Asmodeus, Binder of Kings
Asmodeus is a prince of demons linked to wrath and lust. In tales of Solomon, he is captured with a chain inscribed with the Name—only to steal the king’s ring and throne for a time.
Story beats
- 1) Solomon binds Asmodeus with a ring; the demon reveals secrets of the Shamir and hidden things.
- 2) Allowed small freedoms, Asmodeus tricks the king—flinging him far away and taking his visage.
- 3) After a period of exile, Solomon returns; the ring is reclaimed, and Asmodeus vanishes in fury.
- 4) Later grimoires list Asmodeus as a powerful spirit who grants treasure and knowledge at a cost.
Context & symbolism
Asmodeus embodies the risk of bargaining with forceful intelligences: even kings can be toppled by their tools. Chains and rings show how names and seals constrain power—until arrogance loosens them.
The demon’s temporary rule warns that legitimacy can be swapped by illusion and pact.
Motifs
- Bound demon revealing secrets
- Impersonation of kings
- Magical rings and seals
- Wrath and temptation
Use it in play
- Discover a ruler swapped by a bound spirit; find the true sovereign in exile.
- Negotiate with Asmodeus for a world-shaping tool—pay with something dear.
- Guard a relic ring that keeps a demon prince from reclaiming his freedom.
- Let players impersonate Asmodeus to bluff lesser demons into obedience.
Comparative threads
- Trickster captives: Loki bound yet plotting, Djinn who grant wishes with traps.
- Demon princes: Pazuzu, Belial, entities of fixed spheres.
Hooks and campaign seeds
- A king’s seal is missing; Asmodeus walks wearing his face.
- A grimoire promises treasure for releasing a demon—decide if the price is worth the gold.
- Reforge a broken Name-chain before nightfall or the captive breaks loose.