Demonic Pacts

Demons under the direction of Mephistopheles have the ability to grant mortal wishes in return for the mortal’s soul. The usual terms of these contracts includes a time period in which the mortal gets to enjoy their granted wish, at the end of which hellhounds or the demon itself will hunt down the mortal and kill them, dragging their soul down to Hell for eternal damnation and torture.

Contract Demons or "crossroads demons" can be called to any crossing of roads with an incantation which mentions Mephisto by his use-name and includes a small bag or box containing yarrow flowers, grave dirt, a memento personal to the summoner and the bone of a cat, preferably a black cat. These demons usually respond to the summons within 60-90 seconds and will reveal themselves as demons by showing their red eyes.

Verbiage is very important in demonic pacts. A summoner must listen very carefully to the offered deal and think of the worst ways such a deal could be turned against them or ended early. If the summoner is talented enough with contract language, they can usually modify the contract in such a way that the demon has to abide by the spirit of the agreement, rather than the letter. Demons are frequently reluctant to enter into a contract they have an equal stake in, so the language has to be skillfully wrought if one hopes to trick them into a fair deal or one in the summoner’s favor.

Some particular crossroads demons have personal summons. This is usually due to a deal struck between the demon and Mephisto or some other higher demonic lord.