The Demonology System

All specific knowledge contained in this document is OC information by default. IC, this information is only known to people who have the “Demonology” skill or who have been told this information by a demonologist. Otherwise, you must ‘stonewall’ it (act as though you do not know it in character).

Demonology

What is demonology: the theory and practice of summoning demons.
A concise summary of performing summoning rituals.
Guidelines for demonic power and appropriate sacrifices.

Theory and Practice

What demonology is

Demonology is the practical and theoretical art of dealing with demons, which are creatures and entities from planes other than the physical world, god-planes, and elemental planes. Anyone can perform demonology; indeed, quite a number of demons can find their way into the physical world through accidental or desperate summonings on the part of untrained individuals.

A demonologist possesses the basic knowledge which permits them to reliably summon, bargain with, bind and dismiss demons. The first step in becoming a demonologist is to gain an innate understanding of the nature of demonic presences. This process opens the demonologist’s mind to the demonic world, allowing them to recognise demons and their tell-tale signs in people, places and items. Part of this process involves learning the names of certain Demon Princes, titanic entities who rule over some of the largest demon planes in existence. These names are often literally unutterable, and can only be found in the rarest texts and most secret of places. In some cases, the demonologist gains this understanding without being fully aware of it – often through exposure to some maddening demonic source, or dangerous text or item.

What demonology isn’t

Demonology by itself does not provide the skills required to successfully deal with demons, nor does it give any insights into the myriad and possibly infinite forms demons can take. ‘Diablerie’ is the term for the broad skills of the practical demonologist, and these practical skills lead to greater power and more dangerous knowledge, at the risk of discovery by the outside or of death at the hands of a powerful entity. Skilled Diablerists start to change in physical and spiritual ways – from exposure to demons and from the gifts they often bargain for.

Demonology is not Geomancy; a demon is not like a ley nexus, unthinking, reliable, impotent until called upon, and requiring a ritual to take power from. The power offered by demons is more visceral, more direct, and in many ways just as dangerous, if not moreso, than that of a nexus. Cunning demonologists can trick demons into yielding more power than they wanted to give. Inexperienced demonologists can themselves be tricked into giving up more than they bargained for, or make powerful enemies. A demon does not simply revert to idleness after being summoned – it may try to return to the world to exact revenge on a summoner who made the mistake of angering it.

Demon planes

Demons exist in demon planes, alien realities whose very topography can drive mortals insane. Between the planes, there is the Void, inhospitable and inimical to all life. The borders of planes are not impenetrable, however; indeed, the elemental and god-planes encircle the physical world so closely that transfer between them is relatively commonplace. Some demon planes are closer than others, more easily accessible; Gehenna being the most well-known and feared of these.

Summoning a demon means transferring it from its home plane to the physical world. This can happen anywhere, given the correct circumstances. Indeed, some demons keep a keen eye or ear on the mortal realm so that they can slip in at the first opportunity. On a ley nexus, however, a demon can not only be summoned, but also bound – brought to the physical world safely, in a manner controlled by the demonologist.

Summonings & Bindings

The first step in summoning a demon is to identify it. Demons can be identified by their common name, a description or moniker, or their True Name. Which one is used depends on the aim of the summoning: the common name tends to result in one of a ‘type’ of demon (useful for grunt work, e.g. messengers or footsoldiers), a description can yield a useful specialist demon (if the demonologist does not know any specific demon names of the type required, e.g. a demon antithetical to fire, a demon that eats metal), and the True Name will summon one, specific, named demon, in a very compelling fashion (often the only way to safely summon a powerful demon is by its True Name).

Secondly, it is advisable to prepare the area in which the demon is to be summoned. In general, a good, clear space, with few obstacles and distractions is preferable. The demonologist should remove anything clearly hostile or threatening to the demon (unless they are attempting to bind it – see below). A circle marked by candles in a dark room is traditional, as it provides a neutral environment for the demon to enter, decreasing the chances of it panicking or becoming interested in anything other than the summoner and the bargain. The area in which the demon should appear should be marked out in some way, to focus the summoning. Distracted demonologists can cause demons to appear in unexpected places, or call more than one demon at a time, with disastrous results.

Thirdly, a sacrifice can be prepared to appease the demon and place it in a good mood, to strengthen the effect of the summoning, and to distract the demon long enough for it to at least consider the bargain (or for the summoner to flee or dismiss it, if it is an unexpected demon).

These preparations complete, the summoning can begin in earnest.The summoner should call the demon’s identifier, and speak words which compel it to come. Often, speaking a demon’s name is enough to catch its attention, especially if it is a demon accustomed to being summoned. In other cases, the demonologist can identify sounds, smells, images or items likely to get the demon interested. Depending on the demon in question, the summoner might command its presence, request it, or cajole and beg for it to appear. An idea of the demon’s personality can be potentially life-saving, as there is nothing worse than angering a demon before summoning it.

