[ WP ] A fantasy world filled with races such as elves , dwarves , goblins , orcs etc . who all have their patron gods . Then , out of nowhere , come the humans , people of no deities . Helpless against gods , humans team up with another group of outcasts , the demons .

`` We can not allow a cleric gap!'' Dugan pounded on the table. `` Tell me, what will it take to earn my people the favor of the gods? Will Urist favor us if we build him a temple as great as the dwarves? Does the Forest have a price we can meet for its aid?'' 
 
 It was strange to hear the king speak of the gods like it was a business transaction, but having divine favor was an immensely practical matter. A trained cleric could heal the gravely wounded, make the crops grow in a famine, or call down a storm on his enemies. Without magic to protect them, the human kingdom lived on a razor's edge. One bad harvest could mean the death of thousands. The ability to ordain a cleric, to imbue a human with the power of miracles, was worth any price. 
 
 `` In every kingdom we traveled to, they say the gods only favor the race they have created. Urist and Gorkamork and Larethian will not aid us, no matter our ritual.'' Prince Viserion said. 
 
 `` I tested it, your highness,'' added the spymaster, Tarlok. `` I studied their most secret rites as thoroughly as I could, but no attempt to replicate them succeeded. We can not ordain a cleric, not by any known means.'' 
 
 `` Then where is our Creator? Why has he abandoned us?'' 
 
 `` The mythology is unclear on that point. Some say our god died long ago. Some say we are just an afterthought of the gods, created as a side project. Some say we sprang from the earth fully formed. We found no good answers on our trip. But we did find one glimmer of hope.'' 
 
 `` If you can call it that.'' Viserion shifted uneasily from foot to foot. 
 
 `` While we were down in the dwarven tunnels, we met a curious creature, one who said he could supply us with magical power, for a price.'' 
 
 `` Oh, just come out and say it. We met a demon, offering a deal.'' 
 
 The spymaster waved a hand at the doors, and the guards opened them, to reveal a creature with red skin and horns, dressed in a black uniform. Two batlike wings peeked out above his shoulder blades. 
 
 `` You do n't need to be so tasteless about it, Prince Charming.'' The demon replied. `` But yes, I am Zevuv, a demon, and I have a deal that will benefit both of us.'' 
 
 `` Father, I would not trust him. We found many legends of demons in our travels, and all of them ended poorly. The power they grant is never worth the price.'' 
 
 `` A fair argument,'' said the demon, bowing his head slightly. `` If you were an elf or dwarf, you'd find little to gain from us. But when you're already bankrupt, you can hand over all your money and be no poorer for it.'' 
 
 He stepped slightly closer to the throne. `` Your kingdom is on the brink. Orcs and goblins raid your farms, and the elves and dwarves see you as merely a useful buffer state. Your kingdom wo n't survive long enough for your son to take the throne. Any price I ask would be worth it.'' 
 
 `` Would it?'' 
 
 `` The village of Culver's Hearth was overrun by goblins, and the soldiers you sent after them sank into an enchanted swamp. The drought in the Rolance Valley has gone on for a full year, and it is increasingly obvious that an Elvish hex was responsible. Your kingdom will die, piece by piece, unless you have magic of your own.'' 
 
 `` How do you know all this?'' The spymaster asked. `` Were n't you down in the dwarf lands?'' 
 
 Zevuv smiled, showing a mouthful of pointed teeth. `` I know it because you know it. A demon's contract works by drawing on your desires, focusing them. When you turn those desires into a contract, your power becomes similarly focused.'' 
 
 A circle of bloody red light flared around him. *'' Here are the terms of the contract. Slay the goblin warband in the south. Leave not a single one alive. Your soldiers shall not tire, shall not rest, until the deed is done. `` * 
 
 `` That's your price? Something we wanted to do anyway?'' 
 
 `` This *has* to be a trap,'' repeated the Prince. 
 
 `` No trap,'' said the demon. `` Why demand the blood of your people, when the blood of your enemies will serve just as well?'' 
 
 The king rose from his throne, looking the demon in the eyes. Tendrils of red light extended from the demon towards him as he spoke. 
 
 `` You have a deal.''
