Balor

"

Balor Introduction

In the shadowy recesses of the Abyss, where chaos reigns supreme and the very air crackles with malevolent energy, there dwells a creature of unparalleled terror and might—the Balor. As you venture deeper into this hellish domain, the oppressive heat intensifies, and the ground beneath your feet trembles with each ominous step. The air is thick with the acrid scent of brimstone, and the distant echoes of tortured souls wail through the cavernous expanse.

Emerging from the darkness, the Balor stands as a towering figure of dread, its massive form wreathed in flames that dance and flicker with a life of their own. Its skin is a deep, infernal red, marred with scars from countless battles, and its eyes burn with an unholy light, promising destruction to all who dare to meet its gaze. Vast, leathery wings unfurl from its back, casting a shadow that seems to swallow the very light around it, while a whip of fire coils menacingly in one hand, and a jagged, lightning-wreathed sword is gripped tightly in the other.

The Balor is not merely a creature of brute strength; it is a cunning and malevolent force, driven by an insatiable hunger for power and domination. It commands legions of lesser demons, orchestrating their movements with a strategic mind honed over eons of warfare. Yet, it is not bound by loyalty or honor, for the Balor's allegiance is to chaos itself, and it revels in the destruction and despair it sows across the planes.

Legends speak of the Balor as the generals of the Abyss, each one a harbinger of doom capable of laying waste to entire armies with a single, devastating strike. Tales of their wrath are whispered in hushed tones by those who have glimpsed their fury and lived to tell the tale. It is said that to face a Balor is to confront the very essence of fear, for its presence alone can drive the bravest of souls to madness.

In the deepest pits of the Abyss, where the landscape is a twisted reflection of nightmares, the Balor makes its lair. Here, amidst rivers of molten rock and spires of jagged obsidian, it broods, plotting its next conquest. The very ground is scorched by its presence, and the air hums with the promise of impending doom. To enter this domain is to court death itself, for the Balor is ever watchful, and its wrath is swift and merciless.

Balor Skills & Traits

Skills

• Intimidation +12
• Perception +10

Senses

• Truesight 120 ft.
• Passive Perception 20

Languages

• Abyssal
• Telepathy 120 ft.

Abilities

• Death Throes: When the balor dies, it explodes, and each creature within 30 feet of it must make a DC 20 Dexterity saving throw, taking 70 (20d6) fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. The explosion ignites flammable objects in that area that aren't being worn or carried, and it destroys the balor's weapons.
• Fire Aura: At the start of each of the balor's turns, each creature within 5 feet of it takes 10 (3d6) fire damage, and flammable objects in the aura that aren't being worn or carried ignite. A creature that touches the balor or hits it with a melee attack while within 5 feet of it takes 10 (3d6) fire damage.
• Magic Resistance: The balor has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.
• Magic Weapons: The balor's weapon attacks are magical.

Actions

• Multiattack: The balor makes two attacks: one with its longsword and one with its whip.
• Longsword: Melee Weapon Attack: +14 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 21 (3d8 + 8) slashing damage plus 13 (3d8) lightning damage.
• Whip: Melee Weapon Attack: +14 to hit, reach 30 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (2d6 + 8) slashing damage plus 10 (3d6) fire damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 20 Strength saving throw or be pulled up to 25 feet toward the balor.
• Teleport: The balor magically teleports, along with any equipment it is wearing or carrying, up to 120 feet to an unoccupied space it can see.

"

Battle Tips for Balor

The Balor is a formidable demon from the Abyss, known for its immense power and fiery presence. As a Dungeon Master, utilizing a Balor in your campaign can create a memorable and challenging encounter for your players. Here are some tips on how to effectively use a Balor in battle:

Using the Balor in Battle

• Leverage Its Aura: The Balor's fiery aura deals damage to any creature within 5 feet. Position the Balor strategically to maximize this passive damage, forcing players to think twice before engaging in melee combat.
• Exploit Its Flight: With a flying speed of 80 feet, the Balor can easily reposition itself on the battlefield. Use this mobility to target vulnerable backline characters or to escape when the battle turns against it.
• Utilize Its Whip and Sword: The Balor's multiattack with its lightning sword and fire whip can deal massive damage. Use the whip to pull enemies closer or to control the battlefield by keeping foes at a distance.
• Death Throes: When the Balor is defeated, it explodes in a fiery burst. Use this as a last-ditch effort to deal significant damage to the party, potentially turning the tide of battle even in defeat.

Coordinating with Other Creatures

• Summon Demonic Allies: Pair the Balor with other demons, such as Mariliths or Hezrous, to create a multi-layered threat. The Balor can act as the frontline powerhouse while other demons provide support or additional threats.
• Use Minions for Distraction: Lesser demons can serve as distractions, allowing the Balor to focus on high-value targets or to retreat and regroup if necessary.
• Coordinate Attacks: Synchronize attacks with other creatures to overwhelm the party. For example, have a Marilith engage in melee while the Balor uses its whip to control the battlefield.

Strategic Retreats

• Plan for Escape: If the battle turns unfavorable, the Balor can use its flight to escape and regroup. Consider having a teleportation circle or a portal nearby for a quick retreat.
• Use Terrain to Advantage: Utilize the environment to create barriers or obstacles that slow down pursuers, allowing the Balor to escape more easily.
• Feign Weakness: The Balor can pretend to be more injured than it is, luring the party into a trap or ambush set by other demons.

By using these tips, you can create a dynamic and challenging encounter with a Balor that will test your players' strategic thinking and teamwork.