Ritual of Malicious Desires

The **Ritual of Malicious Desires** stands as one of the most enigmatic and clandestine practices within the annals of Tormentian lore. Eluding the purview of the general populace, the majority remains unaware of its existence, and even among those privy to its secrets, a comprehensive understanding of its true nature and implications is rare. The ritual, a means to communicate one's deepest desires to the omnipotent Mephiston, is not without its perils. Historically, Mephiston has exhibited a propensity to interpret the invoker's wishes in a manner that diverges from their original intent, often culminating in outcomes rife with irony and suffering.

## Inscrutable Codex

### Origins

The genesis of the Ritual of Malicious Desires can be traced back to the seminal work, the *Inscrutable Codex*. This tome, characterized by its intricate and esoteric content, was penned by the erudite William Shawell in 112 SC. Shawell, renowned for his extensive scholarship and contributions to Tormentian studies, underwent a drastic transformation in his later years. Plagued by relentless visions of boundless knowledge, his mental faculties were progressively consumed, pushing him into the depths of madness. It was during this tumultuous period that he documented the Ritual of Malicious Desires within the pages of the *Inscrutable Codex*. The codex stands as a testament to the dichotomy of Shawell's brilliance and the overwhelming weight of the visions that ultimately led to his descent into insanity. Within the text, the ritual is meticulously detailed, serving as a profound window into Shawell's psyche and the omnipresent allure of forbidden knowledge.

### Nowadays

Following the alarming transformation of Sylas Ironclad into the inaugural lunarfiend, a consequence of his utilization of the **Ritual of Malicious Desires** as detailed in the *Inscrutable Codex*, the local populace was inundated with trepidation. This fear, combined with their visceral reactions to the dark power the Codex seemingly held, propelled them to physically dismantle the tome. Individual pages and fragments of the it were subsequently scattered, either deliberately or inadvertently, throughout various regions of Tormentia.

In the ensuing years, as the legend of the ritual spread, numerous individuals, driven by desperate desires, have endeavored to recompile the instructions needed to perform the Ritual of Malicious Desires. However, the sheer dispersion of the Codex's remnants has rendered this task formidable. As a result, those who pursue the ritual must embark on extensive, oftentimes perilous, quests to gather all necessary components. Even when seemingly complete, the gathered information tends to be fragmented and occasionally riddled with inaccuracies, a testament to the inherent risks and challenges associated with reconstituting the once-intact *Inscrutable Codex*.

## Procedure

### Original

#### Circumferential Pyre

The preliminary stage mandates the establishment of a fire encircling the performer. This fiery perimeter not only demarcates the ritual space but, symbolically, represents an invitation, beckoning the entity, Mephiston, from the ethereal shadows to the corporeal realm.

#### Incantation

The aspirant must recite the designated chant, thereby vocally reinforcing their plea to Mephiston. The prescribed verse is as follows:

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*Mephiston, my lord and creator, hear my cry,*

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*From the realm of shadows, to you I tie.*

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*By my heart's desire, by pain's sharp spire,*

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*Break the veil, rise from the eternal mire.*

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This incantation must be reiterated seven successive times. With each repetition, the summoner's ardor and intensity should augment, underscoring the depth of their yearning.

#### Sacrificial act

A pivotal component of the ritual involves the sacrifice of a tangible object. The nature of this object varies, spanning from seemingly mundane items like an aged manuscript to profoundly significant entities such as a cherished individual. Irrespective of its form, the essential criterion is the profound emotional and sentimental attachment the invoker holds for the sacrificial object, emphasizing its intrinsic value in the summoner's heart.

#### Required conditions

The ritual's timing is paramount. It must be embarked upon proximate to midnight, ensuring alignment with the apex of nocturnal energies. Additionally, the night must be devoid of the moon's presence.

##### Wish pronouncement

Upon successful execution of the preceding steps, Mephiston shall manifest, shrouded in a cloak of shadows and tendrils of smoke. This presentation is both an affirmation of the ritual's efficacy and a test of the summoner's fortitude. Without delay, the invoker must muster their resolve and articulately pronounce their innermost desire to Devil-King. Hesitation or ambiguity at this juncture might incur the entity's displeasure, leading to unpredictable repercussions. It is imperative for the aspirant to be both swift and clear in conveying their wish.

