The fool comes upon a horned demon perched upon a mountain of coins, food and drink. Chained people at the base of this mountain are engaged in debauchery of all kinds. The demon clutches a key that holds all these people to her will. The fool, enraged, demands they all be released from this bondage. The demon laughs and shows the fool the key. "This key is free to anyone who asks, but there are so few who ask."

"I was once at the base of this mountain, chained by my desires," continues the demon, "but the very passion that chained me brought me to the top of this mountain when coupled with my aspirations." A truly frightening thing, this knowledge.

Temptation, addiction, passion and desire. The devil represents these things. But in all ways defined as power. But all these vices are bonds that are freely entered and there is always a way out, if you are willing to get the key.

I had such a difficult time with this background and I might rework it. I like the concept but it kept changing. Piles of gold and wine bottles, but this turned out better than I really expected--characterwise anyway.

This project is definitely stretching me artistically and I'm really enjoying the benefits.