Rules:
Most popular decision wins.
If rolls are called, the best of three will be used.
Be respectful of your fellow players.
For best results, do not attempt to derail.
QM Twitter @CitizenCFKane.

>>44927471
>>Talk to Marissa about the centaur.

>>44927539
"You'll never guess what happened on the way to get these," you say.
"Did you see a deer or something?" Marissa asks. She's not amused.
"Something like that. A centaur."
"A centaur? I'll believe in demonic possession and casting spells, and I'll even believe that a small magick shop with two or three customers a day can make it in this economy. But a centaur?"
"It was half man and half horse. He spoke to me and tried to convince me not to go through with this ritual."
"What did you do?"

>"I got away and left it in the forest."
>"I killed it after it attacked me."
>"I slit its throat after tricking it into believing me."
>Write-in.

>>44927690
>"I killed it after it attacked me."

>>44927690
>>"I got away and left it in the forest.

>>44927725

"I killed it after it attacked me."
"Let me get this straight. You found a centaur, it talked to you, it attacked you, and YOU killed it."
You take the bottle filled with its blood out of your bad.
"I thought that its blood might be useful in a ritual."
Marissa takes the bottle and looks at it. The blood is rich and metallic looking. It shines as the light hits it. She sighs and hands it back to you.
"Well, if it attacked you... then I guess you did the right thing," she says.

>Wash the ritual dagger.
>Transport the blood to an airtight container.
>Further translate the Book of Asmoday.
>Talk to Marissa about [write-in].
>Write-in.

>>44927926
>Wash the ritual dagger.
>Transport the blood to an airtight container.
>Talk to Marissa about [Asmoday apparently can talk to me now after that mark, so if I start acting weird do something.

>>44927926
>Wash the ritual dagger.
>Transport the blood to an airtight container.

>>44927956
>>44928124

You take the ritual dagger to the sink and begin washing off the blood. If you're going to make an offering of your own blood during this ritual, it's going to be with clean tools.
Once you finish that, you pour the blood from the bottle into a jar with ain airtight lid and seal it shut. This all takes about five minutes.
When you return to the room, Marissa is reading one of your books.
"Tao Te Ching," you say. "Good book, but that's not going to help us tonight."
"I was just reading. It's not like I'm the one performing this ritual."
"I've got to tell you something else. Asmoday apparently can talk to me now after that mark, so if I start acting weird do something."
"That sounds fair to me. You know, you can still back out. We could talk to Peter."

>"Maybe you're right. Let's not do this."
>"I've already done this much. Now we just have to finish this."
>"With Asmoday's help, I will become powerful enough to save Jacob. I've got to do this."
>Write-in.

>>44928148
>"I've already done this much. Now we just have to finish this."
Carve some protection circles around the place in case the other demon tries to interfere.

>>44928148
>"I've already done this much. Now we just have to finish this."

>>44928183
>>44928219

"I've already done this much. Now we just have to finish this," you say.
"If you insist," Marissa says.
You look around. The basement is covered in protective wards and seals already. Maybe you should do the same with your ritual space in the forest.
"Let's go, then. I've got to get the ritual spot ready."
"Alright," Marissa says. "I'll help if I can."
The two of you pack all of the ritual supplies into your bag and her backpack, and find a cage for the chicken, and head to the ritual site.
Together, you construct an elaborate set of circles in and around the ritual site. First by drawing in the dirt with the tip of your dagger. Then, you layer over the drawing with chalk, and add symbols of protection to the stones in the area. Then you layer over the ground circles with salt.
A stone altar is already set in your ritual space. You place the jar containing the lamb's foot, the ritual dagger, large incense burners, and your other supplies onto the altar. The caged chicken sits next to the altar.

You look at your watch. It's nearly midnight now, and you're to perform the ritual just after midnight. You have just enough time to...

>Meditate until you reach a gnostic state. Then perform the ritual.
>Perform various cleansing spells. Then perform the ritual.
>Draw the symbol of Asmoday on the altar, to solidify your dedication.
>Write-in.

>>44928606
>Meditate until you reach a gnostic state. Then perform the ritual.

>>44928606
>Meditate until you reach a gnostic state. Then perform the ritual.