Repetition is good. Creating an atmosphere close to that of the demon’s home is also good. Essentially, the summoner is trying to make the transition as easy as possible for the demon; the more willing the demon is, the easier it is to summon. Additionally, a well-performed ritual can weaken the boundaries between planes and make similar demons easier to summon and deal with. Conversely, sometimes the boundaries are too strong for even the most ideal summoning to take effect; in these cases it can be necessary to take strong action on the physical world. The demon will then appear in the appointed place, and be ready to bargain with.

Most demons cannot remain in the physical world for long without some form of sustenance or maintenance. The initial sacrifice can provide this, but it is the bargaining which provides the greatest opportunity for the demon to get what it needs. The initial bargaining is the most dangerous part of the summoning – the demonologist needs to make it clear to the demon that they can provide more than what they themselves are worth to it.

The bargaining process must be quick and effective, unless the summoner has ample sacrifices on hand to keep the demon placated. The summoner should ask for simple things, and offer clear, realistic gifts in return. If a demon is required for a complex or lengthy task, it is better to bind it; otherwise, an initial bargain can secure the demon’s interest for a more in-depth negotiation later on.

Binding

Binding is a more formal, methodical affair, which can be performed reliably given enough information.To bind a demon, the summoning area should be encircled by wards, a number of concentric rings equal to the ‘circle’ of the summoned demon (an indication of its power). Each ring should contain, or be composed of, an item or substance which opposes the demon in question. For a fire-demon, sand or water could be used; for a messenger-demon, garbled scripts or the ashes of books would be appropriate. The more specific and varied the items are, the more effective the warding. While it is possible to use the same type of ward in each circle, this runs the risk of the demon breaking out of all the rings simultaneously.

As with all elements of summoning, the better the knowledge of the demon is, the more successful binding will be. Powerful, individual demons have their own unique likes and dislikes, and a summoner can expect to require several rare or exotic items to use for the strongest wards. The summoner can reinforce the wards through force of will and conviction – stating the names of the wards and their nature will boost their effectiveness.

The summoning should be conducted as normal, but when the demon appears, the wards will prevent it from leaving the summoning place, and from returning to its plane. In effect the wards also start to bind the demon. Binding takes the form of a bargain, in which the summoner begins with the upper hand; the demon may react in many different ways, from subservience, to anger, to cold, calculating deceit, waiting for the summoner to slip up so as to gain the advantage or to escape.

At the end of the bargain, the summoner can dismiss the demon quite easily by commanding the demon to depart. Binding can also keep the demon in the physical world for extended periods, although sacrifices will be needed to both appease it and sustain it. The most potent bindings are the ones in which the demon gets its way – thus giving it a reason to cooperate and accept the binding. Some demons accept to be bound in view of hoping that their master dies or makes an error – thus gaining potent agency in the material world.

If the demon is pleased with the bargain, dismissing it is simple; it will often leave of its own accord. An unhappy demon will likely weigh up its chances of breaking out and making its own way in the world. An angry demon will have already attacked the summoner by this point.

Dismissing an unhappy demon requires a contest of wills; it is functionally the opposite of summoning. Bringing in items that the demon dislikes, distracting it with confusing surroundings,trapping it and threatening it can all be useful depending on its personality. Violence also works, assuming the demon is vulnerable to it; destroying its physical form will send it back, and it will be weaker for not having much hold in the world. However, such forcible dismissals are a good way to gain a demon’s ire.

If a demon is not bound then a demonologist has no power to dismiss it, only a Gedhrenti miracle can do this.

The concise version

Synopsis

Demonology allows you to summon, bind, and dismiss demons.
Summoning, binding and dismissing requires a ritual to be performed.
Dealing with demons requires an offering, usually of souls or other things the demon finds valuable.
If a demon is not bound a demonologist has no power to dismiss it.

Demons

A demon’s power is referred to as its circle. Circles rank from one (lowest) to eight (the highest). The greater the circle of demon, the more powerful it will be. The term ‘circle’ refers to the warding circles required to bind a demon of a given level of power.

The Ritual Itself

Stage One – The Circle

To perform a summoning ritual the demonologist must draw a circle upon the ground in chalk, dust, flour, spit, whatever, whilst reciting either the true name, other name or the type/species of the demon. Unless it is something to be slaughtered the sacrifice should be placed in the inner circle before these are begun. Sacrifices can take the form of anything appropriate to the demon/species being summoned. Particular favourites are the good old fashioned white calf/black bull, weapons or armour (for militaristic demons), expensive fabrics or perfumes, fine art, jewellery, etc.

