Pit Fiend
- Size: Large
- Type: Fiend (Devil)
- Alignment: Lawful Evil
- AC: 21
- Initiative: +14 (24)
- HP: 337 (27d10+189)
- Speed: 30 ft, Fly 60 ft.
| ATTR | VAL | MOD | SAVE |
|---|---|---|---|
| STR | 26 | +8 | +8 |
| DEX | 14 | +2 | +8 |
| CON | 24 | +7 | +7 |
| INT | 22 | +6 | +6 |
| WIS | 18 | +4 | +10 |
| CHA | 24 | +7 | +7 |
- Skills: Perception +10, Persuasion +19
- Resistances: Cold
- Immunities: Fire, Poison; Poisoned
- Senses: Truesight 120 ft.; Passive Perception 20
- Languages: Infernal; telepathy 120 ft.
- CR: 20 (XP 25,000; PB +6)
Traits
Diabolical Restoration. If the pit fiend 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.
Fear Aura. The pit fiend emanates an aura in a 20-foot Emanation while it doesn't have the Incapacitated condition. Wisdom Saving Throw: DC 21, any enemy that starts its turn in the aura. Failure: The target has the Frightened condition until the start of its next turn. Success: The target is immune to this pit fiend's aura for 24 hours.
Legendary Resistance (4/Day). If the pit fiend fails a saving throw, it can choose to succeed instead.
Magic Resistance. The pit fiend has Advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.
Actions
Multiattack. The pit fiend makes one Bite attack, two Devilish Claw attacks, and one Fiery Mace attack.
Bite. Melee Attack Roll: +14, reach 10 ft. Hit: 18 (3d6+8) Piercing damage. If the target is a creature, it must make the following saving throw. Constitution Saving Throw: DC 21. Failure: The target has the Poisoned condition. While Poisoned, the target can't regain Hit Points and takes 21 (6d6) Poison damage at the start of each of its turns, and it repeats the save at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success. After 1 minute, it succeeds automatically.
Devilish Claw. Melee Attack Roll: +14, reach 10 ft. Hit: 26 (4d8+8) Slashing damage.
Fiery Mace. Melee Attack Roll: +14, reach 10 ft. Hit: 22 (4d6+8) Force damage plus 21 (6d6) Fire damage.
Hellfire Spellcasting (Recharge 4-6). The pit fiend casts Fireball (level 5 version) twice, requiring no Material components and using Charisma as the spellcasting ability (spell save DC 21). It can replace one Fireball with Hold Monster (level 7 version) or Wall of Fire.
Lore & Background
Pit fiends are among the most powerful and feared devils in the Nine Hells, serving as generals, rulers, and enforcers in the infernal hierarchy. These massive winged devils embody the lawful evil nature of Hell itself, combining incredible physical power with cunning intelligence and an absolute dedication to the principles of tyranny and corruption. Pit fiends often rule entire layers of Hell or serve as the right hands of archdevils.
These ancient fiends have existed for millennia, accumulating vast knowledge of mortal weaknesses and the intricacies of infernal law. They are master strategists who view the corruption of mortals as both a duty and an art form, taking great pleasure in turning heroes to evil through careful manipulation and temptation.
Combat Tactics
Pit fiends are devastating combatants who combine their multiattack capabilities with powerful spell-like abilities and their fear aura. They use their flight and teleportation to control the battlefield while raining down attacks from above, often beginning combat with mass charm or fear effects.
Encounter Ideas
Infernal General: A pit fiend leads a massive devil army in an invasion of the Material Plane. Corrupt Bargain: A pit fiend offers power to desperate mortals in exchange for their souls. Hell's Court: A pit fiend serves as judge in an infernal trial with cosmic consequences. Ancient Enemy: A pit fiend seeks revenge against heroes who have thwarted its plans.
Environmental Effects
Pit fiend presence corrupts the area with lawful evil energy, causing the temperature to rise dramatically while filling the air with the stench of sulfur and brimstone. Holy ground becomes desecrated in their vicinity.
Treasure
Pit fiends possess vast hoards of wealth accumulated over millennia, including powerful magical weapons and armor, soul gems, infernal contracts, and artifacts of incredible evil power.
Plot Hooks
Devil's Contract: A pit fiend holds binding contracts that could doom thousands of souls. Infernal Politics: A pit fiend seeks to advance its position in Hell's hierarchy through mortal agents. The Fallen Angel: A pit fiend was once a powerful angel and retains memories of its celestial past. Hell's Invasion: A pit fiend orchestrates a massive assault on the Material Plane.