Demonic Essence, Superior (3.5e Equipment)

Superior Demonic Essence
A demon, having no separate soul or body, cannot have its soul taken from it and used like a mortal soul can be. However, if carefully distilled, the soul-body of a powerful enough demon can be made into an 'essence', which appears to be about a pint of a thick liquid that constantly changes colour based on the emotions of those around it.

A superior demonic essence can be used in three ways: as a crafting component, as a potion or as an optional spell component. Any use of an essence permanently destroys it.

Superior Demonic Essences as a Crafting Component
A superior demonic essence can be used to craft a superior demon weapon. Alternatively, it can be used to create any magic item, in which case it provides 1,400 XP towards its crafting costs. No more than one essence can be used per item in this way. If this is done, the item radiates an aura of evil (see the detect evil spell for more information about auras).

Superior Demonic Essences as Potions
If swallowed, a superior demonic essence has a strong, bitter taste and a thick, blood-like texture. A creature that swallows a superior demonic essence as a potion is overcome with a flash of pain, and then becomes affected by a random emotion at immense strength. Roll 1d4 on the following chart to determine what emotion occurs. In all cases, these effects are considered supernatural.

Additionally, a demonic essence is highly addictive. After its effects wear off, the drinker must make a DC 26 Will save. If this is failed, they become addicted to its effects (see rules on Addiction).

Superior Demonic Essences as Optional Spell Components
A greater demonic essence can be used up as an optional spell component. The spell reduces the cost of any one metamagic feat applied to it by two spell levels (to a minimum of 0). This also makes the spell gain the evil descriptor.

Creating A Superior Demonic Essence
To make a superior demonic essence, a demon of at least CR 16 is needed, along with an alchemy lab (either portable or fixed-location). The demon must be held immobile, unconscious or something else that prevents it from escaping or interfering with the process. The would-be alchemist must also make a DC 31 Knowledge (the planes) or Craft (alchemy) check, and spend an hour of time. If the check is successful and the demon doesn't escape or interfere, it is completely destroyed, and it becomes a superior demonic essence. This action can be done only on the demon's home plane.

Price: Cost::30,000 gp.