This is the first part of the ritual which aims to clearly target who/what it is the demonologist wishes to summon. If a specific demon is being summoned, its name or true name should be uttered at least once for every circle of the demon. If a specific demon is not being summoned, the you may specify a type of demon in a similar manner, once per circle of the demon. You may also specify a descriptor. Note that this can produce unpredictable results, including summoning a demon of a higher circle if no lesser ones fit the type or descriptor.

An example of a script is shown below:

Within this circle I call thee,
Within this circle I bind thee,
Within this circle I summon thee.

Aseph*
Aseph
Aseph

Thrice by your name are you bound,
To my will though art bound,
I call thee forth.

Aseph
Aseph
Aseph

I call you forth,
I call you forth and Bind you,
I call you forth and bind you in this Circle.

* = Alternatively: Imp of the Third Circle, etc

At this stage the demonologist can add extra fail safes and placations which will aid their ritual. Most notable of these is the addition of blood. For rough reference one pint of blood is the equivalent of a single in damage and is generally enough to complete one circle.

In addition, extra circles can be added, in blood or otherwise, and a reinforcing of the binding achieved through repetition of the opening statement of intent.

Stage Two – The Calling Forth

Once the circle(s) are complete the demonologist must stand in a place of prominence outside the circles and perform the rites required to draw the demon into the physical world and give it shape.

The demonologist must force open the portal to Gehenna and stabilise it to allow the demon to step through.

An example of a script is shown below:

Within this Circle you are bound,
At my Summons you will come,
In One form shall you be bound,
In One place shall you be bound,

See this sacrifice offered unto you,
Witness it as it is offered unto you,
Know that it calls you unto this place,
And from it draw your strength,

By my will I force the gates,
With my will I open the way,
Let my words be the light that draws you here,
As my voice gives you form with which to work my will,
Your Spirit is bound within.

Again at this stage the demonologist can put in place extra incentives and/or precautions.

Stage Three – The Binding (Optional)

A binding is actually an extremely localised, extremely powerful strengthening of the natural boundary which prevents most demons from moving freely into the mortal world. If done correctly, it prevents the demon from stepping out of the boundary of the circle, or vicinity of a person or place. These potent strengthenings of the boundary are only used for binding demons.

To bind a demon, the summoning area should be encircled by wards, a number of concentric rings equal to the ‘circle’ of the summoned demon (an indication of its power). Each ring should contain, or be composed of, an item or substance which opposes the demon in question. For a fire-demon, sand or water could be used; for a messenger-demon, garbled scripts or the ashes of books would be appropriate. The more specific and varied the items are, the more effective the warding. While it is possible to use the same type of ward in each circle, this runs the risk of the demon breaking out of all the rings simultaneously. You may only successfully evoke a number of wards equal to your level in diablerie. Any more beyond this have no effect. This means that you must deal with a new circle of demon without warding at least once before you are able to bind it.

Binding has the following effects:

You are protected from the demon and it cannot harm you, nor can it escape the circle. A bound demon may be dismissed by you with a simple command. Otherwise, it requires a full ritual dismissal, as above.
If any of the wards are disrupted, no longer part of the circle or no longer represent a threat to the demon, it will cease to have an effect. This might release the demon from your binding.
Any physical, magical or spiritual object crossing the circle will immediately break all of the wards and break the binding. You cannot summon a demon and shoot it to death while it cannot harm you, so don’t try!
If you are rendered incapable of exerting your will upon the wards, by falling unconscious, asleep, or by leaving the area, they are very likely to fail altogether.

Binding places you in a position of strength, but it does not obviate the need for sacrifices. Keeping a bound demon happy ensures its good service, and strengthens its presence in the world. Demons of very low circle compared to your skill may offer themselves in servitude, although you will still need to provide them with sacrifices. A sacrifice is any offering that is made to a demon. It is used to call demons and also used in exchange for power. Sacrifices also increase a demon’s power to remain in the world. The higher a demon’s circle, the more valuable the sacrifice should be. Similarly, a sacrifice should be proportional to the power asked for. Inappropriate sacrifices can anger a demon, and will not sustain its presence.

At the culmination of the chanting to call it forth the demon should appear inside the centre circle. At this point the demonologist must attempt to keep it there with incantation and strength of will.

An example of a script is shown below:

Aseph*, I call you forth,
Aseph, I call you forth and Bind you,
Aseph, I call you forth and bind you in this Circle.

At my Summons you have come,
Within this Circle you are bound,
Thrice by your name are you bound,
To my will though art bound,

With My Will I Bind You,
With My Will I Bind You,
With My Will I Bind You.

* Alternatively: Imp of the Third Circle, etc.

At this stage the only thing likely to assist the demonologist which has not already been implemented is the addition of extra chanters. They should accompany the demonologist throughout the ritual, but it is at this stage that they become most useful.

