Fierce in terms of their energy signature and function.
Their energetic effect, in myths, are explained as anger, etc., but essentially, it is their energetic signature. They work in different ways.
For example, Kali is the manifestation of utmost speed of Kundalini awakened. She will ascend quickly, through the chakras, piercing knots, not giving any time for one to adjust, assimilate, etc. Results are quick, but it may completely blow up the unprepared.
One teacher explained it this way. "Take Kali and Lalita, they are both aspects of the Mother Goddess. They both are expressions of our inner Kundalini, but personified in different aspects. Kali is very compassionate, so compassionate that she cannot wait another minute to see her child dwelling in duality. She will hold you, pull you through all obstacles like a lightening jolt all the way to the crown chakra and beyond. Now, she may pull you through a keyhole, which is easy for her to pass through, but not you (‘you’ here is the gross mind-body complex), you end up experiencing tremendous pain, perceived misery, etc.
Now Lalita on the other hand is gentle, like an indulgent mother slowly guiding you through the doors, matching your pace, allowing you to enjoy the sights on the way, and so on. Both are paths to progression, some prefer the first, some others can handle the second".
This is what inner Deity Yoga is all about. The Kundalini, the energetic channels and currents are personalized with archetypal qualities and regulated using pre-defined, pre-tested templates so that the path is easier, less prone to obstacles and suffering. However, like with all religions, “inner” aspects get lost over a period of time.