- Name: Dictionnaire Demonica
- Type: Book
- Date of Publishing: Unknown
- Author: Anonymous
- Genre: Dictionary
- Editions: 6
- Volumes: 2
General
Tehnical details
The purpose of Dictionnaire Demonica is to educate the reader on the various terms and tools associated with the arts of ceremonial magic, theurgy, the apparatus, famous witches, alchemists and conjurers as well as demons of the pits.
It is unclear if the original work was created by a singular anonymous author or by multiple writers.
The book comes in two volumes, the bulkier encyclopedia of goetic terminology and a second volume that only details the demonic entities presented in the previous volume.
The books are bound in wooden covers dressed in leather. The pages are made out of vellum and skilfully illustrated.
The first two editions have fever copies and were handwritten.
Only one version of the first edition exists and is in possession of Asuego Kiamast. This book goes by the name of Encyclopedia Daemonica while the 6th and 5th editions are named Dictionnaire Demonica while the 3rd and 4th editions are called Encyclopedia Infernalis.
The last four editions of the books were printed and came in roughly 100 to 600 copies per edition. Missing pages from the first edition are also not present in later books, but the lack of those pages is less apparent in the printed copies.
It is unclear if the original work was created by a singular anonymous author or by multiple writers.
The book comes in two volumes, the bulkier encyclopedia of goetic terminology and a second volume that only details the demonic entities presented in the previous volume.
The books are bound in wooden covers dressed in leather. The pages are made out of vellum and skilfully illustrated.
The first two editions have fever copies and were handwritten.
Only one version of the first edition exists and is in possession of Asuego Kiamast. This book goes by the name of Encyclopedia Daemonica while the 6th and 5th editions are named Dictionnaire Demonica while the 3rd and 4th editions are called Encyclopedia Infernalis.
The last four editions of the books were printed and came in roughly 100 to 600 copies per edition. Missing pages from the first edition are also not present in later books, but the lack of those pages is less apparent in the printed copies.
History
The first Dictionnaire Demonica, titled Encyclopedia Daemonica was most likely compiled from various other sources by multiple authors.
By the time of the creation of the third edition, the first and second editions were in deliberate disrepair with missing pages and scratched off terms.
The third edition was mostly created as a means to preserve the information in the previous books, but to remain distinct, the later books have been renamed to Encyclopedia Infernalis.
The fourth edition tried to reconstruct missing information, however, some scholars have argued on the authenticity of the reconstructions.
The fourth edition was released to supposedly correct those mistakes.
By the time of the release of the fifth edition, new terminology began to be added and the book has been renamed to Dictionnaire Demonica. Old terminology that was ambiguous or proven to be false has also been removed.
The sixth edition was further curated with entire sections being expanded.
This edition remains 'common' in circulation and new copies continue to be made per demand.
By the time of the creation of the third edition, the first and second editions were in deliberate disrepair with missing pages and scratched off terms.
The third edition was mostly created as a means to preserve the information in the previous books, but to remain distinct, the later books have been renamed to Encyclopedia Infernalis.
The fourth edition tried to reconstruct missing information, however, some scholars have argued on the authenticity of the reconstructions.
The fourth edition was released to supposedly correct those mistakes.
By the time of the release of the fifth edition, new terminology began to be added and the book has been renamed to Dictionnaire Demonica. Old terminology that was ambiguous or proven to be false has also been removed.
The sixth edition was further curated with entire sections being expanded.
This edition remains 'common' in circulation and new copies continue to be made per demand.
Content
The presented page is Asuego's copy of the second volume of the Encyclopaedia Daemonica relating to the Demon Lords of the Pits.
The information is still valid in the 6th edition.
The information is still valid in the 6th edition.
Text excerpt
| The page is torn off. |
| Melafor - The Grand Duke of the Pits, when Melafor first manifests, he takes on the form of a terrible angel to test the courage of his conjurer. To gain his obedience one must be brave and wear a copper crown. He dominates over 46 legions of demons and teaches philosophy and theology. All other Lords of the Pits fear him and he ends strife between demon and mortal as well as abolishes contracts. | Deliam - Deliam, Duke of the Pits governs over 40 legions of demons. He takes on the form of a three-headed fire-mouthed white bull which has bat wings on it's back. He is accompanied by a cohort of trumpeters and causes thunder and lightning. He promises might and teaches cryptic wisdom. | Paivas - Wise Paivas, Duke of the Pits who governs over 44 legions of demons and spirits. He takes on the form of a woman with a lioness' head, riding a bull. He teaches mathematics, philosophy and undead evocation. If sufficient sacrifices and offerings are not given, Paivas will speak in lies and riddles. |
Malfias - Master Malfias, ruler of the west, commander of 28 legions of demons and spirits. Called the terrible prince and he is as mighty as Duke Paivas. He can turn males inept and causes strife among woman and men. He procures familiars of the aquatic nature. He can also turn people invisible and speaks of lies of the past present and future.
