Difference between revisions of "Devil"

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Distinct from the [[Demon|demon]], the origin of devils is very different. Devils are so-called because they were aligned with "the Devil" during the [[War in Heaven (myth)|War in Heaven]]; the eponymous "Devil" is better named Satan or, in Zoroastrianism, Ahriman, and in the present is known in Europe either by the name of Dispater or Lucifer. He is known by many other names in different parts of the world. For simplicity, therefore, the word "devil" refers specifically to the fallen angels who were cast into [[Hell]] along with Lucifer, along with those supernatural creatures who were spawned by devils. The distinction is made by describing the former as "greater devils," or devils who existed at the time of the War, or "lesser devils," those devils spawned since that time. See [[Devilish Culture]].
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[[File:Devil.jpg|right|490px|thumb]]
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'''Devils''' are malicious, sadistic supernatural beings who dwell largely within the [[Nine Hells (plane)|Nine Hells]], one of the [[Lower Planes of Existence]]. They are unlike [[Demon|demons]] in that they aren't the twisted souls of the [[Damnation|damned]], but rather creatures who turned against [[Yahweh (god)|Yahweh]] and were thence cast out from [[Heaven (plane)|Heaven]].  The greatest of their number is named [[Satan (demi-god)|Satan]], though he is variously known by other names, such as simply "the Devil," Ahriman, Dispater or Lucifer, though these are but a few.
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In this context, the term "devil" predominantly refers to the infernal cohorts of Satan, who were consigned to the depths of hell following their defeat during the [[War in Heaven]].  This was a significant event in various religious and mythological narratives, including Christian literature. Satan's minions, often referred to as demons or fallen angels, are condemned to supervise the damned in Hell until the end of time.  
  
There are comparatively few types of devil. Those that are best known include the following, found on their own pages:
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== Behaviour ==
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While their designated role in the universe is to inflict suffering and deceive the hapless souls in their care, these genuinely malevolent beings possess a disturbing appetite for their malefic tasks.  Still, beyond the confines of Hell, they are perceived as instruments of retribution and divine justice, as those condemned souls who find themselves in the abyss are seen as rightfully placed there.
  
* [[Barbed Devil|Barbed]]
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However, most devils harbour an attitude that the souls they're granted to torment are far from sufficient in number to satiate their desires. From their perspective, the only conceivable means to rectify this perceived imbalance would be to subject the soul of every being, whether righteous or wicked, living or deceased, to their twisted whims and cruel devices.  This perspective sheds light on just how eager devils would be to sow discord if they were liberated to roam the realms of the Earth — a grim possibility that, unfortunately, they occasionally obtain.
* [[Bone Devil|Bone]]
 
* [[Horned Devil|Horned]]
 
* [[Ice Devil|Ice]]
 
* [[Lemure|Lemure]]
 
* [[Pit Fiend|Pit fiend]]
 
* [[Styx Devil|Styx]]
 
  
The 72 arch-devils that exist are of such power and unique characteristic that they are not included in the list above, though characteristics that apply to all devils also apply to them. Devils act almost entirely without supervision, being placed in specific roles within Hell or Hades and having particular tasks that they exist to perform. They are, most of them, quite malevolent; but this also includes a considerable amount of indifference, as they have casually watched over the systematic torture of the dead for millennia.
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== Advantages ==
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All devils, regardless of their type, possess a set of [[Natural Abilities|innate abilities]] that they can employ effortlessly, each requiring no more than 1 [[Action Points|action]] point (AP) to activate, and they can use these abilities as frequently as they desire. However, they can only employ one such ability per [[Combat Round|round]], so they are judicious in selecting the most advantageous choice.
  
== Natural Abilities ==
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'''Magic.''' These creatures can invoke a range of effects resembling various spells, without the need for traditional [[Spellcasting|spellcasting]]. These effects include [[Suggestion (spell)|suggestion]], [[Know Intent (spell)|know intent]], [[Fear (spell)|cause fear]], [[Animate Dead (spell)|animate dead]] and the detailed abilities below:
  
All devils have specific abilities that are not spells. These abilities may be performed at will, which means they require no more than 1 [[Action Points|action point]] (AP). Devils are, therefore, quite dangerous to face as enemies.
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: '''[[Darkness, 15 ft. radius (spell)|Darkness]].'''  Devils can generate an encompassing darkness, which they like to create to conceal their position from round to round.  Their exceptional ability to see perfectly in such darkness is granted by a continuous [[Ultravision (spell)|ultravision]].  
  
Devils are able to see perfectly well in complete darkness or light. This ultravision is similar to the [[Ultravision (spell)|2nd level illusionist spell]] of the same name, except that it is continuous.
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: '''[[Teleport (spell)|Teleport]].'''  They frequently exploit their teleportation capability, allowing them to traverse the battlefield with ease, often transitioning from place to place more swiftly than traversing a single hex. A favored tactic involves attacking a nearby adversary, teleporting, and then launching further attacks against other foes across the field with their remaining [[Movement (stride)|movement]].
  
