The spells are cast, the circle is inscriped; at the seven theologically significant points are, respectively, a feather, a coin, a dish of oil, a piece of fruit, a bone, an old shoe, and a new one. The stars, such as they are, are right.

A billow of sulfurous smoke, like the air over a hot spring, and a voice unlike any human sound.

YOU HAVE SUMMONED ME AND SO AM I HERE
SPEAK YOUR EVERY EARTHLY DESIRE AND I SHALL GRANT IT

Much excitement from the assembly. One steps forth and casts back his hood. He has a babyish face, round and unlovely, a tangled mop of curly hair and a moustache struggling to find purchase on his lip. “Servant!” he cries; his voice cracks a little with excitement. “We have summoned you to teach us your dark and esoteric arts! Give us—”

YES

“Give us—”

YES

“Give us dominance in the crypto sphere!”

SO IS THE CONTRACT STRUCK

Things go great for a year and a half and then the roof falls in when they start embezzeling from their suckers. Demoniacal knowledge is nothing compared to the patience of a determined auditor.