>>44928669
>>44928908

You sit in meditation for about half an hour until you reach a gnostic state. That is, according to some, the most important part of doing magick. Marissa just sits to the side and waits, sipping some coffee.
You're quite tired, as you haven't slept in a while. But not too tired to perform this ritual. You stand in front of the altar.
You light heaps of lavander incense on the altar. It fills the air with a pleasant smell.
You take the lamb's bone out of the jar and place it on the altar in front of the bronze vessel. In Enochian, and then English, you say:
"Great Asmoday, my King. I make this offering that it may bring you pleasure. Take the bone of this innocent creature bathed in the oil of the magi, that it may give you strength to return in full form to this world."

As you say this, the lamb's bone catches aflame, green fire rising out of it. You take the ritual dagger and cut your palm, bleeding into the bronze bowl.

"I offer you my blood that you may feast upon and return to this material plane. Accept my offering if it pleases you, my Lord Asmoday."

"Good. Good! I feel strength returning to me, young magician." Asmoday's voice fills your head. It seems stronger, less raspy.

>Negotiate terms before performing the rest of the ritual.
>Continue the ritual. Try to exorcise Jacob from afar.
>Change the focus of the ritual. Instead of exorcising Jacob, receive Asmoday's power.

>>44929238

>Negotiate terms before performing the rest of the ritual.

>>44929238
>Negotiate terms before performing the rest of the ritual.

>>44929352
>>44929367

"Before we proceed," you say, "I must negotiate terms."
"Very well, mortal. What is your request?"
"My soul, and the souls of my friends, family, and loved ones are not to be part of our deal. You will not come into possession of them."
"A reasonable request. Anything else?"
"No harm will come to my friends, family, or loved ones, nor will any come to me."
"You have my word."
"Then we continue. This ritual is meant to expel the demon from Jacob, wherever he may be. I have given you strength in exchange for this, and will provide another sacrifice once you agree."
"I agree to your terms, mortal."
You take the chicken out of the cage and hold it over the bronze vessel containing your blood.
"King Asmoday, I offer you the life of a living being in exchange for your service. Overcome the demon possessing my apprentice, and allow him to survive without demonic forces ruling over him or his actions."
You take the ritual dagger and stab the chicken in the heart, holding it so that it bleeds out into the bronze bowl until it stops moving.
"As above, so below. The deed is done, and the power of living beings has been made available to you. So mote it be."
"Who's there!?" Marissa yells.
You hear a slow clap. "Very good," a man's voice calls out. It's not one you recognize.

>Turn to face the intruder.
>"Marissa, run!" Grab hold of the ritual dagger and run to attack him.
>Use magick to try to throw the person to the ground telepathically.
>Write-in.

>>44930014
>Turn to face the intruder.

>>44930014
>Turn to face the intruder.

>>44930051
>>44930160

You turn to face the intruder. An elderly man with a short, white beard and white robes colored with gold steps out from the forest. He doesn't look particularly frail, but he is quite old. He holds nothing on him but a walking stick carved to show a face near the top. The stick radiates a powerful aura which you feel deep in your bones. When you adjust your eyes, you see a radiant, yet colorless aura field surrounding the old man.
"I thought that someone might use that tome again. It has been ages since last I saw it."

You quickly start feeling yourself being drained, all energy being removed from your body. You haven't slept in days. You need to rub your eyes to retain focus on him.

>"Who are you?"
>"Begone, wizard. You are not welcome here." [Magic fight]
>[Magic fight option]: "Asmoday, I request your power to destroy this wizard."
>Write-in

>>44930359
>"Who are you?"

>>44930359
>[Magic fight option]: "Asmoday, I request your power to destroy this wizard."

>>44930359
>"Begone, wizard. You are not welcome here." [Magic fight]

>>44930412
>>44930422

"Begone, wizard. You are not welcome here." You take hold of your ritual dagger. "Asmoday, I request your power to destroy this wizard."
"As you wish," Asmoday says. He sounds slirred, as if drunk on the energy being radiated.
The wizard begins chanting a spell as Marissa runs at him and tries to punch him. A light energy pulse radiates from him, tossing her to the ground.
You feel yourself become more awake. Stronger. Faster. Excited. Your senses all heighten; you see new colors; you feel the movement of the earth and the slow passage of time; you smell the fear from Marissa.
You look down at your dagger. It has become a sword in the old Egyptian style, with much embelishment.

"You have on your hands the blood of a centaur, warlock," he calls out. "Repent now and learn the greater path, or be destroyed."
You leap through the air as if you were thrown from a trebuchet. The wizard raises his staff in defense, a great light shining from him. You hold your sword out, to ram it through the old wizard's heart.