Devils are able to employ various magical powers as well: [[Suggestion (spell)|suggestion]], as the 3rd level illusionist spell; [[Know Intent (spell)|know intent]], as the 2nd level cleric spell; [[Fear (spell)|cause fear]], as the 3rd level illusionist spell and [[Animate Dead (spell)|animate dead]], as the 3rd level cleric spell. Devils can perform these spells at will, as noted above, so they do not need to be cast and discharged; both take place with the passing of 1 AP.
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'''[[Gate (spell)|Gate]].'''  When faced with dire circumstances in [[Combat|combat]], devils possess the power to summon reinforcements of their own kind through a mystical gate.  However, they dislike sharing their intended victims with their fellows, preferring instead to yield ground and return to Hell, achieved simply by teleporting again, rather than summoning additional devils to join the fray.
  
Devils are also able to summon other devils, always of their own kind but sometimes greater or lesser devils as well. Devils will resort to this ability when they are pressed in combat — but only if that presence is absolutely required. Devils will almost always prefer to give ground and return to hell rather than bring others forth to fight (though a greater devil may summon a lesser devil to take its place). Devils can [[Teleport (spell)|teleport]] at will. They will make rich and continuous use of their teleport ability, moving from place to place in a combat more easily than moving even a single hex. They are known to attack, teleport, then use the remainder of their movement that round to attack again.
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'''Magic to Hit.'''  Devils are only hit by [[Magic to Hit|magical weapons]].
  
They have limits. They can only use one magical power per round, including darkness, teleport and [[Gate (spell)|gate]]. They can perform that one magical attack, however, and employ their physical attacks as well.
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'''Natural immunities.'''  They also exhibit immunity to [[Cold-based Attacks|cold-based]], [[Gas-based Attacks|gas-based]] and [[Fire-based Attacks|fire-based]] attacks, including both [[Normal Fire|normal]] and [[Magical Fire|magical]].  Devils are impervious to [[Charm|charmed]], [[Sleep (spell)|sleep]] or any form of mental manipulation.  Their minds cannot be touched by [[ESP (spell)|ESP]] and their [[Know Intent (spell)|intentions]] cannot be known. Even [[Augury (spell)|augury]] and [[Divination (spell)|divination]] spells cannot predict their movements or designs; though other forms of [[Divination (sage study)|divination]] might.
  
== Immunities ==
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== Number ==
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According to the '''[[Ars Goetia (grimoire)|Ars Goetia]]''' there exist 72 entities known as "arch-devils" or demon princes.  These beings are revered as potent and malevolent entities within occult traditions. Certain practitioners of [[Dweomercraft (sage study)|dweomercraft]] engage in the study and contact of these entities, seeking knowledge or assistance to fulfill their diverse goals.
  
All devils are immune to normal weapons. To cause damage to a devil, the weapon must be made of magic. Devils also have immunity to many elemental attacks, such as those that employ cold, fire or gas of any type. Devils cannot be charmed, made to sleep or mentally affected in any way. They do not have minds that can be read with ESP and their intentions cannot be known. Even augury and divination can provide no information on their movements or designs.
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Among the infamous arch-devils are [[Demi-gods (sage study)|demi-gods]] such as [[Asmodeus (demi-god)|Asmodeus]], [[Baalzebub (demi-god)|Baalzebub]] and [[Geryon (demi-god)|Geryon]], alongside other formidable beings called "greater devils." This group encompasses [[Horned Devil|horned devils]], [[Ice Devil|ice devils]] and [[Pit Fiend|pit fiends]]. In addition, there exists a multitude of lesser devils who pose relatively diminished threats, yet they obediently follow the directives issued by their mightier counterparts. These include [[Barbed Devil|barbed devils]], [[Bone Devil|bone devils]], [[Lemure|lemure]] and [[Styx Devil|Styx devils]].
  
 
== Misconceptions ==
 
== Misconceptions ==
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Over countless millennia, a multitude of folklore and tales have emerged, suggesting that devils can be manipulated by means that don't apply to other creatures.  For example, the notion that knowing a devil's name somehow give the speaker power over the creature.  These fabrications are crafted to advantage foolish and superstitious persons, who seek out talismans and all forms of nonsensical clap trap in order to protect themselves.  However, no mere trinket, whatever might be carved upon it, can rescue an ordinary person from a devil's wrath.
  
Through the millennia, a great number of folk tales have arisen that suggest that devils can be controlled by various means that do not exist as limits on other monsters. These fabrications are designed to undermine very powerful monsters with tricks and shortcuts — and, in fact, are all completely false with regards to the actual nature of devils.
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Devils are impervious to the deterrent effects of holy symbols or common relics, unless these have been reworked into a [[Magic Item|magic item]] designed to provide a special defense against these creatures.
  
