Pit Fiend

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Pit Fiend Introduction

In the shadowy depths of the Nine Hells, where the air is thick with the acrid stench of brimstone and the very ground seems to writhe with malevolent intent, there dwells a creature of unparalleled terror and power: the Pit Fiend. As you venture deeper into this infernal realm, the oppressive heat intensifies, and the flickering flames cast ominous shadows that dance across the jagged, obsidian landscape. It is here, amidst the cacophony of tortured souls and the relentless crackle of hellfire, that the Pit Fiend reigns supreme.

The Pit Fiend is a towering behemoth, standing over twelve feet tall, with a muscular frame that exudes both strength and malice. Its skin is a deep crimson, as if perpetually bathed in the blood of its enemies, and it glistens with an unnatural sheen. Massive, leathery wings unfurl from its back, casting a dark silhouette against the fiery backdrop, while its long, sinuous tail lashes the air with a menacing grace. The creature's eyes burn with an infernal light, promising both intelligence and cruelty, and its maw is filled with razor-sharp fangs, capable of rending flesh from bone with terrifying ease.

Legends speak of the Pit Fiend's insatiable hunger for power and its role as a general in the infernal armies of the Nine Hells. It is said that these fiends are the enforcers of the archdevils, executing their will with ruthless efficiency and a cunning that belies their brutish appearance. Tales of their exploits are whispered in hushed tones by those who have dared to venture too close to the infernal planes, and many a bard has spun chilling tales of adventurers who have faced the wrath of a Pit Fiend, only to be consumed by its unholy fire.

In their lairs, which are often vast, labyrinthine fortresses carved from the very rock of the Nine Hells, Pit Fiends surround themselves with legions of lesser devils, each eager to serve their master in the hopes of gaining favor. The air within these strongholds is thick with the scent of sulfur and the cries of the damned, creating an atmosphere of dread that seeps into the very bones of those who dare to intrude. It is said that the Pit Fiend's presence alone is enough to warp reality, causing the weak-willed to succumb to madness and despair.

As you stand on the precipice of this hellish domain, the ground trembles beneath your feet, and a low, rumbling growl echoes through the air. The Pit Fiend is near, and its malevolent gaze has fallen upon you. Prepare yourselves, for you are about to face a creature born of nightmare, a being whose very existence is a testament to the dark and twisted nature of the Nine Hells.

Pit Fiend Skills & Traits

Skills

• Perception +17
• Insight +13

Senses

• Darkvision 120 ft.
• Passive Perception 27

Languages

• Infernal
• Telepathy 120 ft.

Abilities

• Magic Resistance: The pit fiend has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.
• Magic Weapons: The pit fiend's weapon attacks are magical.
• Fear Aura: Any creature hostile to the pit fiend that starts its turn within 20 feet of the pit fiend must make a DC 21 Wisdom saving throw, unless the pit fiend 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 pit fiend's Fear Aura for the next 24 hours.

Actions

• Multiattack: The pit fiend makes four attacks: one with its bite, one with its claw, one with its mace, and one with its tail.
• Bite: Melee Weapon Attack: +14 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 22 (4d6 + 8) piercing damage. The target must succeed on a DC 21 Constitution saving throw or become poisoned. While poisoned in this way, the target can't regain hit points, and it takes 21 (6d6) 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.
• Claw: Melee Weapon Attack: +14 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 17 (2d8 + 8) slashing damage.
• Mace: Melee Weapon Attack: +14 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (2d6 + 8) bludgeoning damage plus 21 (6d6) fire damage.
• Tail: Melee Weapon Attack: +14 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 24 (3d10 + 8) bludgeoning damage.
• Fireball (Recharge 5-6): The pit fiend hurls a magical ball of fire that explodes at a point it can see within 150 feet. Each creature in a 20-foot-radius sphere centered on that point must make a DC 21 Dexterity saving throw, taking 56 (16d6) fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

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Battle Tips for Pit Fiend

The Pit Fiend is one of the most formidable foes in the infernal hierarchy, known for its immense power and strategic cunning. As a Dungeon Master, utilizing a Pit Fiend in battle can create a memorable and challenging encounter for your players. Here are some tips to effectively use a Pit Fiend in your campaign:

Using the Pit Fiend in Battle

• Leverage Its Aura: The Pit Fiend's Fear Aura can be a game-changer in battle. Position the Pit Fiend to maximize the number of players affected, potentially causing chaos and disrupting their strategies.
• Spellcasting Prowess: With access to powerful spells like Fireball and Hold Monster, the Pit Fiend can control the battlefield. Use these spells to target clustered players or to incapacitate key characters.
• Melee Dominance: The Pit Fiend's multiattack is devastating. Focus on high-value targets, such as spellcasters or healers, to quickly turn the tide of battle in its favor.

Coordinating with Other Creatures

• Infernal Allies: Pair the Pit Fiend with other devils, such as Horned Devils or Erinyes, to create a layered threat. These allies can provide support and additional pressure on the players.
• Divide and Conquer: Use minions to separate the party, allowing the Pit Fiend to focus on isolated targets. This tactic can prevent players from effectively supporting each other.
• Retreat and Regroup: If the battle turns against the Pit Fiend, it can use its teleportation ability to retreat and regroup with reinforcements, setting up a future encounter.

Fleeing and Tactical Retreats

• Strategic Withdrawal: If the Pit Fiend is outmatched, it can use its teleportation to escape, potentially leading the players into a trap or ambush in a later encounter.
• Feigning Weakness: The Pit Fiend might pretend to be more injured than it is, luring players into overextending themselves before launching a counterattack.
• Using Terrain: Take advantage of the environment to create obstacles or barriers, allowing the Pit Fiend to retreat while minimizing pursuit.

By employing these strategies, a Dungeon Master can create a dynamic and challenging encounter with a Pit Fiend, testing the players' tactical skills and teamwork.