Marilith
- Size: Large
- Type: Fiend (Demon)
- Alignment: Chaotic Evil
- AC: 16
- Initiative: +10 (20)
- HP: 220 (21d10+105)
- Speed: 40 ft, Climb 40 ft.
| ATTR | VAL | MOD | SAVE |
|---|---|---|---|
| STR | 18 | +4 | +9 |
| DEX | 20 | +5 | +5 |
| CON | 20 | +5 | +5 |
| INT | 18 | +4 | +4 |
| WIS | 16 | +3 | +8 |
| CHA | 20 | +5 | +5 |
- Skills: Perception +8
- Resistances: Cold, Fire, Lightning
- Immunities: Poison; Poisoned
- Senses: Truesight 120 ft.; Passive Perception 18
- Languages: Abyssal; telepathy 120 ft.
- CR: 16 (XP 15,000; PB +5)
Traits
Demonic Restoration. If the marilith dies outside the Abyss, its body dissolves into ichor, and it gains a new body instantly, reviving with all its Hit Points somewhere in the Abyss.
Magic Resistance. The marilith has Advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.
Reactive. The marilith can take one Reaction on every turn of combat.
Actions
Multiattack. The marilith makes six Pact Blade attacks and uses Constrict.
Pact Blade. Melee Attack Roll: +10, reach 5 ft. Hit: 10 (1d10+5) Slashing damage plus 7 (2d6) Necrotic damage.
Constrict. Strength Saving Throw: DC 17, one Medium or smaller creature the marilith can see within 5 feet. Failure: 15 (2d10+4) Bludgeoning damage. The target has the Grappled condition (escape DC 14), and it has the Restrained condition until the grapple ends.
Bonus Actions
Teleport (Recharge 5-6). The marilith teleports up to 120 feet to an unoccupied space it can see.
Reactions
Parry. Trigger: The marilith is hit by a melee attack roll while holding a weapon. Response: The marilith adds 5 to its AC against that attack, possibly causing it to miss.
Lore & Background
Mariliths are among the most fearsome and cunning of all demons, serving as generals and tacticians in the chaotic armies of the Abyss. These serpentine fiends possess the upper torso of a beautiful woman with six arms, while their lower body is that of a massive snake. Mariliths are masters of warfare and strategy, combining their natural ferocity with tactical brilliance that makes them incredibly dangerous opponents.
These demons delight in combat and conquest, viewing warfare as the highest form of art. They command lesser demons with ruthless efficiency and take great pride in their ability to turn the tide of battle through superior tactics and overwhelming force.
Combat Tactics
Mariliths excel in melee combat, using their six arms to wield multiple weapons simultaneously while their serpentine tail provides additional attacks and mobility. They combine their multiattack capabilities with spell-like abilities to control the battlefield and eliminate key threats.
Encounter Ideas
Abyssal General: A marilith leads a demonic invasion force against a mortal realm. Tactical Advisor: A marilith serves as a military consultant to an evil warlord. Arena Champion: A marilith dominates gladiatorial combat in an infernal arena. Strategic Summoning: Cultists summon a marilith to lead their unholy war.
Environmental Effects
Marilith presence corrupts the area with chaotic evil energy. Military formations become more aggressive, and the very air seems to thrum with the promise of violence and warfare.
Treasure
Mariliths collect masterwork weapons and armor from fallen enemies, magical items that enhance combat prowess, and trophies from their greatest victories. Their hoards often include strategic maps and military intelligence.
Plot Hooks
The Demon's Contract: A marilith offers military aid in exchange for souls or territory. Tactical Intelligence: A marilith possesses crucial information about enemy movements. The Art of War: A marilith challenges heroes to a contest of military strategy. Abyssal Politics: A marilith seeks to overthrow a demon lord and needs mortal agents.