Stage Four – The Negotiation

Without binding

Most demons cannot remain in the physical world for long without some form of sustenance or maintenance. The initial sacrifice can provide this, but it is the bargaining which provides the greatest opportunity for the demon to get what it needs. The initial bargaining is the most dangerous part of the summoning – the demonologist needs to make it clear to the demon that they can provide more than what they themselves are worth to it.The bargaining process must be quick and effective, unless the summoner has ample sacrifices on hand to keep the demon placated. The summoner should ask for simple things, and offer clear, realistic gifts in return. If a demon is required for a complex or lengthy task, it is better to bind it; otherwise, an initial bargain can secure the demon’s interest for a more in-depth negotiation later on.If the demon is pleased with the bargain, dismissing it is simple; it will often leave of its own accord. An unhappy demon will likely weigh up its chances of breaking out and making its own way in the world. An angry demon will have already attacked the summoner by this point.Dismissing an unhappy demon requires a contest of wills; it is functionally the opposite of summoning. Bringing in items that the demon dislikes, distracting it with confusing surroundings, trapping it and threatening it can all be useful depending on its personality. Violence also works, assuming the demon is vulnerable to it; destroying its physical form will send it back, and it will be weaker for not having much hold in the world. However, such forcible dismissals are a good way to gain a demon’s ire.
With Binding

If the ritual has been successful then the demon will be completely bound inside the inner circle. The negotiations can now begin.These will vary in style or content dependent on the type of demon being summoned. An Imp can usually be easily bullied into doing as the demonologist wishes as they are the lowliest of the low and shamelessly cowardly and grovelling. Even an apprentice demonologist has little to fear from an Imp. Similarly, simple orders will work for the slower, more physical demons. They are much less likely to double-cross the demonologist as they lack the mental capacity and tend to respond well to a strong leadership figure. They are also easily bribed.For the more advanced demons this negotiation can be protracted, but they will usually be willing to cut a deal rather than not ‘even if it is not entirely in their favour’ simply to buy time in the mortal plane. Prices also will vary and whilst some are very uncomplicated in their desires, others will ask for rare, expensive or ‘amusing’ items and/or people.True names make negotiation more of a pleasantry than a necessity for demons ranked lower than the demonologist, but it is likely to lead to resentment in the long run unless sweetened with a suitable incentive. It is down to the conscience and/or sensibilities of the demonologist conducting the ritual as to whether or not ‘bonuses’ are offered.At the culmination of the negotiation it is usual for what has been agreed to be committed to paper, with the demonologist adding their signature after the demon has made their mark to ensure no foul play. To avoid breaching the circle and therefore placing themselves in danger the demon’s mark is usually made at range using a small trick all demons possess to add their signature/equivalent to a paper from a distance, providing they can see it. This is only necessary, however, for demons or a higher rank or those more inclined to trying to weasel their way out of a deal.For those demons too weak/simple, contrary or unable to enter into written agreements’ a verbal contract/series of orders is usually more than sufficient. Imps in particular can be controlled with as little as a stern word when they step out of line.

Stage Five – The Banishing

Once the contract is in place the demonologist can either release the demon into the mortal plane or banish it back to Gehenna – whichever is relevant depending on the contract agreed/enforced.

To release a demon the demonologist must scratch/draw a clear, straight line which crosses all of the circles in place and declare aloud their release of the demon. The demon is then free to walk in the mortal plane. A short phrase such as “Demon, I allow you to walk beyond this circle by my will and word.” or similar is usually sufficient. If at any point during a binding something crosses the wards they will be broken and the demon will be able to escape. This means that a demonologist no longer has the power to banish it.

If the demon is to be returned to Gehenna then the demonologist can simply dismiss the demon.

The majority of demons will not resist banishment, the most powerful exception to this being possession. In this case a banishing ritual will be required.

An example of a script is shown below:

I see you and know you for what you are,
I call you from darkness into light,
Show your true face,
I command you,
Relinquish your hold on this creature,

Aseph*
Aseph
Aseph

I send thee back,
I banish thee,
Trouble us no more,

With My Will I Banish You,
With My Will I Banish You,
With My Will I Banish You.

* Alternatively: Imp of the Third Circle, etc.

The strength of the wards is only temporary. If your communication with a demon is prolonged, consider re-evoking the wards to maintain their strength. Be warned, the energies that create the binding are finite and there might be insufficient power left to maintain your wards.

Stage Six – Conclusion

Once the banishment has been concluded the demonologist can render the circles ‘neutral’ by drawing/scratching a straight line through them. This removes their power and they cannot be used again. For more long-term plans/repeated summons the circles can be left in place and simply ‘refreshed’ whenever they are re-used, but this comes at the risk of them being left for someone other than the demonologist to use. This option is only recommended for secure locations and/or people who don’t care about demons potentially running amok through untrained/poor quality summonings.