| Xarath |
Hey all.
So for 1e, the Incubus and Succubus are two distinct demons of Lust with different stat-blocks and abilities.
My question is have any of you ever differentiated between the stat-blocks in your own campaigns/adventures? Make a distinction between these two demons in gameplay?
Or do you just regard the Succubus stat-block as the only one and call it a day (As noted in the Monster Summoner's Handbook, the sexy male demon is called a Male Succubus)
Because it would seem stat wise, the Succubus is more powerful with more abilities compared to the Incubus, while martial inclined still lacks a bit more (such as the soul-sucking kiss)
On a related note; do you think 2e should separate these demons again with different stats for Incubus and Succubus? (That is if they ever get around to statting up an Incubus?)
| Xarath |
Succubi have a considerably high point buy, and far better tools to engage and disengage players, due to ethereal jaunt at will and far higher bluffs (+27 vs +16) to set up ambushes.
They are 1 CR higher for a reason. Incubi are also more like Pain demons, and imho are distinct on account of that.
In that sense, do you think and Incubus can be used long haul in the same way that a Succubus can?
Like, long term infiltration, spying etc. I mean ability wise, Incubus does have Change Shape, Detech Thoughts and Tongues.
| OmniMage |
I don't know much about this. It sounds like Paizo was running out of ideas for monsters and decided to make the Incubus a separate species of monster. I'm fine with Incubus being the male version of the Succubus. Considering that they have the change shape special quality, I suppose being either gender is a choice.
| Temperans |
The two demons are different creatures with different goals and motivations. While the two creature are all about lust, the way they want to fulfill that is very different.
Succubi are at their very essense about manipulating others into doing what they want. They are ambush predators who are willing to take their time to get what they want. This is why succubus are able to rise up in the ranks extremely effectively.
Incubus on the other hand are all about getting what they want by force. They are ruthless, sadistic, and impatient. They get their ranks because of their ability to inflict pain and suffering.
Treating those two the same would be like saying that every orc deity of war should be the same. Just because they are orcs and have influence in war does mean that they are the same god but reskinned. Just because succubus and incubus are demons of lust does not mean they are the same creature but reskinned.
As for the draining kiss. That's because succubus are soul suckers and incubi are not.
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It helps a lot to just treat the Pathfinder version of any mythical/supernatural creature as entirely unique and only inspired by the actual myth. Otherwise we would have tiny fey elf instead of medium space elf.
| Mightypion |
They are 2 different yet somewhat similar species of demons.
Like, a Gallo and a Vavakia are also similar in terms of concerns etc. but fight differently.
Succubi seduce, manipulate, tempt, Incubi tend to take by force.
Succubi also have a potent profane gift to actually tempt power gamers, Incubi dont.
If you are using a Sucubus as an atagonist, rather then as fodder, it is, if she plays her cards right, a long fight, she would seek to ambush, confuse, conceal and corrupt. Telepathically communicating to party members, seeking to isolate them from each other etc.
Incidentally, the
She can totally do this from a male shape if so desired.