leaders who did extraordinary work and could easily run the show without him. All he was, at this point, was a symbol or banner that they loved to bring into battle. So Baalastor willingly began to fade away from the war rooms and battlefields, with others slowly realizing his lack of presence. With this new time, he sought out a new hobby. It was one that he had heard of some time before, but never had time to pursue. At first he was unsure of it, but after a few trips, he knew that this was what his life needed. Baalastor set down his sword, and took up a fishing rod instead.

While others would find such a hobby silly, Baalastor gained much pleasure from the sport. It was the perfect hobby for him. Relaxing on a nice shore, with a line in the water and drink in hand. The thrill of hooking a fish and the surprise of pulling up what he had caught. It had everything he wanted. From tying flies and crafting rods, to catching rare fish and landing trophy sized creatures. With so many lakes and water bodies in the Underworld, he would have an endless supply of trips and excursions to enjoy. That wasn't even counting the surface, which had entire oceans to choose from! Baalastor was excited at the idea of it all, and was ready for some quality time with the rod and reel. Unfortunately, it turns out, legends never die. Though Baalastor had grown weary of fighting and warring, the rest of the realm still saw him as a legendary warrior. Retirement was simply not a thing for demonkind, especially not for one so famous. Warriors called to him for aid in battles, while many leaders sought him out for tactical advice. Imps and young shades wished to meet him in person, and even grown adults rushed to shake his hand. The Underworld was not done with Baalastor. It didn't matter that he didn't want to fight, no one would accept it. Even when he locked himself in his own home, people lined up for miles, waiting for him to emerge. Requests and summons piled up on his doorstep, and practically anyone who met him was always asking for a favor. Though he no longer wishes to be a part of the whole machine, he always seems to find himself being dragged back into the fray.

Attitude - Some time ago, Baalastor was a force to be reckoned with. A great leader who plowed his way through armies and rallied his troops to victory. His booming voice strengthened the hearts of his soldiers and softened the spines of his foes. There was nothing that could stand in his way. That, however, was years ago. The youthful energy and fighting spirit is gone in Baalastor now. All that remains is a weary, tired demon who just wishes to be left alone. Though he still possesses his legendary strength and mind, he does not want to use it anymore. Requests are met with tired groans, and summons from up high just receive a weary eye roll. Compliments and fans gushing over his legacy is just exhausting to him, and he is sick and tired of hearing about his past victories. Though he is done with it all, Baalastor does not have the heart to really put people in their place. He doesn't want to yell at others or violently exclaim that he is quitting and that everyone should just shut up. He just follows through with the ceremonies and just waits for it all to end. Where Baalastor's heart really lies is with fishing. That is a subject that will cause his eyes to light up and a smile to grow on his face. Baalastor could talk for hours about techniques and fishing experiences. It is a passion of his, but sadly, one that not many people care about. A part of the reason why Baalastor loves to talk about fishing is because there is hardly anyone to talk to about it. No warrior wants to hear about the obsidian rockfish he caught one time, or about the new sets of flies he has been tying. They would rather talk about all the legendary battles he used to fight in, a subject Baalastor has grown tired hearing about long ago.

Relations - Baalastor has many connections from his time in the army, and has an endless list of allies if he ever chose to call upon them. Out of all of them, one of his biggest allies (or nuisances) is the shade Marianess. Some time ago, Baalastor had become impressed with the lieutenant and the cause she was fighting for. He had talked to her personally and offered his aid whenever she needed it. Though he was done with fighting, he was happy to give advice to a good cause. He himself had used his status times before to push movements that would better the Underworld and her cause seemed like one of those. Unfortunately, Marianess had fallen for the same trap like all the others and practically worshiped Baalastor. Rather than using him as an occasional source of help, she became dependent on him and constantly called him in for battles both on the surface and in the council chambers. Since Baalastor had given her information on where to find him, he is now unable to rid himself of her and is constantly badgered by the shade. Tranquil fishing trips are interrupted when she pops up, finding his secret hiding spot and spoiling it for him. Though she greatly respects the demon, she does not take his fishing seriously, and sees it as a mere distraction. She honestly believes that he is still the great warrior she once heard about, and is always trying to drag him back onto the battlefield. At this point, she cares more about his honor than he does. Though Marianess can be quite the nuisance to him, he will never blow up in her face about it. He respects her work and what she has done, but just wishes that she could see that for herself. His fame and status has blinded her to her own abilities, and has caused her to become obsessed with impressing him. Baalastor tries his best to show her that she doesn't need him, but it can be quite difficult.

