Demons

Self-serving, self-interested, and selfish; demons are the epitome of lawful neutral. Demons are buyers and sellers of almost anything one can imagine. Gold, magical relics, knowledge, abilities - all can be obtained from demons at a price that all could hypothetically afford: their soul. Be it small shreds of a soul’s potential or the possession of the soul upon their final death, the exact cost will vary to reflect what is being bought. After all, what’s a small piece of your soul in exchange for a year's worth of earnings?

= What Exactly are Demons = Demons come into being in multiple ways. Some are created, some are mortals granted demonhood, some are born from other demons. Nobody truly knows where the first demon came from, or who the first demon truly is. What is known for a fact is that demons inhabit the Land of the Dead.

Demons do not eat in the normal sense. Instead they must feed off the souls of mortals. The power of the mortal souls allows the demon to replenish their energy and continue to exist. Thus demons are not inherently evil in their acquisition of souls, they are merely trying to survive. These fragments of soul are called “potential”, and are referred to out of game as XP.

Demons carve out space in the Land of the Dead and congregate to form large groups which they refer to as Organizations. These organizations are built around the acquisition of souls and wealth. Organizations are usually led by an Archdemon, who focuses on delegating jobs and distributing collected souls.

Demons are bound to their word in the form of demon contracts. These contracts explain the exact terms of the trade to be made, and allow the demon organizations to keep records of those who have made deals. To facilitate these contracts and to ensure fair trade, demons have several intrinsic qualities to their beings. These are the Demonic Laws

The Demonic Laws

 * 1) Demons will only take the soul of someone through contract.
 * 2) Demons will not make contracts with anyone compelled to do so via magic or alchemy.
 * 3) Demons cannot lie in contract.
 * 4) Demons do not take sides outside of contracts.
 * 5) Demons cannot initiate direct harm against individuals.

= Types of Demons =

Blessed with Demonic Power
Those blessed with demonic power, who have received a specific contract for power. These people are considered demi-demons. These mortals, blessed with a fraction of demonic abilities, are on the path to becoming a full demon. Those blessed with demonic power pay no potential for their gifts. But instead will be changed into full demons upon their final death. In order to speed up this process those with demonic power have a mark placed upon their soul to make returning to life more difficult. Once this contract is made it is almost impossible to break. Either a large sum of potential must be paid, or you can serve with the collectors by paying off your souls with the souls of others. Those blessed with demonic power can be identified by their red horns.

Demonic Scalpers
The demonic scalpers are lesser demons that refuse to join the demonic organizations. Demonic scalpers are blacklisted by other demons, and as such cannot make true demon contracts. Instead they survive by exploiting a loophole in the system. While they cannot make contracts, they can transfer contracts. Demonic scalpers will buy undesirable contracts off individuals and give it to another. Because of this system, scalpers come into contracts that are less desirable, have strange stipulations, and are totally non-negotiable. Despite the limitations, these contracts can be easier to obtain and often come with reduced rates.

True Demons
Regular demons. These beings are immortal so long as they consume souls, and form the bulk of demonic organizations. Demons come in almost all shapes, sizes, and hold positions within the organization. Only the smartest and most trustworthy-looking are granted the position of dealmakers. The position of dealmaker is highly desirable among demons, as it grants the ability to travel between the Land of the Dead and The Planes as they see fit. Most other demons do not leave the organization's base of operations without accompaniment.

Archdemons
Ancient and powerful, the Archdemons’ incredible intellect and organizational skills make them excellent rulers of the demonic organizations. There is usually only one Archdemon per demonic organization, and the Archdemons often meet to ensure they do not step into the territories of the others. Within the organizations Archdemons delegate the responsibilities of the lesser demons, and are in charge of the distribution of souls to the lower demons. It is because of this that Archdemons often choose the specific “form” of their organization. Some run their organization like a bank, others like a casino, others like a fair. These organizations run the gambit of ruthlessly efficient to exorbitantly extravagant. However, all serve a single purpose: to separate you from your soul.

