Demon Mages

Demon mages create ritual spells to summon, dominate, and supposedly control demons and devils in order to augment their power in some way.
It is not illegal or even illicit to study demonology. The Seraphim and other similar law enforcement organizations around the world study demonology in order to neutralize and banish demons and devils from the world. The practice of demonic magic, however, has been forbidden throughout history and throughout the world because of its inherent danger--not only to the targets of the demon mages' malice, but to the demon mages themselves. It is not unknown for a demon or devil to turn on the ones who supposedly mastered it and wipe out an entire city.

Career

Qualifications

Demonic magic is prohibited, and therefore there are no formal programs at any of the magical universities or magical programs at established mundane universities. Among demon mages, there is no formal training systems, although one experienced demon mage may train another as sort of an apprentice. These relationships are not regulated, however. Demon mages may train themselves using demonology and ritual magic texts.
In general, demon mages must have the following skills in order to work properly:

• a strong dose of The Talent
• expertise in demonology
• expertise in ritual magic
• reading competency in several languages (Latin, Hebrew, and Arabic are the common ones in the Western Hemisphere)
• great magical skill and power

Demon mages also need

• secure spaces in which to work ritual magic
• access to demonological texts
• the ability to keep secrets
• courage
• a strong stomach

Other Benefits

Demon mages have the reputation for making deals with devils and demons that give them fabulous wealth and unlimited power (both political and magical). Demon mages who can control (or think they control) demons and devils have been known, historically, to use the demonic spirits to create devastating storms, wage wars, and destroy cities. Generally, however, the demon mages lose control and often their lives (and possibly souls).

Perception

Social Status

Demon mages can come from any social or economic class. They tend, however, to be scholarly or at least geeky.

Operations

Tools

Demon mages use the same magical tools as most mages involved in ritual magic. They do, however, seek out books on demonology and ritual magic.

Materials

Occasionally, demonic or devilish rituals calls for strange, bizarre, or rare and expensive ingredients, supposedly to lure or bribe the demons or devils. Demon mages often sacrifice animals (the larger and more expensive the animal, the larger and more powerful the demon and devil). Human sacrifice, especially of children, is not unheard of. Demon mages have been known to kidnap mundane children--and even Talented ones--for this purpose.

Workplace

Demon mages can work anywhere, indoors or out, but they require a large amount of space to create a powerful enough ritual. Since demonic magic is forbidden, however, they must work clandestinely, so private homes or secluded areas (such as woods, deserts, or national parks) are preferred. Most demon mages also prefer to work outside, to prevent property damage.

Dangers & Hazards

Despite legends to the contrary, demons and devils cannot truly be controlled by humans, even those with The Talent. They often allow demon mages to believe they are in charge, then turn on their so-called "masters," pursuing vengeance through many generations of family. Moreover, demons and devils often demand very high prices for their services, up to and including the lives and souls of those who summon them.

Alternative Names

Demon wizard

Type

Arcane

Legality

Demonic magic is forbidden by law world wide. As the perceived benefits are great, however, there are always people willing to literally make a deal with the devil. In the United States, the Seraphim investigate, track, and arrest any demon mages who have survived their work.