I started developing the Carrier Demon concept sometime in the 90s when trying to envision the different classes of demons thriving in the chaos of the inferno.
Carrier Demons are the torturers of whores and prostitutes in Hell. Their standing in the hierarchy of Hell is rather low, they are merely a step above regular devils and demon grunts. But Carrier Demons are physically very powerful, more intimidating in stature, and as common amongst all true demons, immune to the fire element despite their ability to manifest in the flesh.
Victims of Carriers get strapped to the demon's spike covered back in a prone pose, unable to move. The spikes of the demons have incredible regenerative and healing properties. Despite the pain inflicted upon the victim during the strapdown process, the spikes ensure the victim retains some fragment of sanity. Once the strapdown is complete, the Carriers go about their business in Hell, and their victims get raped, eviscerated, shredded, only to heal up to experience a new form of torture. This goes on until the victim's very soul gives up over time on the eternal scale, and is consumed by the demon...
This was a pencil sketch which was painted over in Photoshop, made around 2006, 2007 timeframe. This is also one of my first full digital illustrations. I have never been good in terms of backgrounds and no painting symbolizes this more than this one. When I was working on it I sought critique and help on the conceptart.org forums and got some really useful advice that was way beyond my ability to implement at the time. I've continued refining this concept over the years and have drawn a few more Carrier Demons since, but none with victims strapped on.
