Incubi (Lilu sapiens) are the male members of the Lilu species, and are generally treated as entirely distinct from the female members of their species, the succubi. There are a great many reasons for this; primary among them is the fact that, for centuries, no one realized they were actually the same thing. Incubi and succubi are rarely found together, and, as they have distinct abilities, weaknesses, and social habits, they are still treated as separate species, despite being scientifically the same.
According to mythology, the incubus is a male demon who seeks to have sexual relations with human women. This is not entirely incorrect. Incubi are not demons, and they don't insist on "human" when looking for dates. They are, however, extremely focused on sex, as a rule, and are not above manipulating others to get it.
BIOLOGY
Lilu are members of the family Hominidae, making them close relatives of Homo sapiens. Their exact evolutionary path is unknown, and we have been, as yet, unable to determine exactly where they branched off from other known hominids. All Lilu are omnivorous, much like humans, and favor a wide and varied diet; males are often more attracted to high-protein diets, while females favor more vegetarian fare. This is not universal. Vegetarian Incubi exist, as do Succubi on Atkins.
Lilu are biologically unique in that they are the only known member of the family Hominidae to be cross-fertile with all other known members of the family. Human/Incubus and Human/Succubus crosses have both been confirmed to exist, as have Incubus/Bogeyman and Succubus/Ghoul crosses. (No one knows why a Succubus would want to mate with a Ghoul, and we're not asking.) This degree of fertility may have been necessary at one time to keep numbers up and introduce genetic diversity; offspring are generally fertile, but only with other Lilu, which would bring those new genes back into the species as a whole.
Incubi are warm-blooded, and are resistant to most human illnesses. Their lifespan is somewhat longer than the human norm, but not so much so as to be remarkable among the known cryptid races.
EMPATHY AND PHEROMONE CONTROL
The most extreme biological difference between Incubi and other members of family Hominidae is their ability to project and manipulate pheromones. Their manipulation of chemical attractants is unique, and can control the emotions and sexual responses of the people around them to such a degree that it is sometimes viewed as a form of mind control. Young or untrained Incubi cannot always control these pheromones, which is not as pleasant for them as some people might assume.
Most Incubi are also low-level empaths, although it is unclear whether this is connected to, or in addition to, their pheromone control. They can combine these abilities to do devastating amounts of damage to the psyches of those around them, as they can both read and influence emotions. And yes, they often use this ability to get laid.
When dealing with hostile Incubi, it is best to remember the advice of Enid Healy: "Go to a nursery school and catch a nice cold. Once your nose is running like a faucet, you'll be able to talk sense into those naughty boys without so much as a tingle."
DESCRIPTION
Incubi look just like humans. People who have been exposed to their pheromone control will often tell you that Incubi are incredibly attractive and desirable. A cold shower will generally fix that.
The picture below is of our cousin Artie, who really wishes we wouldn't include him in this guide. Sorry, Artie.
Artwork by Kory Bing.