= How to Find a Demon = If you want to make a contract, then more often than not a demon will be the one finding you. Demons wander around on occasion, in spots where contracts have been made in the past, or that are high in potential. Carreg Wynn is a common hunting ground for them. However, if you wish to make a contract right away, smalls rituals can usually be performed to summon them. If this method is utilized, however, beware of ever wasting their time.

= Demon Contracts = A demon contract is the method by which demons take souls (or whatever else was negotiated) in exchange for whatever the heart desires. There are strict rules to signing a contract, and several levels of contract that one could ask for. In order for a contract to matter, a person must sign it willingly, a person under magical influence cannot sign a contract. One should always be wary when signing a contract, for once a deal is struck it's almost impossible to get out of it, and getting out of a contract could be worse than payment owed.

The Contract
Demons cannot lie within the contract, and their contracts will always be truthful to the letter of the word. However, any dealmaker of experience are masters of omission and word play. For example, if a demon states that they will not come to collect your soul at times due, you will find another demon may happily come collect in their stead. Be cautious whenever deals are struck, for if it ever looks too good to be true, it often is.

The Payment
Demons may ask for nearly anything, however the cost will always depend on the contract in question. Demons have a hierarchy of the things they will be willing to take and it goes as such. With 1 being most valuable and 5 being the least valuable. They also will not accept every form of payment for every type of contract.


 * 1) Potential (XP)
 * 2) True names
 * 3) Items of value
 * 4) Favors
 * 5) Service after true death

Contract Types
Continuous: Continuous contracts leave a mark on the soul and their costs are paid down the line. Those that hold these contract types will be hunted by the collectors when payment comes due.

Instant: These contracts are instant and paid up front, the contract acts more as a receipt than a contract.

Regardless of duration, destruction of the physical piece of paper does not invalidate the contract itself, unless that has somehow been stipulated within the contract’s terms.

Minor Contracts: These are small contracts made for mundane items, resources, gold, better weapons, information, etc. These are usually not particularly expensive, and can be rather easy to acquire. These contracts are most commonly instant.

Major Contracts: These contracts are made for magical items, or standard abilities. These abilities often allow one to jump over prerequisites or training. These contracts are moderately costly and are not hard to make. Depending on what you want your contract can be either instant, or continuous

Power Contracts: These are very rare contracts. They allow people to gain non standard abilities, unique powers, and incredibly powerful magical items. However, be warned before making a contract like this, for the cost is always immense.

Demonic Power Contracts: These contracts grant characters the power of a demi demon (the demonic blessing/curse) When the individual is incapable of or no longer wishing to return to the Land of the Living, they are taken to serve the demonic organization that holds their contracts.

Collector Contracts: If one wants to escape their contracts they can make a collector contract and join the collectors. They will no longer be hunted by the other collectors, but will incur harsh penalties if they fail to meet their quota.

= The Collectors = The collectors are the fist of the demons. Those with contracts that owe potential will be hunted by the collectors. The collectors are merciless and clever, and may employ creative means in order to corner their prey. Those that join the collectors do so as a means to earn money, power, or favors. Others may join as a way to get out of their own contracts.

Those that join the collectors are powerful in their own right, and many hold their own contracts. These individuals need to be strong, for they constantly hunt and battle those who hold demonic power. Due to the risk collectors pose, it is essential that people consider their contracts before making them, as whenever payment is owed the threat of a collector visiting is ever present.

= Known Demonic Organizations =

The Bank Macabre
Ruled over by Gallamarkus, an Archdemon also known as the King of Demons. This organization runs like a well oiled and structured bank. Every demon has a place and a job, each acting as a cog in Gallamarkus’ well oiled soul collecting machine. The Bank Macabre’s territory spreads over the entirety of the frontier. The Bank Macabre is the largest known demonic organization, and has deals with most other organizations.