### Variations

Following the tumultuous events surrounding Sylas Ironclad's execution of the ritual, the *Inscrutable Codex*—the primary source detailing the ritual—was physically dismembered and its fragments disseminated to various, often remote, corners of the world. This geographical scattering engendered a significant impediment for those endeavoring to seek the ritual's knowledge.

Given the inherent challenges in procuring and piecing together the fragmented remnants of the codex, individuals often faced incomplete, ambiguous, or occasionally contradictory information. This paucity of clear guidance led to interpretative license, where practitioners, either out of necessity or choice, began to improvise or modify certain elements of the ritual, inadvertently giving rise to multiple variations.

Over time, these adaptations, whether they stemmed from misinterpretations, intentional alterations, or simple necessity due to the absence of specific resources, became embedded within certain communities or traditions. Consequently, the ritual, once a singular and meticulously detailed procedure, evolved into a myriad of practices, each possessing its own nuances and idiosyncrasies.

However, it is essential to underscore the inherent risks associated with these variations. Given the ritual's potency and its connection to the enigmatic Mephiston, any deviation from the original procedure sometimes - though not always - result in unforeseen and potentially perilous outcomes. Thus, the scattering of the *Inscrutable Codex* has not only diversified the practice but also amplified its inherent uncertainties and dangers.

## Consequences

**The Ritual of Malicious Desires** is not an incantation to be taken lightly, for it carries dire consequences that forever alter the lives of those who dare to summon the malevolent Devil-King Mephiston. While the promise of a single wish granted may be tantalizing, the ritual is cunningly designed to ensure that the granted desires come with a bitter and ironic twist, leaving the summoner to suffer the cruel consequences of their actions.

### Twisting of Desires

Once the summoner makes their wish, Mephiston meticulously twists it to achieve an outcome that is contrary to the summoner's intentions, often leading to despair, regret, or tragic irony. The wish may be granted in a literal yet unexpected and tragic manner, exposing the flaws and frailties of mortal desires.

The consequences of the wish are deliberately designed to cause suffering to the summoner. The irony lies in the fulfillment of the wish itself, revealing the futility of seeking satisfaction through nefarious means. The satisfaction of a wish often comes at the expense of the summoner's well-being, happiness, or the very essence of the wish.

### Notable examples

* **Sylas Ironclad**: Sylas was wrongfully framed for a murder he did not commit. He escaped prison and performed the ritual in hopes of acquaring strength to have his revenge. Mephiston granted his wish, but it came at a high price - on full moon night Sylas turned into half-human and half-beast, and he is driven only by insatiable lust for battle and blood. Thus he unintentionally murdered half his village. That is how he became the first lunarfiend.
* **Victor Umbriel**: A young and arrogant lord performed the infamous ritual long ago. It is not known what exactly his wish was, but Mephiston turned him into an arch emissary. Now he serves as a formidable enforcer of Mephiston's will, spreading suffering and chaos throughout Tormentia.
* **Lady Seraphina Ravenshade**: A tragic figure consumed by grief after the loss of her beloved son, Lady Seraphina wished for her son's return to life. Mephiston granted her wish, but her son returned as a mindless flesh eating creature - the first cadavre - bringing only sorrow and despair.
* **Vespera Starweaver**: Vespera was a gifted sorceress known for her insatiable thirst for mystical knowledge. In her quest for dominion over Tormentia's arcane forces, she undertook the ritual, wishing for unparalleled magical abilities. Her wish was granted, but it came at a terrible cost. Her newfound powers proved uncontrollable, wreaking havoc and eventually leading to her own demise.
* **Lucius Darkwell**: A genius inventor who wished for eternal life. His wish was granted in Mephiston's signature sense of humour: Lucius was turned into unaging yet despicably ugly blood-thirsty monster - the first tenebrian.
* **Eleanora Tuperik**: Eleanora was a lovelorn maiden who pined for the affection of a distant suitor. She undertook the ritual, wishing for the undying love of her beloved. Mephiston granted her wish, but the love she received was an unnatural obsession that drove her beloved to madness, and ultimately, her own tragic end.