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The Sevenfold Descent

The Sevenfold Descent

A Demonic Possession Power System

Demonic possession is not instant. It is a gradual descent, marked by seven clearly defined stages. Each stage deepens the bond between demon and host, increasing power while eroding autonomy.

Possession can occure when strongly influenced by a sin, and each demon that forms is unique to the person. A gunslinger may summon a wrath demon made of smoke. However once a demon is summoned, it shant pass until every remnant of its existence is gone.

Every possession follows this path unless forcibly interrupted.

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STAGE I — THE TEMPTATION

Sin Reference: Lust

Control: Host (≈95%)

Visibility: None

The demon cannot act directly. It whispers desires, promises, and intrusive thoughts.

Effects:

Heightened senses or emotions

Subtle luck manipulation

Emotional amplification tied to the demon’s sin

Cost:

Sleep disturbances

Obsessive thoughts

Emotional dependency begins

Example:

A Lust Demon heightens attraction and charm, making the host irresistible—but slowly rewires their sense of intimacy until desire overrides reason.

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STAGE II — THE MARK

Sin Reference: Greed

Control: Host (≈85%)

Visibility: Minor (eyes, veins, aura)

The demon leaves a mark—a spiritual foothold that allows limited power sharing.

Effects:

First active demonic ability

Resistance related to the sin

Demon can communicate clearly

Cost:

Permanent physical or spiritual mark

Compulsive behavior aligned with sin

Example:

A Greed Demon grants the ability to duplicate valuables briefly, but each use makes the host less willing to give, share, or let go of anything.

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STAGE III — THE HANDSHAKE

Sin Reference: Pride

Control: Shared (≈70/30)

Visibility: Noticeable during power use

A true pact is formed, knowingly or not. The demon now has conditional authority.

Effects:

Major combat or utility ability

Enhanced physical stats

Demon can briefly take control with consent or weakness

Cost:

Ego inflation

Refusal to accept help or admit fault

Demon begins influencing decisions

Example:

A Pride Demon allows the host to negate attacks deemed “unworthy,” but punishes retreat or humility with power loss.

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STAGE IV — THE BLEEDING LINE

Sin Reference: Wrath

Control: Demon (≈55%)

Visibility: Constant traits (horns, voice change)

The boundary between souls weakens. Emotional spikes allow the demon to act freely.

Effects:

Berserk or overdrive state

Pain suppression

Massive destructive output

Cost:

Memory gaps

Collateral damage

Demon may act without permission during rage

Example:

A Wrath Demon transforms the host into a living weapon when angered—but targets foes and allies alike once unleashed.

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STAGE V — THE COHABITATION

Sin Reference: Envy

Control: Equal (50/50)

Visibility: Persistent mutations

Host and demon exist simultaneously, sharing senses and thoughts.

Effects:

Ability mimicry or theft

Adaptive combat techniques

Dual-casting or layered abilities

Cost:

Identity erosion

Constant comparison to others

Desire to replace or surpass everyone nearby

Example:

An Envy Demon allows the host to copy enemy abilities temporarily, but each use makes them resent allies who outperform them.

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STAGE VI — THE USURPATION

Sin Reference: Sloth

Control: Demon (≈80%)

Visibility: Severe transformation

The host begins to yield, consciously or subconsciously, letting the demon handle things.

Effects:

Autonomous demon actions

Regeneration and durability spikes

Near-constant power uptime

Cost:

Emotional numbness

Loss of ambition

The host stops resisting

Example:

A Sloth Demon makes the body incredibly hard to kill, acting automatically to defend itself—while the host mentally “rests” and fades.

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STAGE VII — THE CROWNING

Sin Reference: Gluttony

Control: Demon (100%) or Perfect Symbiosis

Visibility: Full demonic manifestation

This is the final state. There are only two outcomes.

A. Ascendant Possession

Host is consumed

Demon fully incarnates

Body becomes a true demon vessel

B. Sovereign Fusion (Rare)

Host and demon merge without dominance

New entity is born

Both souls permanently altered

Cost (Either Path):

No return to normal

Soul is rewritten

Gods take notice

Example:

A Gluttony Demon devours not just matter, but magic, souls, and concepts—eventually consuming the host’s identity unless perfect balance is achieved.

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SYSTEM NOTES

Regression is possible but traumatic

Exorcism after Stage IV risks death

Killing the demon may kill the host

Divine entities strongly oppose Stage VII beings