[Urbis] Infernal Pact Warlocks

I ran out of space when writing about devils in Urbis, so I'm posting this section separately. You should read the other article first so that this post will make more sense.

Infernal Pact Warlocks

While it is possible to become a warlock through a pact with a greater devil or devil lord, the favors demanded in return can be rather onerous, and smart would-be warlocks can get around this problem by pursuing a third option. This requires an experienced ritual caster (usually, but not always another warlock) as a mentor, however - who might demand some sort of payment for his services as well.

First, the warlock must deliberately set out to attract a lesser devil by pursuing a specific sin. Usually, the sin has to pursued with such vigor that the associated activities would shock and revile most other people of the same cultural background. Some warlock mentors secretly hire actors or otherwise arrange circumstances to allow their apprentice to avoid some of the possible stigma - it is important that the sin is meaningful in the apprentice's mind, rather than society at large. Others, however, consider genuine sinning to be an important part of the training and do nothing to protect their charges.

Once the devil has been attracted, the mentor will cast a ritual that will allow the apprentice to engage the devil in a battle of wills. If the apprentice loses, he will become a devilhost (and the mentor should better hope that his wards hold). If he wins, he will absorb the devil into his own soul and become able to manifest warlock powers. The downside of this process is that the devil will reside in his soul for as long as he lives (if a warlock dies and is later raised, the devil will be temporarily free but forced to return to the warlock after he lives again), and though it is incapable of acting, it can observe the world through the senses of the warlock and whisper to his mind. It can be rather unsettling to listen to an immortal entity making comments during your most private and intimate moments, or making threats to torture and kill your loved ones after you die. Some devils are able to influence the behavior of weaker-willed warlocks this way, and even the most strong-willed warlocks will be affected in some way. But that is the price they have to pay to gain the kind of power that would take a wizard years of study to achieve.

After completing their pact, some warlocks continue a life of sin - either because they enjoyed it, or because they believe that this path will bring them further power (and the imprisoned devil will become less irritating towards such warlocks as well). Others, however, were shocked to discover to what depths of depravity they could sink, and strive to become as moral as possible. Unlike most other people, they can never forget what true Evil is like, and refuse to give in to even the smallest of temptations.