Barbed Devil

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Barbed Devil Introduction

In the dim, flickering light of the infernal realm, where shadows dance with malevolent intent, there lurks a creature of pure malice and wickedness—the Barbed Devil. As you venture deeper into the hellish landscape, the air grows thick with the acrid scent of sulfur and brimstone, a prelude to the sinister presence that awaits. The Barbed Devil, known to some as a Hamatula, is a fearsome sentinel of the Nine Hells, its very form a testament to the cruelty and cunning of its infernal masters.

Standing at a towering height of over seven feet, the Barbed Devil is a grotesque figure, its body covered in a dense array of razor-sharp barbs and spines that glisten with a dark, oily sheen. Its skin is a sickly, mottled green, stretched taut over a muscular frame that exudes both power and menace. The creature's eyes burn with an unholy fire, glowing like embers in the depths of its skull, and its mouth is a twisted grin of jagged teeth, eager to rend flesh from bone.

Barbed Devils are notorious for their sadistic nature, delighting in the torment and suffering of others. They are cunning and cruel, often toying with their prey before delivering the final, fatal blow. These fiends are relentless guardians, often found patrolling the infernal fortresses of their diabolical overlords, ever watchful for intruders or those who would dare to defy the will of the Nine Hells. Their barbs serve not only as a formidable defense but also as a weapon, capable of impaling and ensnaring those foolish enough to come too close.

The Barbed Devil's preferred habitat is the oppressive and nightmarish landscape of the Nine Hells, where rivers of molten lava carve through barren wastelands, and the sky is perpetually shrouded in a blood-red haze. Here, amidst the cacophony of wailing souls and the ceaseless crackle of infernal flames, the Barbed Devil thrives, a creature perfectly adapted to its hellish environment. Legends speak of these devils being summoned to the mortal realm by those who seek to harness their power, though such bargains often end in treachery and despair.

As you stand on the precipice of this infernal domain, the presence of the Barbed Devil is palpable, a chilling reminder of the darkness that lies beyond. Will you dare to face this fiendish sentinel, or will you succumb to the terror that grips your heart? The choice is yours, but know this: the Barbed Devil is ever watchful, and it hungers for the souls of the unwary.

Barbed Devil Skills & Traits

Skills

• Deception +5
• Insight +4
• Perception +4

Senses

• Darkvision 120 ft.
• Passive Perception 14

Languages

• Infernal
• Telepathy 120 ft.

Abilities

• Devil's Sight: Magical darkness doesn't impede the devil's darkvision.
• Magic Resistance: The devil has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.

Actions

• Multiattack: The devil makes three melee attacks: one with its bite and two with its claws.
• Bite: Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) piercing damage.
• Claw: Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d8 + 4) slashing damage.
• Hurl Flame: Ranged Spell Attack: +5 to hit, range 150 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (3d6) fire damage. If the target is a flammable object that isn't being worn or carried, it also catches fire.

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Battle Tips for Barbed Devil

The Barbed Devil, also known as a Hamatula, is a formidable foe in any Dungeons & Dragons campaign. With its spiky exterior and fearsome combat abilities, it can pose a significant challenge to adventurers. Here are some tips for Dungeon Masters on how to effectively use Barbed Devils in battle:

• Utilize Their Spiked Defense: The Barbed Devil's barbed hide not only provides a strong defense but also deals damage to anyone who strikes it in melee. Encourage players to think twice before engaging in close combat, and use this ability to wear down melee-focused characters.
• Exploit Their Teleportation: Barbed Devils have the ability to teleport short distances. Use this to your advantage by having them reposition in battle, escape from dangerous situations, or ambush unsuspecting players. This can keep the party on their toes and make the encounter more dynamic.
• Coordinate with Other Devils: When using multiple Barbed Devils, or combining them with other devilish creatures, focus on coordinated attacks. For example, have one devil engage the party in melee while another uses its teleportation to flank spellcasters or ranged attackers.
• Leverage Their Fear Aura: The presence of a Barbed Devil can instill fear in its enemies. Use this to disrupt the party's strategy, causing them to scatter or hesitate, which can be particularly effective when combined with other devils that capitalize on chaos.
• Strategic Retreats: If the battle turns against them, Barbed Devils can use their teleportation to retreat and regroup. Consider having them flee to a more advantageous position or to call for reinforcements, turning a losing battle into a prolonged challenge for the adventurers.

By using these tactics, Dungeon Masters can create memorable and challenging encounters with Barbed Devils, testing the strategic thinking and adaptability of their players.