Cacodemon (pronounced: /ˈkækoʊdimʌn/ KÆK-o-dee-mun[6] 
listen), also called cacofiend[2][3] or cacodaemon,[7] was a conjuration spell that allowed the caster to summon a powerful demon.[5]
Effects[]
The spell, which was a perilous exercise, would summon a powerful demon of type IV, V, or VI. The summoned demon would be stronger than a glabrezu, and could be those of the power of a nalfeshnee, a marilith, or even a balor. The name of the demon had to be known by the magic-user. Lesser sorts, such as vrocks and hezrous could not be summoned, as they typically didn't wield the power to have a known name. Greater demons such as demon lords couldn't be summoned, as the spell didn't have the power to do so.[5]
The summoned demon was evilly disposed and in a state of anger. The caster had to be within a protective circle,[5][8][9][10][11] or a thaumaturgic triangle of protection from evil.[5] The summoned demon itself had to be confined in a pentacle, or it might go on a rampage and attack the conjurer.[5]
The demon, however, could be forced into service in a number of ways:[5]
- By threat: The caster could threaten the demon by telling it that they would use the spiritwrack spell upon it. This was a dangerous method, as the smallest error would enrage the demon, making it dangerous to all in the vicinity. The demon would hate the magic-user from then on, due to its forced obedience.[5]
- By tribute: The conjurer would provide the demon with fresh human blood, through the sacrifice of a single victim, or more. The demon might, however, decide it was more pleasurable to let the summoner die a slow, painful death, instead of accepting the sacrifice.[5]
- By soul trapping: In the final case, there was no bargaining. Once the soul trapping spell was cast, the demon remained imprisoned until the caster decided. Then the caster could force the demon to perform a service, after which it would be sent back to the Abyss.[5]
If the demon was freed, i.e., by the caster requiring an impossible task of it, it could remain on the plane it was summoned to for up to six hundred and sixty-six days.[note 1] Casting took one hour per demon level, i.e., to summon a balor, the spell would take six hours. If there was any disruption, the spell failed or the demon was able to escape its boundaries and attack those present.[5]
Components[]
As well as verbal and somatic components, the spell required a large about of materials. Such materials were:[5]
- Five flaming black candles; and
- A brazier of hot coals, upon which a second set of materials had to be burned:
History[]
The cacodemon spell was originally developed in the Outer Planes that leaned towards lawful alignment.[4] At some point, the spell was added to the Chambeeleon, a spellbook of mysterious origin.[12]
Notable Users[]
- Cacodemon was known to the lich Azimer of Myth Drannor and contained in his spellbook.[7]
- This spell was popular among people on the plane of Acheron.[4]
Appendix[]
Notes[]
- ↑ 666 is the "Number of the Beast", an enigmatic number associated with the antichrist in the Bible.
Appearances[]
Adventures
Video Games
External links[]
Cacofiend article at the Baldur's Gate Wiki, a wiki for the Baldur's Gate games.
Cacofiend article at the Icewind Dale Wiki, a wiki for the Icewind Dale game.
References[]
- ↑ Black Isle Studios (August 2002). Designed by J.E. Sawyer. Icewind Dale II. Interplay.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Monte Cook (1996). The Planewalker's Handbook. Edited by Michele Carter. (TSR), pp. 121–122. ISBN 978-0786904600.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Mark Middleton et al (November 1996). Wizard's Spell Compendium Volume One. (TSR, Inc), pp. 115–116. ISBN 978-0786904365.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Colin McComb (February 1995). “A Player's Guide to Law”. In Michele Carter ed. Planes of Law (TSR, Inc), pp. 4–5. ISBN 0786900938.
- ↑ 5.00 5.01 5.02 5.03 5.04 5.05 5.06 5.07 5.08 5.09 5.10 5.11 5.12 Gary Gygax (1978). Players Handbook 1st edition. (TSR, Inc.), pp. 86–87. ISBN 0-9356-9601-6.
- ↑ Frank Mentzer (January 1985). “Ay pronunseeAYshun gyd”. In Kim Mohan ed. Dragon #93 (TSR, Inc.), p. 25.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Ed Greenwood, Jeff Grubb (August 1987). “DM's Sourcebook of the Realms”. In Karen S. Martin ed. Forgotten Realms Campaign Set (TSR, Inc.), p. 61. ISBN 0-88038-472-7.
- ↑ Black Isle Studios (June 2000). Designed by Matt Norton. Icewind Dale. Interplay.
- ↑ Black Isle Studios (August 2002). Designed by J.E. Sawyer. Icewind Dale II. Interplay.
- ↑ BioWare (September 2000). Designed by James Ohlen, Kevin Martens. Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn. Black Isle Studios.
- ↑ BioWare (June 2001). Designed by Kevin Martens. Baldur's Gate II: Throne of Bhaal. Black Isle Studios.
- ↑ Ed Greenwood, Jeff Grubb (August 1987). “DM's Sourcebook of the Realms”. In Karen S. Martin ed. Forgotten Realms Campaign Set (TSR, Inc.), p. 64. ISBN 0-88038-472-7.