Subordinates - At his rank and status, practically anyone in the Underworld would willingly be his subordinate. This is something he definitely does not want. He doesn't want to fight and he doesn't want to lead an army into war. Many are quick to throw their allegiances at him, and he does his best to hide from it all. Marianess would believe she is a subordinate to him, but Baalastor keeps trying to tell her that she is on the same level as him.

Abilities - Like all other demons, Baalastor boasts an immunity to heat and, as well as absolute control over it. His powers have advanced to the point where he can absorb heat and flame into his body and use it to fuel his strength and abilities. Powerful blasts of fire and lava can be launched from his hands, tail and mouth, and he is skilled enough to shape them anyway he wishes. He can summon walls of fire from the ground, which he once used as a way of corralling enemy forces and scaring humans. Outside of that, he has his strength to aid him in battle. With a heavy body packed with muscle, he can deliver shattering blows and punch his way through defenses. His long body can coil up and launch himself, which he uses to crush foes and escape traps. All of this, however, has been reduced in his years. He no longer has the spirit to fight, and only does so when required. When dragged onto the battlefield against his will, he will fight halfheartedly. He will only do enough to keep himself and his soldiers safe, but little else. He does not charge or rush his way through the chaos, just wearily slithers his way through the whole mess. He only seeks to incapacitate foes, and usually he's just swatting enemies away from him. Despite his lack of caring on the battlefield, he will use his strength and abilities if his soldiers are put into danger. He would never want someone else to die for his weariness.

Tools - Baalastor's preferred tools are a fishing rod and a nice barrel of aged Montmilch. However, in battle, these are not accepted. So instead, Baalastor enters the fray with just his fire powers, brute strength and bare hands. At one time, Baalastor did carry a weapon onto the battlefield. He once wielded a mighty mace that he used to crush opponents with. During one climatic battle in the Underworld, he dueled with an enemy lieutenant. His warriors were growing weary, and the other side was rising up to crush them. As the two fought, his foe smashed his mace into fragments, disarming the great warrior. His enemy roared with victory, and the fiends laughed at his apparent defeat. Baalastor was not finished, though. Seeing his men fall and his weapon broken, he called upon a great rage in his heart. Furious, Baalastor rose up and beat the enemy leader to death with his bare hands. The stunning act of violence disrupted the enemy forces, giving his rallied warriors the chance to seize the day and claim victory. Though the day was won, Baalastor never repaired his broken mace. He would then on go into battle with no weapon, using the legends to terrify opponents and send enemy soldiers fleeing for their lives. The shattered mace was kept and mounted as a trophy, forever a symbol of his might and victory. Sadly, Baalastor has grown sick and tired of the trophy, having packed it away so he no longer has to see it. The bigger reason he hid it away was because everyone who saw it just had to talk about that stupid legend and ask him all sorts of questions. If he has to hear that dumb story told one more time he is going to go crazy...

Weaknesses - His biggest weakness on the battlefield is the fact that he doesn't want to be there. While fighting, he will never use his full strength or powers, and just does enough to take out enemies. Foes never have to worry about dealing with the full brunt of his abilities, as he never really wants to use them. Since he hates fighting, he is always looking for a way out. If things go south he is first to voice the idea of retreat. If there are options that will end the fighting prematurely, he will be quick to take them. If it is just him and Marianess, he will often use his status to call off the battle if things are getting dicey. Outside of his lack of caring, he suffers from the weaknesses all other demons have. Rapid changes in lighting hurts his eyes and can temporarily blind him. Powers of cold and ice can weaken and hurt him, if they are strong enough to overpower his fire. As a large demon, he is a big target and open for attacks from many sides. Since he is getting old, his tough leathery hide has started to weaken and thin, losing some of the natural armor that younger demons possess.

------------------------------------------------

An update and color of one of my favorite villains(?), the wish-he-was-retired Baalastor.

On another note, his design is one that continually gives me trouble whenever I want to draw him. Be it his tendrils or lanky body, something about it is just super tough for me.