Lemure

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Lemure Introduction

In the shadowy recesses of the Nine Hells, where the air is thick with the acrid scent of sulfur and the ground is a barren wasteland of cracked obsidian, there lurks a creature so pitiful and grotesque that even the most hardened adventurers might feel a pang of pity. This is the lemure, the lowest form of devil, a wretched soul condemned to an eternity of servitude and suffering.

The lemure's appearance is a haunting reminder of its tormented existence. Its body is a shapeless mass of molten flesh, constantly shifting and bubbling as if it were a living cauldron of despair. Its skin is a sickly, pallid hue, reminiscent of wax left too long in the sun, and its face is a featureless mask, save for two hollow, sunken eyes that burn with a dim, malevolent light. These creatures move with a sluggish, oozing gait, dragging themselves across the infernal landscape with a sense of hopeless inevitability.

Despite their pitiful appearance, lemures are not to be underestimated. They are relentless in their obedience to their infernal masters, driven by a mindless hunger to serve and a desperate hope for transformation into a higher form of devil. In battle, they swarm their foes with sheer numbers, their touch searing with the heat of the hells themselves. Yet, they are easily cowed by more powerful devils, their wills as malleable as their flesh.

Lemures are most commonly found in the lower planes, particularly in the Nine Hells, where they serve as the foot soldiers of the infernal legions. They inhabit the desolate plains and fiery pits, where the very ground seems to writhe with the agony of countless damned souls. Legends speak of vast armies of lemures, marching endlessly across the hellish landscape, their mournful wails echoing through the infernal night.

Some say that lemures are the souls of mortals who led lives of utter depravity, their spirits twisted and corrupted beyond redemption. Others claim that they are the remnants of devils who have fallen from grace, their once-proud forms reduced to formless blobs of suffering. Whatever their origin, the lemure is a creature to be both pitied and feared, a living testament to the horrors that await those who stray too far into the darkness.

Lemure Skills & Traits

Skills

The Lemure does not have any specific skills.

Senses

• Darkvision 60 ft.
• Passive Perception 7

Languages

Understands Infernal but can't speak

Abilities

• Devil's Sight: Magical darkness doesn't impede the lemure's darkvision.
• Hellish Rejuvenation: A lemure that dies in the Nine Hells comes back to life with all its hit points in 1d10 days unless it is killed by a good-aligned creature with a bless spell cast on it.

Actions

• Fist: Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 3 (1d4 + 1) bludgeoning damage.

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Battle Tips for Lemure

The Lemure is a low-level fiend from the Nine Hells, often used as cannon fodder by more powerful devils. While individually weak, they can be a nuisance in large numbers. Here are some tips for Dungeon Masters on how to effectively use Lemures in battle:

Using Lemures in Battle

• Swarm Tactics: Lemures are most effective when used in large groups. Overwhelm the players with sheer numbers, forcing them to deal with multiple attacks each round. This can be particularly effective in narrow corridors or confined spaces where players can't easily maneuver.
• Distraction and Delay: Use Lemures to distract or delay the party while more powerful allies prepare or execute their plans. Their presence can buy time for other devils to set up ambushes or traps.
• Psychological Warfare: Lemures are grotesque and unsettling. Use their appearance and mindless aggression to unsettle or intimidate the players, potentially causing them to make mistakes or rash decisions.

Coordinating Multiple Lemures

• Blocking and Herding: Use Lemures to block exits or herd players into specific areas where more dangerous traps or enemies await. Their bulk can make it difficult for players to move freely.
• Support from Stronger Devils: Pair Lemures with stronger devils who can command them. These devils can use the Lemures as shields or distractions while they attack from a distance or prepare spells.
• Fleeing and Regrouping: If the battle turns against them, Lemures can be commanded to retreat and regroup. Use their mindless nature to your advantage by having them flee in a chaotic manner, potentially leading players into traps or ambushes.

While Lemures may not pose a significant threat on their own, their true power lies in their numbers and their ability to support more powerful fiends. Use these tactics to make encounters with Lemures more challenging and memorable for your players.