Devils have names, but having knowledge of these names grants no power over a devil. Devils are not repelled by the presence of holy symbols, relics or artifacts (given that they act in the service of many gods that also employ these symbols).
 
  
There is no such thing as a "devil's talisman" that can protect a person from a given devil or enable them to be commanded.
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See also,<br>
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[[Bestiary]]<br>
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[[Chthonic]]<br>
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[[Protection from Malevolence (spell)]]
  
 
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[[Category: Reviewed]]
[[Category:Lacks Image]]
 

Latest revision as of 21:08, 2 November 2023

Devil.jpg

Devils are malicious, sadistic supernatural beings who dwell largely within the Nine Hells, one of the Lower Planes of Existence. They are unlike demons in that they aren't the twisted souls of the damned, but rather creatures who turned against Yahweh and were thence cast out from Heaven. The greatest of their number is named Satan, though he is variously known by other names, such as simply "the Devil," Ahriman, Dispater or Lucifer, though these are but a few.

In this context, the term "devil" predominantly refers to the infernal cohorts of Satan, who were consigned to the depths of hell following their defeat during the War in Heaven. This was a significant event in various religious and mythological narratives, including Christian literature. Satan's minions, often referred to as demons or fallen angels, are condemned to supervise the damned in Hell until the end of time.

Behaviour

While their designated role in the universe is to inflict suffering and deceive the hapless souls in their care, these genuinely malevolent beings possess a disturbing appetite for their malefic tasks. Still, beyond the confines of Hell, they are perceived as instruments of retribution and divine justice, as those condemned souls who find themselves in the abyss are seen as rightfully placed there.

However, most devils harbour an attitude that the souls they're granted to torment are far from sufficient in number to satiate their desires. From their perspective, the only conceivable means to rectify this perceived imbalance would be to subject the soul of every being, whether righteous or wicked, living or deceased, to their twisted whims and cruel devices. This perspective sheds light on just how eager devils would be to sow discord if they were liberated to roam the realms of the Earth — a grim possibility that, unfortunately, they occasionally obtain.

Advantages

All devils, regardless of their type, possess a set of innate abilities that they can employ effortlessly, each requiring no more than 1 action point (AP) to activate, and they can use these abilities as frequently as they desire. However, they can only employ one such ability per round, so they are judicious in selecting the most advantageous choice.

Magic. These creatures can invoke a range of effects resembling various spells, without the need for traditional spellcasting. These effects include suggestion, know intent, cause fear, animate dead and the detailed abilities below:

Darkness. Devils can generate an encompassing darkness, which they like to create to conceal their position from round to round. Their exceptional ability to see perfectly in such darkness is granted by a continuous ultravision.
Teleport. They frequently exploit their teleportation capability, allowing them to traverse the battlefield with ease, often transitioning from place to place more swiftly than traversing a single hex. A favored tactic involves attacking a nearby adversary, teleporting, and then launching further attacks against other foes across the field with their remaining movement.

Gate. When faced with dire circumstances in combat, devils possess the power to summon reinforcements of their own kind through a mystical gate. However, they dislike sharing their intended victims with their fellows, preferring instead to yield ground and return to Hell, achieved simply by teleporting again, rather than summoning additional devils to join the fray.

Magic to Hit. Devils are only hit by magical weapons.

Natural immunities. They also exhibit immunity to cold-based, gas-based and fire-based attacks, including both normal and magical. Devils are impervious to charmed, sleep or any form of mental manipulation. Their minds cannot be touched by ESP and their intentions cannot be known. Even augury and divination spells cannot predict their movements or designs; though other forms of divination might.

Number

According to the Ars Goetia there exist 72 entities known as "arch-devils" or demon princes. These beings are revered as potent and malevolent entities within occult traditions. Certain practitioners of dweomercraft engage in the study and contact of these entities, seeking knowledge or assistance to fulfill their diverse goals.

Among the infamous arch-devils are demi-gods such as Asmodeus, Baalzebub and Geryon, alongside other formidable beings called "greater devils." This group encompasses horned devils, ice devils and pit fiends. In addition, there exists a multitude of lesser devils who pose relatively diminished threats, yet they obediently follow the directives issued by their mightier counterparts. These include barbed devils, bone devils, lemure and Styx devils.

Misconceptions

Over countless millennia, a multitude of folklore and tales have emerged, suggesting that devils can be manipulated by means that don't apply to other creatures. For example, the notion that knowing a devil's name somehow give the speaker power over the creature. These fabrications are crafted to advantage foolish and superstitious persons, who seek out talismans and all forms of nonsensical clap trap in order to protect themselves. However, no mere trinket, whatever might be carved upon it, can rescue an ordinary person from a devil's wrath.

Devils are impervious to the deterrent effects of holy symbols or common relics, unless these have been reworked into a magic item designed to provide a special defense against these creatures.


See also,
Bestiary
Chthonic
Protection from Malevolence (spell)