Roll 1d20.

Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>44930604

Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>44930604

Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>44930604

>>44930657
>>44930674
>>44930684

You go forward with your sword, but the old man's staff is too long.
He holds it out so that you fall onto the tip, hitting you directly in the solar plexus. As you take the impact, you feel your astral body separate from your physical body. The old wizard's does, as well.
You feel yourself held in the air by the staff in your astral body. The images of the astral realm appear around you. The old man stands, holding the staff.

"Warlock, banish this demon from your body. I have seen your potential, and would be your mentor."
You start to panic. You've never been forced out of body before.
"Or I could kill you here and now," he says, "If you wish to fight me."
You see strain in his face. He might be bluffing.

>Call his bluff and come at him with the power of Asmodeus.
>Hold him at a standstill in case he becomes weaker.
>Submit to him.
>Write-in.

>>44930803
>Hold him at a standstill in case he becomes weaker.
Dude. What is happening

>>44930803
>Hold him at a standstill in case he becomes weaker.
Explanations now

Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>44930604

>>44930845
>>44930856

You see the weakness in him. He is a powerful wizard, but is old. Too old to keep up with the overpowering energy of a demon king.
"What's happening? Explain yourself!" You say, held in place.
"One of my order approached you once we discovered the book's location. We offered you a way out of your situation in exchange for the book. It must be destroyed. Yet here you are, engaging with a demon."
His breathing is becoming heavy. In a single pulse you force the two of you back into your physical bodies. You stand, sword in hand, in front of the old man, defensively standing with his staff in front of him.

>Try to pull the staff out of his hands and kill him with the blade.
>Grab the staff and use its energy against him, forcing him into submission.
>Put down your sword and renounce your demonic power.
>Write-in

>>44930803
>Hold him at a standstill in case he becomes weaker.

"You come only now to help and the centaur of which you speak attacked me."

>>44930966
>Grab the staff and use its energy against him, forcing him into submission.

>>44930966
>Grab the staff and use its energy against him, forcing him into submission.

>>44930966
>>Grab the staff and use its energy against him, forcing him into submission.

>>44930966
>Grab the staff and use its energy against him, forcing him into submission.

>>44930988
>>44930990
>>44931017

You grab onto the staff with your free hand. It's a bit overwhelming at first as you come to realize that this isn't any ordinary wizard's staff. This thing is some kind of ancient magical relic.
But that doesn't stop you from using it. You project all the power Asmoday has granted you in a psychical attack channelled through the staff. The old man falls to the ground, letting go of the staff, and his aura is greatly diminished.
You now hold the staff and feel its power running through you. This single object is nearly as powerful as a conjured demon lord on its own.

>Channel the staff to drain the wizard of the rest of his power, but leave him conscious.
>Absorb his power and kill him.
>Drop the staff and demand more information.
>Write-in

>>44931117
>Drop the staff and demand more information.

>>44931117
>Channel the staff to drain the wizard of the rest of his power, but leave him conscious.

>>44931117
>Channel the staff to drain the wizard of the rest of his power, but leave him conscious.

>>44931117
>Channel the staff to drain the wizard of the rest of his power, but leave him conscious.

You appear to want me as your enemy. I don't see why, I have one enemy his name is Baal and I do not want to expand the list.

>>44931183
>>44931155
>>44931146

You channel the power of the staff to drain the wizard of his power. It moves through the staff and into you in a wave. You feel light static shocks from the wood.
The old man lies conscious in the grass, too weak to stand.
"Now your power is mine, wizard," you say. "You appear to want me as your enemy. I don't see why, I have one enemy. His name is Baal and I do not want to expand the list."
"I was not sent to kill you, only to take the book and destroy it. You would be safe, just unconscious for a few hours."
"Who are you? What are you talking about?"
"My name is Samuel. I'm a member of the minor council of Ordo Templi Daemonium. We would have used true, good magick to help you, boy."
"What could you offer me which is not offered by the demon king?"
"Great training in the ancient ways, underneath the maester himself. Magick pure, not tainted by demonic forces."

>"What is this staff?"
>"I've heard enough. Take your staff and leave, never to return."
>"I've heard enough. Leave, never to return."
>"I have no concern for the origins of my power, so long as I have it." [Finish him.]
>"I will join you."
>Write-in.

>>44931327
>"What is this staff?"

