Bone Devil
- Size: Large
- Type: Fiend (Devil)
- Alignment: Lawful Evil
- AC: 16
- Initiative: +7 (17)
- HP: 161 (17d10 + 68)
- Speed: 40 ft, Fly 40 ft .
| ATTR | VAL | MOD | SAVE |
|---|---|---|---|
| STR | 18 | +4 | +8 |
| Dex | 16 | +3 | +3 |
| Con | 18 | +4 | +4 |
| INT | 13 | +1 | +5 |
| Wis | 14 | +2 | +6 |
| CHA | 16 | +3 | +7 |
- Skills: Deception +7 , Insight +6
- Resistances: Cold
- Immunities: Fire, Poison; Poisoned
- Senses: Darkvision 120 ft . (unimpeded by magical Darkness); Passive Perception 12
- Languages: Infernal; telepathy 120 ft .
- CR: 9 (XP 5,000; PB +4)
Traits
Diabolical Restoration. If the devil dies outside the Nine Hells, its body disappears in sulfurous smoke, and it gains a new body instantly, reviving with all its Hit Points somewhere in the Nine Hells.
Magic Resistance. The devil has Advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.
Actions
Multiattack. The devil makes two Claw attacks and one Infernal Sting attack.
Claw. Melee Attack Roll: +8 , reach 10 ft . Hit: 13 (2d8 + 4) Slashing damage.
Infernal Sting. Melee Attack Roll: +8 , reach 10 ft . Hit: 15 (2d10 + 4) Piercing damage plus 18 (4d8) Poison damage, and the target has the Poisoned condition until the start of the devil's next turn. While Poisoned, the target can't regain Hit Points.
Lore & Background
Bone devils, also known as osyluths, are among the most cunning and manipulative of all devils. These gaunt, skeletal fiends serve as spies, interrogators, and enforcers in the Nine Hells' complex hierarchy. Their appearance is deliberately unsettling - towering frames covered in yellowed bone plates, with glowing red eyes and a tail ending in a venomous stinger.
These devils excel at information gathering and psychological manipulation, often infiltrating mortal societies to corrupt influential individuals or gather intelligence for their infernal masters. They are patient schemers who view mortal lives as expendable resources in their eternal games of power and corruption.
Bone devils serve multiple roles in the infernal hierarchy, acting as both investigators who root out treachery and agents who recruit new souls for the Nine Hells. Their combination of cunning intelligence and martial prowess makes them particularly dangerous opponents who can adapt to almost any situation.
Combat Tactics
Bone devils are tactical combatants who prefer to fight with calculated precision rather than brute force. They use their reach advantage and poisonous stinger to control the battlefield, keeping enemies at a distance while wearing them down with coordinated attacks.
These fiends excel at identifying and targeting the most dangerous opponents first, often focusing on spellcasters and leaders who might disrupt their plans. They use their flight and superior mobility to stay out of reach while positioning for devastating stinger attacks.
Bone devils are intelligent enough to retreat when outmatched, preferring to return with reinforcements or better preparation rather than risk destruction. They often have contingency plans and escape routes prepared before engaging in combat.
Encounter Ideas
The Infernal Investigator: A bone devil has been sent to investigate suspected treachery within a devil cult, creating opportunities for the party to either aid or hinder its mission.
The Corrupt Magistrate: A bone devil in disguise has infiltrated the local government, slowly corrupting the legal system and gathering souls through unjust prosecutions.
The Torturer's Art: The party must rescue prisoners from a bone devil's interrogation chambers, navigating both physical dangers and psychological horrors.
The Soul Contract: A bone devil seeks to collect on an ancient contract, pursuing the descendants of those who made deals with its infernal masters centuries ago.
Environmental Effects
Bone devil presence creates distinctive infernal influences:
- Oppressive Atmosphere: The area becomes filled with a sense of dread and paranoia that affects decision-making
- Temperature Changes: Localized cold spots where the devil's presence weakens the boundary between planes
- Psychological Pressure: Individuals in the area become more susceptible to fear, doubt, and corruption
- Infernal Markings: Subtle symbols and signs appear that serve as warnings or marks of the devil's influence
Treasure
Infernal Contracts: Documents that bind souls to the Nine Hells, potentially valuable for understanding infernal law or freeing victims.
Torture Implements: Specialized tools designed for interrogation and torment, often magical and disturbingly effective.
Soul Gems: Crystalline containers that hold fragments of corrupted souls, valuable to certain collectors and researchers.
Information Networks: The devil's extensive knowledge of secrets and blackmail material can be more valuable than gold.
Plot Hooks
The Devil's Bargain: The bone devil offers information crucial to the party's mission in exchange for a service that seems reasonable but has hidden infernal implications.
The Corruption Investigation: A series of suspicious deaths and disappearances leads to a bone devil operating within the city's power structure.
The Infernal Trial: The party becomes involved in an infernal legal proceeding where a bone devil serves as prosecutor, advocate, or judge in a supernatural court.
The Double Agent: A bone devil claims to be working against its infernal masters, offering aid while pursuing its own mysterious agenda that may help or doom the party.