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Description

Lore:
The Profane Codex of the Hellbound is an accursed grimoire, its origins traced back to a blasphemous cult that delved into the darkest depths of demonology. It is said that the cult's high priest sacrificed countless souls to bind a powerful demon lord within the pages of the codex, imbuing it with the ability to command and subjugate demonic entities.

The codex's covers are adorned with twisted demonic sigils that seem to writhe and pulsate with an unholy energy, as if alive. Its pages are filled with profane rituals and incantations that grant mastery over the legions of the Lower Planes.

Properties of the Profane Codex of the Hellbound:
Demonic Servitude: The codex's wielder can cast the dominate monster spell on demons without expending a spell slot, once per long rest. However, the demon remains bound to the caster's will for only a limited time.
Hellfire Summoning: Through a profane ritual, the user can open a temporary rift to the Lower Planes, summoning a powerful demonic entity to serve their will. The type of demon is determined by the ritual, ranging from a powerful marilith to a terrifying balor.
Master of the Damned: The bearer gains proficiency in the Intimidation skill and advantage on saving throws against being frightened or effects that cause fear.

Curse of the Profane Codex of the Hellbound:
Unholy Corruption: Each time a ritual is performed using the codex, the user's body is slowly corrupted by demonic energies. They must succeed on a DC 20 Constitution saving throw or gain a level of exhaustion that cannot be removed until the next dawn.
Insatiable Hunger for Power: After delving into the codex's secrets, the user develops an insatiable hunger for power over the demonic hordes. They must pass a DC 22 Wisdom saving throw or become obsessed with studying the codex, ignoring all other activities, including eating and sleeping.
Demon Lord's Vengeance: The bound demon lord seeks to escape its prison by possessing the user's body. The demon lord may attempt to influence or torment the user through nightmarish visions, whispers of temptation, or by manipulating the user's demonic servants.

Use in Campaign:
The Profane Codex of the Hellbound could be the centerpiece of a campaign delving into the darkest depths of demonology and the dangers of tampering with the forces of the Lower Planes. Its discovery could set the party on a path of unraveling a sinister cult's plans to unleash a devastating demonic incursion upon the world. Alternatively, a reckless warlock or wizard could stumble upon the codex, unleashing its corrupting influence and drawing the attention of the bound demon lord's essence.

Possessing or using the codex could lead to harrowing encounters with demonic horrors, eerie phenomena, and the ever-present risk of succumbing to the lure of power over the hellish legions at the cost of one's soul. The party must grapple with the temptation of mastering demonology versus the potential corruption and dangers posed by the codex's curse, creating rich roleplaying opportunities and moral dilemmas.

Description

Lore:
The Profane Codex of the Hellbound is an accursed grimoire, its origins traced back to a blasphemous cult that delved into the darkest depths of demonology. It is said that the cult's high priest sacrificed countless souls to bind a powerful demon lord within the pages of the codex, imbuing it with the ability to command and subjugate demonic entities.

The codex's covers are adorned with twisted demonic sigils that seem to writhe and pulsate with an unholy energy, as if alive. Its pages are filled with profane rituals and incantations that grant mastery over the legions of the Lower Planes.

Properties of the Profane Codex of the Hellbound:
Demonic Servitude: The codex's wielder can cast the dominate monster spell on demons without expending a spell slot, once per long rest. However, the demon remains bound to the caster's will for only a limited time.
Hellfire Summoning: Through a profane ritual, the user can open a temporary rift to the Lower Planes, summoning a powerful demonic entity to serve their will. The type of demon is determined by the ritual, ranging from a powerful marilith to a terrifying balor.
Master of the Damned: The bearer gains proficiency in the Intimidation skill and advantage on saving throws against being frightened or effects that cause fear.

Curse of the Profane Codex of the Hellbound:
Unholy Corruption: Each time a ritual is performed using the codex, the user's body is slowly corrupted by demonic energies. They must succeed on a DC 20 Constitution saving throw or gain a level of exhaustion that cannot be removed until the next dawn.
Insatiable Hunger for Power: After delving into the codex's secrets, the user develops an insatiable hunger for power over the demonic hordes. They must pass a DC 22 Wisdom saving throw or become obsessed with studying the codex, ignoring all other activities, including eating and sleeping.
Demon Lord's Vengeance: The bound demon lord seeks to escape its prison by possessing the user's body. The demon lord may attempt to influence or torment the user through nightmarish visions, whispers of temptation, or by manipulating the user's demonic servants.

Use in Campaign:
The Profane Codex of the Hellbound could be the centerpiece of a campaign delving into the darkest depths of demonology and the dangers of tampering with the forces of the Lower Planes. Its discovery could set the party on a path of unraveling a sinister cult's plans to unleash a devastating demonic incursion upon the world. Alternatively, a reckless warlock or wizard could stumble upon the codex, unleashing its corrupting influence and drawing the attention of the bound demon lord's essence.

Possessing or using the codex could lead to harrowing encounters with demonic horrors, eerie phenomena, and the ever-present risk of succumbing to the lure of power over the hellish legions at the cost of one's soul. The party must grapple with the temptation of mastering demonology versus the potential corruption and dangers posed by the codex's curse, creating rich roleplaying opportunities and moral dilemmas.