The Old Gods

You have chosen to make a new contract with a demon, like so many others in at the Summoner's Camp. It's a simple procedure, but one that requires 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're curious if you'll even feel a thing with 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 you wonder how many of those things are lurking in the darkness. You hope nothing will be interrupted. You've come all this way, and you'd really hate to have struggled for nothing.

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Eventually, the woman who has a dozen contracts asks everyone to stand on the edge of the summoning circle. The demons stay outside the circle, looking around and seemingly guarding the ritual. Alfie finishes up the final touches of the runes and sigils around the camp, along with his horde of goblins. The woman 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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They look around, skeptical. "The Old Gods are here, I see. How unfortunate, but perhaps better for our contract." They look at you. "I assume they wish to test you all. Perhaps this is good for you. They enjoy playing with a determined mind. Should they present challenges to you, I will base your trials on that. I will not call my friends to test your dedication. You merely have to impress the Old Ones."

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Your demon gestures around. "I shall follow you around, for a time, but do not expect me to enter places the Old Ones dwell. I look forward to seeing your progress, and hope we can finalize our contract at the end."

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