Bearded Devil
- Size: Medium
- Type: Fiend (Devil)
- Alignment: Lawful Evil
- AC: 13
- Initiative: +2 (12)
- HP: 58(9d8+18)
- Speed: 30 ft
| ATTR | VAL | MOD | SAVE |
|---|---|---|---|
| STR | 16 | +3 | +5 |
| Dex | 15 | +2 | +2 |
| Con | 15 | +2 | +4 |
| INT | 9 | -1 | -1 |
| Wis | 11 | +0 | +0 |
| CHA | 14 | +2 | +4 |
- Resistances: Cold
- Immunities: Fire, Poison; Frightened, Poisoned
- Senses: Darkvision 120 ft . (unimpeded by magical Darkness); Passive Perception 10
- Languages: Infernal; telepathy 120 ft .
- CR: 3 (XP 700; PB +2)
Traits
Magic Resistance. The devil has Advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.
Actions
Multiattack. The devil makes one Beard attack and one Infernal Glaive attack.
Beard. Melee Attack Roll: +5 , reach 5 ft . Hit: 7 (1d8 +3 ) Piercing damage, and the target has the Poisoned condition until the start of the devil's next turn. Until this poison ends, the target can't regain Hit Points.
Infernal Glaive. Melee Attack Roll: +5 , reach 10 ft . Hit: 8 (1d10 + 3) Slashing damage. If the target is a creature and doesn't already have an infernal wound, it is subjected to the following effect. Constitution Saving Throw: DC 12. Failure: The target receives an infernal wound. While wounded, the target loses 5 (1d10) Hit Points at the start of each of its turns. The wound closes after 1 minute, after a spell restores Hit Points to the target, or after the target or a creature within 5 feet of it takes an action to stanch the wound, doing so by succeeding on a DC 12 Wisdom (Medicine) check.
Lore & Background
Bearded devils, known as barbazu in the infernal hierarchy, are the shock troops and enforcers of the Nine Hells. These devils are formed from the souls of mortals who committed acts of violence and brutality during their lives, their transformation reflecting their savage nature through their distinctive writhing beard of worms and their crude but effective combat style. They serve as the backbone of Hell's armies, combining discipline with ruthless aggression.
In the rigid hierarchy of the Nine Hells, bearded devils occupy a middle position - above lemures and imps but below more powerful devils like barbed devils and bone devils. They serve as sergeants and squad leaders in infernal legions, responsible for maintaining order among lesser devils while carrying out the commands of their superiors. Their loyalty is absolute, but it stems from fear and self-preservation rather than genuine devotion.
These devils are often summoned to the material plane by cultists and evil spellcasters who need enforcers capable of both following complex orders and adapting to changing situations. Unlike mindless undead or constructs, bearded devils can think tactically and make decisions in the field, making them valuable assets for those willing to risk dealing with infernal powers. They take particular pleasure in corrupting mortals and leading them down paths of violence and evil.
Combat Tactics
Bearded devils are aggressive combatants who prefer direct confrontation to subtle tactics. They use their reach advantage with their infernal glaives to control battlefield positioning, keeping enemies at a distance while their beard attacks inflict poison and prevent healing. They work well in groups, using coordinated attacks to overwhelm opponents through sheer persistence and accumulated damage.
The devil's infernal wounds are particularly dangerous in prolonged encounters, as the continuous damage can quickly wear down even hardy opponents. Bearded devils understand this and focus on spreading wounds among multiple enemies rather than concentrating on single targets. Their magic resistance makes them effective against spellcasters, allowing them to close distance despite magical attacks.
When facing superior numbers or powerful opponents, bearded devils use their mobility to create favorable engagements, retreating when necessary but always looking for opportunities to inflict wounds that will weaken enemies over time. They are disciplined enough to follow tactical plans but aggressive enough to press advantages when they arise.
Encounter Ideas
The Infernal Patrol: A squad of bearded devils has been sent to the material plane to retrieve a escaped soul or punish someone who broke an infernal contract, leaving a trail of violence in their wake.
The Cult's Enforcers: A devil-worshipping cult uses summoned bearded devils to intimidate rivals and eliminate threats, creating a reign of terror in the local community.
The Planar Breach: A magical accident has opened a temporary portal to the Nine Hells, and bearded devils are pouring through to establish a foothold before more powerful devils arrive.
The Corrupt Guard: Bearded devils have been bound into service as guards for a corrupt noble or merchant, using their infernal nature to ensure absolute loyalty and deadly effectiveness.
Environmental Effects
Infernal Corruption: Areas where bearded devils operate for extended periods begin to show signs of infernal influence, with plants withering and water sources becoming tainted.
Sulfurous Atmosphere: The presence of bearded devils fills the air with the smell of sulfur and brimstone, making the environment uncomfortable for most living creatures.
Intimidating Presence: The devils' naturally frightening appearance and aggressive behavior creates an atmosphere of fear and tension that affects even brave individuals.
Scorched Earth: Combat involving bearded devils often leaves burn marks and scorch patterns on surfaces, evidence of their infernal nature and violent methods.
Treasure
Infernal Weapons: The glaives used by bearded devils are crafted in the forges of Hell and retain some of their infernal properties even after their wielders are defeated.
Soul Contracts: Documents written in blood and infernal script, detailing agreements between devils and mortals that could be valuable for blackmail or negotiation.
Hellish Coins: Currency from the Nine Hells, including soul coins and other infernal tender that can be used in dealings with fiends or sold to collectors.
Corrupted Items: Personal effects that have been tainted by prolonged exposure to infernal energy, gaining minor magical properties related to fear or intimidation.
Plot Hooks
The Devil's Debt: A bearded devil claims that someone owes a debt to Hell and has come to collect, but the supposed debtor insists they never made any infernal bargains, leading to questions about identity theft or inherited obligations.
The Infernal Deserter: A bearded devil has somehow broken free from its infernal bonds and seeks protection from other devils who have been sent to drag it back to Hell, creating moral complexity about helping a devil.
The Summoner's Mistake: An inexperienced cultist has summoned bearded devils but lost control of the binding, and the devils are now running amok while the summoner hides in terror.
The Infernal Investigation: Bearded devils are systematically hunting through a city or region, apparently searching for something or someone specific, and their methods are causing panic among the innocent population.