Gothic Library

It seems that the snow and hail have stopped for now. Sage and Alfie have everyone hurry to sign the ledger so they can begin the summoning rituals.

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You have chosen to make a new contract with a demon, like so many others at the Summoner's Camp. It's a simple procedure, but one that needs everyone involved. The circle requires a massive amount of energy to power, but the more summoners are around, the less energy it takes from each individual. You'll barely feel a tingle, hopefully, with considering how many people are around.

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Once everyone has signed the book, you wait around for the ritual. The forest is silent and eerie, and the ground is hard and wet. You hope the weather will let you all proceed. You've all come here just for this, and you'd really hate to have struggled for nothing.

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Eventually, Alfie asks everyone to stand on the circle's edge. The demons stay outside the circle, looking around and seemingly guarding the ritual. He finishes up the final touches of the runes and sigils around the camp, along with his horde of goblins. Sage, who you met at the beginning, stands in front of the fire and tosses something small into it. The fire roars to life and you flinch a little in fear.

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She calls your name first.

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You step out of the circle and she smiles at you. You know what you're supposed to do but it takes a little encouragement to get closer to the fire. You have your demon's name, and you have your wish. It's just a matter of speaking into the fire and hoping the demon answers...

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When you do, the fire dies down to nothing but embers. You wait, and you wait, and you start to wonder if you did something wrong, or perhaps your petition has been denied. Everyone is silent. No one moves. You hardly breathe.

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Then, the embers move. In the center of the bonfire, a clawed hand reaches up. The demon pulls itself out of the fire and reveals itself. They're just as you imagined they would be, just as your books described the demon. When, finally, it stands atop the flames, the world around you fades into a mist. It's just you and your demon now.

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"Summoner," they say, "you wish to attempt a contract with me?"

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You nod.

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"I feel not all is well here. What has happened?"

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You explain that something has happened to the Disappearing Library and that you've been asked to help by two other demons. You mention they wish to contract with you as well.

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Your demon gives you a flat, unhappy expression. "For the sake of the Library, I shall allow it. Multiple contracts signed in a single year, bah. I hope you are ready to work. It is not easy to handle many of us at once, even for the most experienced summoner."

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