Then depending on that answer either tell him to leave with the staff, or if the staff is still useful to us take it and tell him to leave

>>44931327
>"What is this staff?"
The whole hitting me before talking shot you in the foot.

>>44931371
>>44931377

"What is this staff?"
"An ancient relic which some consider holy. It is the wand gambanteinn, held by Skirnir, a great messenger."
"What function does it perform?"
"The absorbtion and projection of energy -- chi, psi, whatever you may call it -- and passage to the astral plane."

>"Thank you for the staff. You may leave with your life."
>"Take your relic and go."
>"You realize that you have to die now, right?" [Kill]
>"It would be a crime to turn away a wise man. I will join you."

>>44931452
>>"Thank you for the staff. You may leave with your life."
I will not abandon my apprentice, least of all mid-banishment. Try speaking with me in honesty and peace some other time.

>>44931452
>"Thank you for the staff. You may leave with your life."

>>44931488
>>44931493

"Thank you for the staff. You may leave with your life."
You return enough energy to him for him to walk.
"I will not abandon my apprentice, least of all mid-banishment. Try speaking with me in honesty and peace some other time."
"I wish you would not make use of these demonic forces, warlock. I will leave now, but know that I will have to clean up your mess later."
"Go before I change my mind," you say. The man retreats. "Now, Asmoday, where were we?"

"The rules of the deal have changed," Asmoday says. "I made a deal with you for your friend. Then you asked for power."
"I thought you gave it willingly," you say. "There was no mention of this."
"Assume nothing, human. I am altering the deal. Pray I do not alter it further. Here is the new deal: you will keep your soul and be welcome to all that I can bestow."
"Sounds good so far."
"In exchange, you must enter my service. Open a temple to my likeness, and take in members to serve me. Then destroy that man and his organization."
"And if I refuse?"
"You have already gotten a soul's worth of power from me. I would expect one. Perhaps not yours, but the girl. She is unconscious; all you would have to do is finish the job."

>"I'll take your deal, and will live in service to you."
>"Take Marissa, then. I have no love for her."
>Begin a strong banishment ritual, calling upon the power of gambanteinn.
>Write-in.

>>44931648

>Are you sure it's not enough that he was humbled, and his temple has lost such a powerful artifact?
If not

>Begin a strong banishment ritual, calling upon the power of gambanteinn.

>>44931648
>>44931685
this

>>44931685
>>44931804
"Are you sure it's not enough that he was humbled, and his temple has lost such a powerful artifact?"
"Absolutely not. His kind will find your temple and attempt to destroy it. They must be annihilated before they gain more power."
You consider what he says for a moment. But no. It isn't worth it. You now have a powerful artifact and possibly access to a powerful magickal order.
You hold the staff perfectly still.
"Unholy force, demon, Asmoday. I purge you from this realm," you yell out. "With the power of old magick, I cast ye from my body and from this world. Return from whence ye came, demon!"

Roll 1d20.

Rolled 1 (1d20)

>>44931850

Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>44931850

Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>44931850

>>44931853
>>44931881
>>44931914
Ahhahahaha. We possessed.

>>44931853
>>44931881
>>44931914
>>44931928

You had a break in your concentration.
"Fool, did you think that you could defeat me?" Your body is held in suspension, sword in hand. The staff is tightly held in your grip. "I am a demon king, not some lowly astral parasite."
You feel your body walking. You see that you're getting closer to Marissa. Then you raise your sword above your head.
"Submit to me or she becomes a sacrifice."

>Double or nothing. Try to force him out even harder. [Roll 1d20.]
>"I submit, my lord."
>Kill Marissa.
>Write-in

Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>44931993
>>Double or nothing. Try to force him out even harder. [Roll 1d20.]
NO BULLY!

Rolled 17 (1d20)

>>44931993
>Double or nothing. Try to force him out even harder. [Roll 1d20.]

Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>44931993
>Double or nothing. Try to force him out even harder. [Roll 1d20.]

Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>44931850

>>44932029

"Get out!" You yell. It's powerful and the staff resonates with it. Asmoday is cast from your body, all of his thoughts cast from your mind.
You don't even feel his presence in the air.
He's gone. You did it. You banished a demon king.

You hear your cell phone ring. Caller ID says it's Jacob.

>To be continued.

>>44932029
>>44932085
Apparently we do like Marissa, despite her bitchy ways.

>>44932016
>>44932031
Though we're pretty easy to dominate.