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Message: <blockquote data-quote="MNblockhead" data-source="post: 7464275" data-attributes="member: 6796661">I think Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes describes this quite well.More powerful and intelligent demons are still driven by their selfish desires and rule by force, fear, and whim; but they have grander visions and plans to achieve them. While lesser demons may simply create minions using fear and subjugation, more intelligent demons will have subtler approaches. A demon's promise wouldn't be written down and is worth the paper it is written on. But that doesn't mean it is incapable of using sticks and carrots to corrupt and control. The most common trope for demonic cultists is that they are mad. They are sociopaths, insane, overcome by desire, etc.  Perhaps they didn't start out that way. Many may come to demon-worship out of desperation for power and are driven mad as they are corrupted by the demonic boons they receive. But there are also those who believe that they can learn to dominate and control demons and harness their powers. It is hard to beat a devil at its own game when it comes to contracts. Some may find it safer and more straight-forward to just over power demons. The cultists may have no interest in any relationship with demons, they may not worship them, they just want to harness their power.  And perhaps not even harness, just release the destructive force on enemies.</blockquote>