Horned Devil

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Horned Devil Introduction

In the shadowy recesses of the Nine Hells, where the air is thick with the acrid scent of brimstone and the ground trembles with the distant echoes of tormented souls, there lurks a creature of fearsome might and malevolent intent—the Horned Devil. Known to the infernal denizens as the Malebranche, these fiendish beings are the enforcers of the hellish hierarchy, their presence a harbinger of doom and despair.

The Horned Devil stands towering and imposing, its muscular form clad in scales as hard as iron and as dark as the abyss itself. Its skin glistens with an oily sheen, reflecting the flickering flames of the infernal realm. From its head sprout two massive, curved horns, sharp and menacing, like the scythes of a reaper. Its eyes burn with a malevolent red glow, promising pain and suffering to those who dare to meet its gaze. A pair of leathery wings unfurl from its back, casting a shadow that seems to swallow the light, and its barbed tail lashes with a life of its own, eager to rend flesh from bone.

In behavior, the Horned Devil is as cunning as it is brutal. It delights in the suffering of others, often toying with its prey before delivering the final, fatal blow. These devils are known for their unwavering loyalty to their infernal masters, carrying out orders with ruthless efficiency. Yet, they are not without ambition, always seeking to climb the infernal ladder, even if it means betraying their own kind. Their voices are a cacophony of growls and hisses, each word dripping with venom and malice.

The Horned Devil's habitat is the infernal plains of the Nine Hells, where rivers of molten lava carve through the desolate landscape, and the sky is a perpetual twilight of blood-red hues. Here, they patrol the borders of their masters' domains, ever watchful for intruders or rebellious souls seeking escape. Legends speak of these devils being summoned to the mortal realm by those foolish or desperate enough to bargain with the forces of hell. In such cases, the Horned Devil becomes a relentless hunter, bound to its summoner's will but always seeking a loophole to turn the tables.

Among the tales whispered by those who have encountered these fiends and lived to tell the tale, there is one that stands out—a legend of a Horned Devil who defied its master, seeking redemption in the mortal world. Whether this tale is true or merely a fabrication to give hope to the hopeless, none can say. But one thing is certain: when the Horned Devil appears, it brings with it the full fury of the Nine Hells, and only the bravest or most foolhardy would dare to stand in its path.

Horned Devil Skills & Traits

Skills

• Intimidation +5
• 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 attacks: two with its fork and one with its tail.
• Fork: Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (2d8 + 6) piercing damage.
• Tail: Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (1d8 + 6) piercing damage. If the target is a creature, it must succeed on a DC 17 Constitution saving throw or become poisoned. While poisoned in this way, the target can't regain hit points, and it takes 10 (3d6) poison damage at the start of each of its turns. The poisoned target can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success.
• Hurl Flame: Ranged Spell Attack: +7 to hit, range 150 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (4d6) 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 Horned Devil

The Horned Devil, also known as a Malebranche, is a formidable foe in any campaign. With its fearsome appearance and powerful abilities, it can pose a significant challenge to adventurers. Here are some tips for Dungeon Masters on how to effectively use Horned Devils in battle:

Utilizing the Horned Devil's Abilities

• Flight Advantage: The Horned Devil's ability to fly gives it a significant tactical advantage. Use this to keep it out of reach of melee attackers while it hurls fiery projectiles from above.
• Fear Aura: The Horned Devil can instill fear in its enemies. Use this ability to disrupt the party's formation and force them into making mistakes.
• Multiattack: With its ability to make multiple attacks in a single turn, the Horned Devil can quickly overwhelm a single target. Focus on isolating and eliminating key party members.

Coordinating with Multiple Horned Devils

• Divide and Conquer: Use multiple Horned Devils to split the party. Have one or two engage the front line while others target the backline spellcasters and healers.
• Flanking Maneuvers: Coordinate attacks to flank the party, gaining advantage on attack rolls and increasing the pressure on the adventurers.
• Rotating Retreats: If the battle turns against them, Horned Devils can use their flight to retreat and regroup, launching hit-and-run attacks to wear down the party over time.

Strategic Retreat and Fleeing

• Use of Terrain: Horned Devils can use their flight to retreat to high ground or difficult terrain, making it hard for the party to pursue.
• Summoning Reinforcements: If the battle is going poorly, a Horned Devil might call for reinforcements, either other devils or lesser fiends, to cover its retreat.
• Feigning Weakness: A clever Horned Devil might pretend to be more injured than it is, luring the party into a trap or ambush as it retreats.

By leveraging these tactics, a Dungeon Master can create a challenging and memorable encounter with Horned Devils that will test the strategic thinking and adaptability of any adventuring party.