The De Monte Carlo
The De Monte Carlo is run by an Archdemon pair, known as Red Dress and The Owner. The De Monte Carlo itself is located within the Land of the Dead, however passage to it can be found across many locations within the Planes. On some occasions Red Dress herself may appear to invite people personally. The De Monte Carlo is run like a casino, and while demons there can make traditional contracts, far more popular is wagering your potential and wealth in games of chance. Potential visitors would do well to remember the old adage that a fool and their money are soon parted.

The Dem Ann’s Revenge
The Dem Ann’s revenge is the name of the ship helmed by the Archdemon known as The Captain. The Captain, with the help of his soul sender navigator Mary Ann, travels the oceans of the Land of the Dead in search of the souls of those lost at sea. Once spotted, The Captain will bring the souls aboard and offer them safe passage to shore so that they can be resurrected or instead move to the land beyond. Of course, nobody travels on The Captain's ship for free, he charges a portion of their soul in exchange for their safe passage. Most take the deal, as what is a sliver of one’s soul against an eternity struggling against the crashing waves of the deep?

La Scala
Also known as the Demon Theatre, La Scala is a multipractice theater and performance hall overseen by The Impresario. The demons of La Scala tend to focus their attention on larger metropolitan centers, such as Tawdic City and other centers of the arts, and generally the demons within have less reason to set foot in the frontier. Higher ranking dealmakers within the organization (nicknamed ‘The Management’) tend to have titles reflecting their focus, such as “The Director”, “The Composer”, “The Playwright”, “The Understudy”, or “The Poet”. These demons, and those working beneath them, seek out those willing to pay any price in pursuit of improving their art, or in getting the fame and recognition they feel they are owed. While more “general” contracts are sometimes taken, these are a little less commonplace. Individual members of The Management have been known to accept complex or unexpected deals seemingly on a lark, however oftentimes in those cases it is because the mortal is being seen as an inspiration or muse as much as a resource. Those few mortals who have reason to visit La Scala describe it as a lavish, bordering on flamboyant place, with those former-mortals who entered into deals often made to perform for the enjoyment of other demons and their guests.

= Known Archdemons =

Gallamarkus
The King of Demons, Gallamarkus is the Archdemon that rules The Bank Macabre. He is not commonly seen by mortals, thus not too much is known about him. It is known that he is immeasurably intelligent, rules The Bank Macabre with an iron fist, and often joins the Undead Council for poker nights.

Red Dress
One of the co-owners of the De Monte Carlo, Red Dress can be immediately identified as she is never seen without the dress of her namesake. She often travels around inviting people back to the De Monte Carlo for evenings of games and gambling.

The Owner
The other co-owner of the De Monte Carlo, He can be identified by his fine clothing and sarcastic demeanor. He doesn't like to leave the De Monte Carlo, and instead likes handling the books.

The Owner (The Rabbit)
During the collision of the worlds, Carreg Wynn was saved by the De Monte Carlo. While Red Dress was present during this time, instead of The Owner as he is known today, there was a strange rabbit in a top hat. This rabbit was The Owner from another world, and was far more malicious than his counterpart. He attempted to steal an immeasurable amount of potential from Carreg Wynn and the universe as a whole during the chaos of the merging worlds. Ultimately, he was defeated during a game of Kings Cup which held the universe at stake as the wager.

The Captain
The Captain helms the Dem Ann’s Revenge. He can  be quickly recognized by his tricorn hat, black pirate attire, and unnatural glowing eyes. He is cold and calculating, and some find his actions exploitative, as he is only saving people at a price. Others find him altruistic, as his prices are never unfair and he has saved many souls. Ultimately, he simply needs to eat. He keeps the potential he takes in tobacco tins, and consumes it through a long dark pipe.

The Impresario
The overseer of La Scala, The Impresario is the Archdemon that resides with the Demon Theatre, rarely leaving or entertaining guests. Little is known about her, save that she is an avid fan of opera in particular, and that she has another name which is a closely guarded secret known only to the Management and those she is directly under contract with. Those demons of La Scala that speak of her tend to maintain a tone of reverent respect, often bordering on fear.

= Other Demons of Note = More to come.