| Faimonias (Fermonas) - Master Faimonias is a Vaillant Prince of the Pits, who commands 22 legions of demons. He presents himself as a gallant knight with a red sprite on each shoulder. Sometimes his head is that of a four-horned ram. Faimonias teaches manners, rhetorics and noble arts. He also restores lost honour and procures cambions from his loins. The conjurer must light a red candle to first speak to him.
| Person - Commander over 29 legions of demons and spirits. Person Prince of the Pits takes on the form of a person riding a goodly white horse or a ragged huntsman. He seeks magically hidden treasure and uncovers lies. He procures good familiars and talks to animals. Person can see through magical illusions and deception. Astora (Astoras)(Ashmail) - Prince Astora, also known as Astoras and Ashmail governs over 21 legions of spirits. He takes on the appearance of a winged woman of golden hair, sometimes young or old. He teaches dance and song and protects cromlechs and fairy rings. He terminates pregnancies and shares wisdom on medicine. Astora also teaches of circle magic and incantations. Nuberia (Malcom) - Also known Prince Malcom governs over one legion of demons. He promises material wealth and causes men to succumb to greed. He demands sacrifices of young children or infants, which he devours. He presents himself as a red man with a bull's head. |
Velefor (Velafor) - Master Velefor, Marquis of the Pits tunes musical instruments and grants talent. Velefor causes strife between friends and worsens that of foes; he also impregnates women and causes them to miscarry. He presents himself as a sweet-scenting wolf or a lone fiddler. He is difficult to conjure and often appears by his own.
Oboros (Oboras) - Marquis of the Pits, Oboros, also known as Oboras governs over 44 legions of spirits. He appears as the currently reigning zodiac sign. Oboras teaches astrology and mathematics. He tells of the influence of the planets and stars. He can also turn men into tadpoles. | Andromedas (Andromas) - Ravenous Master Andromedas, also known as Marquis Andromas appears as a handsome, bat-winged young man wearing a jade crown or chains, often riding a white, winged horse. He governs over 39 legions of spirits and procures loyal fire familiars. Master Andromedas is the keeper of promises and despoiler of groins. The Conjurer mustn't offer Andromas food should he ask.
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Beimos (Beimaros) - The grand Marquiss of the east, Beimos, also known as Beimaros governs over 45 legions of demons. He causes discord among people and he appears as a three-headed man, the left head is that of a ram, the right of a goat. In one hand he holds a golden apple, in the other a stiff serpent. Beimos causes men to be witty and sharp in words. He can also produce hail and storms. Beimos may take on the form of a rabid dog at the Conjurer's request. 
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Farfas - Master Farfas, the terrible commander, he governs over 36 legions of demons. He presents himself as an old man riding an armoured mule. In one hand he carries a sceptre and in the other a spear. He teaches tactics and gives men courage and wisdom.
Valas - The Knight of strife who causes hierarchical unrest and battles for rank. Valas commands 9 legions of demons and governs over the spirits in Amol-Kalit. He presents himself as a blazing man riding a black camel or a cameleopard. Valas is considered a good familiar until he outwits the conjurer. He tests men with riddles and rhymes. 
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| Cayum - The vast Cayum takes on the form of a kite-winged woman with geese's feet. He governs over wind and procures witty familiars. He protects travellers and raises fertility among women. He may cause strong winds and bad weather. Ondaras - The Knight of the Pits Ondaras appears as a ragged black and white goat or a white-bearded hermit. He takes on blames and causes men to forget or go invisible. He causes hexes and curses. One must sacrifice two white goats to him. Ondaras is the protector of jinxes and hidden magics. Halcas - Master Halcas, who dominates 19 legions of demons and spirits takes on the form of a man wearing a wide-brimmed hat. Sometimes he has the head of a three-horned goat. He can tell the location of other witches and procures storms. He shares the wisdom of distant lands and listens to gossip. Nirva - Knight Nirva who governs over 7 legions of spirits. He takes on the appearance of a fish with man's legs. He teaches swimming and speaks of long-forgotten treasures. Conjurers should be wary of indulging in his games and tricks, for they may end fatally. Allocar - Allocar commands 13 legions of demons. He takes on the appearance of a wooden man with an owl's or snake's head, riding a dog. In one hand he carries a basket, in the other a wand. He teaches all secrets of animals and plants and procures faithful familiars. |
References
All art by Nidraak.Inspired by the Infernal Dictionary and Key of Solomon.
A young witch is gifted with a copy of the book. As well as a demon mentioned within its contents is summoned.
Asuego's sprite proclaims his allegiance to a demon of the pits.
The usage of the book is mentioned within the confines of witchcraft.