Exanimus

An Exanimus is a human that has been possessed by an Ancestral Demon. They are characterized by their enhanced physical attributes, unnaturally long lifespan, and ability to channel magic.

Origin
The first Exanimus is thought to have been created by accident. A cult of druids known as the Divine Harbingers began experimenting with the properties of human souls, originally through attempting to implant human souls into animals. These experiments failed however, and many began to lose faith in the cult. However, the leader of the cult, Dylan Aristos, was contacted by a demonic spirit, who began to teach him a series of rituals that would allow one to become a superhuman. These teachings were transcribed and preserved in a book known as the Creatio Deorum ("Creating Gods").

Aristos performed these rituals, thinking that he would become all-powerful. However, the ritual instead destroyed his soul, and allowed the demonic spirit to possess his body, creating the first Exanimus.