in the first book, a wealthy arms manufacturer, dr. baines, comes to a black magician, theron ware. initially baines tests ware's credentials by asking for two people to be killed, first the governor of california, rogan (reagan was governor at the time of writing) and then a rival physicist. when this is accomplished to baines' satisfaction, baines reveals his real reason: he wishes to release all the demons from hell on earth for one night to see what might happen. the book includes a lengthy description of the summoning ritual and a detailed (and as accurate as possible, given the available literature) description of the grotesque figures of the demons as they appear. tension between white magicians (who appear to have a line of communications with the unfallen host in heaven) and ware is woven over the terms and conditions of a magical covenant that is designed to provide for observers and limitations. "black easter" ends with baphomet announcing to the participants that the demons can not be compelled to return to hell: the war is over and god is dead.