To help create my independent study novella, I’ve compiled some research that has helped me create characters, settings, and themes while writing. This is an ongoing post as of 9/12 and will most likely have some additions in the next few months.
The idea of my novella really stemmed from the idea of Caim, specifically Collin de Plancy’s illustration of the demon from his 1863 edition of Dictionnaire Infernal. His first appearance in demonology has been traced back to the mid-17th century with the publication of The Lesser Key of Solomon. He appears specifically in the first part entitled, Ars Goetia. In this, Caim is designated as a “President” of Hell, ruling over thirty legions of demons. There is some dispute over whether Caim is considered a President or a Prince of Hell, though in my novella, Caim is simply a demon serving under the Princes of Hell. The Ars Goetia also gives some insight into Caim’s character, specifically that he is a great disputer and will tell the truth of things to come.
Without spoiling my novella too much, Caim’s appearance in the mortal realm is due to sigil magic. The second part of The Lesser Key of Solomon focuses primarily on the sigils of each of the seventy-two demons of Hell. This part follows the Ars Goetia, rightly entitled the Ars Theurgia Goetia. Caim, labeled the 53rd demon of Hell, has his own sigil that can be used to summon him. While the process of summoning demons is convoluted and sometimes conflicting with other rules outlined in the Ars Goetia and the third book, Ars Paulina, Caim’s summoning in the novella has been simplified. Interestingly, the Ars Paulina details the “adventures” of Paul the Apostle communicating with demons and spirits. With the translation of The Lesser Key of Solomon in 1904, Aleister Crowley not only made the addition of new invocations, but also essays describing the use of demon sigils as a psychological exploration rather than demon summoning.
Abel Turner’s parents own “Twisted Turner’s Escapes”, which is an escape room. Coincidentally, I work at an escape room. The description and set up of Twisted Turner’s is based largely on Maine Escape Games, an independently own company in South Portland. One of my favorite scenes that I’ve written so far is when Caim possesses some of the props in a wizard theme room to attack a group of children. Unashamedly, these props are based on actual, wooden books that can be found in the room Southport School for Wizards at Maine Escape Games. Note: Maine Escape Games does not condone the use of props or any other material to harm children.
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