Chain Devil

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Chain Devil Introduction

In the dim, flickering light of the underworld, where shadows dance and the air is thick with the scent of brimstone, there lurks a creature of pure malevolence and torment—the Chain Devil. Known to some as the Kyton, this fiendish entity is a harbinger of fear, its very presence a testament to the cruelty and chaos that festers in the darkest corners of the multiverse.

The Chain Devil is a sight to behold, a grotesque figure wrapped in a writhing mass of chains that seem to possess a life of their own. These chains, rusted and stained with the passage of time, clink and clatter with every movement, creating a haunting symphony that echoes through the corridors of despair. The devil's skin is a pallid, ashen hue, stretched taut over a gaunt frame, and its eyes burn with an unholy light, promising agony to those who dare meet its gaze.

Behaviorally, the Chain Devil is a sadistic tormentor, reveling in the suffering of others. It is a master of manipulation, using its chains not only as weapons but as instruments of psychological terror. These chains can extend and retract at will, ensnaring victims and binding them in a cold embrace that saps hope and instills dread. The devil delights in the art of fear, often toying with its prey before delivering the final, merciless blow.

Chain Devils are most commonly found in the infernal realms, where they serve as jailers and torturers, ensuring that the damned remain in eternal suffering. However, they are not confined to these hellish landscapes. Some have been known to wander the material plane, drawn by the scent of despair and the promise of new souls to torment. They are often summoned by dark cults or malevolent sorcerers seeking to harness their terrifying power.

Legends speak of the Chain Devil's origins, whispering of a time when they were mortal souls, twisted and corrupted by the infernal powers they once served. It is said that their chains are forged from the very essence of their victims' suffering, each link a testament to a life extinguished in agony. To encounter a Chain Devil is to face the embodiment of torment, a creature that thrives on the darkest emotions and revels in the chaos it sows.

Chain Devil Skills & Traits

Skills

• Intimidation +5
• Perception +3

Senses

• Darkvision 120 ft.
• Passive Perception 13

Languages

• Infernal
• Telepathy 120 ft.

Abilities

• Fear Aura: Any creature hostile to the chain devil that starts its turn within 30 feet of the devil must make a DC 13 Wisdom saving throw, unless the devil is incapacitated. On a failed save, the creature is frightened until the start of its next turn. If a creature's saving throw is successful, the creature is immune to the devil's Fear Aura for the next 24 hours.
• Chain Mastery: The chain devil can animate chains within 60 feet of it as a bonus action, causing them to sprout hooks, blades, or spikes. The animated chains have a reach of 10 feet and can attack one target per chain. The chains can grapple a target (escape DC 14) and deal 2d6 slashing damage to a grappled target at the start of each of the devil's turns.

Actions

• Multiattack: The chain devil makes two attacks with its chains.
• Chain: Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) slashing damage.
• Unnerving Mask: The chain devil can use its action to transform its face into the likeness of one of its enemies. The target must succeed on a DC 14 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened for 1 minute. The frightened target can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success.

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Battle Tips for Chain Devil

The Chain Devil, also known as a Kyton, is a formidable foe in any dungeon setting. Known for its terrifying appearance and mastery over chains, this creature can be a memorable challenge for adventurers. Here are some tips for Dungeon Masters on how to effectively use Chain Devils in battle:

Utilizing the Chain Devil's Abilities

• Frightening Presence: Use the Chain Devil's ability to instill fear in your players. Position the devil in a dimly lit area where its chains can clatter ominously, creating an atmosphere of dread before the battle even begins.
• Animate Chains: Take advantage of the Chain Devil's ability to animate chains in the environment. Use this to control the battlefield, creating barriers or entangling players to limit their movement and force them into strategic positions.
• Multiattack: The Chain Devil can make multiple attacks in a single turn. Use this to target different players, spreading out the damage and keeping the party on their toes.

Strategies for Multiple Chain Devils

• Coordinated Attacks: When using multiple Chain Devils, have them coordinate their attacks to focus on a single target, quickly overwhelming them with a barrage of chains.
• Divide and Conquer: Use the Chain Devils to split the party. Have one or two devils engage the frontline fighters while others target the spellcasters and ranged attackers, forcing the party to split their focus.
• Retreat and Regroup: If the battle turns against them, Chain Devils can use their chains to create obstacles and retreat to a more advantageous position, regrouping for a counterattack.

Environmental Considerations

• Chain-filled Rooms: Place Chain Devils in rooms filled with hanging chains or machinery. This not only enhances their thematic presence but also provides them with ample resources to animate and use against the party.
• Dark and Claustrophobic Spaces: Utilize dark, narrow corridors where the Chain Devil can use its chains to block paths and create chokepoints, making it difficult for the party to maneuver.

By leveraging the Chain Devil's unique abilities and creating a strategic environment, you can craft a challenging and memorable encounter for your players. Remember to adjust the difficulty based on your party's level and capabilities to ensure a balanced and engaging battle.