The bearded devil, or barbazu, is more than just a CR 3 challenge; its venomous beard, glaive attacks, and summoning ability make it a formidable battlefield threat and a staple of the Nine Hells’ armies. Picture a battlefield swarming with devils, a hulking green-skinned creature at the forefront, its maggot-ridden beard dripping venom as it swings a wicked glaive. This is the bearded devil, a classic denizen of the Nine Hells and a recurring foe for adventurers brave or foolish enough to cross its path. Whether you’re a player bracing for a hellish encounter or a Dungeon Master looking to unleash these fiends upon your world, this guide provides the knowledge you need to understand and master the bearded devil. Soar through the skies on a magical journey with the secrets of the broom of flying 5e.
Before delving into tactics, let’s dissect the bearded devil’s profile. Master DMs leverage the bearded devil’s lawful evil nature and impulsive belligerence to create dynamic encounters, from skirmishes in the Blood War to cunning agents of higher devils. The following table summarizes its key statistics:
Attribute
Score
Details
Armor Class (AC)
13
Natural Armor
Hit Points (HP)
50
5d8 + 25
Speed
30 ft.
Strength
16
+3 modifier
Dexterity
11
+0 modifier
Constitution
18
+4 modifier
Intelligence
12
+1 modifier
Wisdom
11
+0 modifier
Charisma
10
+0 modifier
Saving Throws
DEX +4, CON +6, WIS +2
Skills
Deception +2, Insight +2, Persuasion +2
Damage Resist.
Cold
Damage Immun.
Fire, Poison
Senses
Darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 10
Languages
Infernal, understands Common but can’t speak it
Challenge
3
(700 XP)
Key Features:
Devil’s Sight: Grants darkvision and the ability to see through magical darkness, negating tactical advantages that rely on obscuring vision.
Steadfast: Immunity to the frightened condition, reflecting the devil’s unwavering resolve in the face of danger. This makes them particularly resistant to fear-based spells and abilities.
Magic Resistance: Advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects, making them surprisingly resilient against magic.
Infernal Tactics: Waging War with Glaive and Beard
Bearded devils are the shock troops of the Nine Hells, favoring aggressive, close-quarters combat. Planning a bearded devil encounter? Prepare for their wound attack, which increases in damage with each hit, demanding strategic counterplay from players. Their primary weapon is the glaive, a reach weapon that allows them to keep enemies at bay. However, their true danger lies in the combination of their venomous beard and the Infernal Wound they inflict.
Infernal Wound Mechanics
The bearded devil’s glaive attacks can inflict an Infernal Wound. Each subsequent hit on a creature suffering from this wound increases the damage, creating a dangerous escalating effect. The initial wound deals 5 (1d10) hit points at the start of the target’s turn. A DC 12 Constitution saving throw negates the initial wound. Subsequent hits increase this damage. The wound can be healed with a DC 12 Wisdom (Medicine) check or through magical healing, such as Lesser Restoration.
Venomous Beard
Contact with a bearded devil’s beard delivers a dose of potent venom. While the initial damage may be minimal, each subsequent contact intensifies the poison’s effect, creating a cumulative threat. This necessitates strategic decision-making: risk further attacks or prioritize healing?
Summoning Reinforcements
A cornered bearded devil has a 30% chance to summon another bearded devil to aid it. While the summoned devil cannot summon further reinforcements, this ability can quickly escalate a seemingly manageable encounter into a chaotic brawl. DMs should use this strategically to create dynamic combat scenarios.
From the Nine Hells: Lore and Origins
Beyond the stat block, the bearded devil’s lore reveals its place in the infernal hierarchy, offering opportunities for intriguing storylines and campaign hooks. Native to the Nine Hells, bearded devils, also known as barbazu (pronounced bar-BAT-soo), are classified as baatezu, a type of devil known for their lawful evil nature and strict adherence to hierarchy. They are not masterminds but rather the disciplined soldiers and enforcers of the Nine Hells, carrying out the orders of more powerful devils. Their impulsive and belligerent nature makes them easily manipulated, often serving as pawns in larger infernal schemes.
Campaign Integration: Unleashing the Barbed Hordes
Bearded devils can serve a multitude of purposes in a campaign. Consider these possibilities:
Guardians: Their unwavering loyalty and combat prowess make them ideal guardians for important locations or artifacts within the Nine Hells or in the Material Plane.
Enforcers: They can act as brutal enforcers for more powerful devils, collecting debts or punishing those who defy infernal contracts.
Assassins: Their skills in stealth and combat, combined with their Devil’s Sight, allow them to operate effectively as assassins, eliminating rivals or troublesome mortals.
Warfare: As shock troops, bearded devils excel in large-scale conflicts, forming the backbone of infernal armies. Their ability to summon reinforcements further enhances their battlefield presence.
Countering the Bearded Devil: Strategies for Survival
Understanding a bearded devil’s strengths and weaknesses is crucial for survival. Here are some tactical considerations for players:
Ranged Attacks: Maintaining distance negates the threat of both the glaive and the venomous beard.
Prioritize Healing: The escalating damage from the Infernal Wound necessitates immediate attention. Clerics and paladins are invaluable in these encounters.
Dispel Magic: While risky, attempting to dispel the devil’s Devil’s Sight can temporarily create a tactical advantage, particularly in dimly lit environments.
Focus Fire: When facing multiple bearded devils, concentrating attacks on one target at a time is crucial to prevent being overwhelmed.
Roleplaying a Bearded Devil: Embracing Lawful Evil
Playing as a bearded devil presents unique roleplaying opportunities. Consider the following:
Motivation: What drives this creature’s unwavering loyalty? Is it ambition, fear, or a twisted sense of duty?
Internal Conflicts: Does the devil ever question the rigid laws of the Nine Hells? Exploring these internal struggles can add depth and complexity to the character.
Relationships: How does the devil interact with other members of the infernal hierarchy?
The bearded devil, while a seemingly straightforward combatant, offers a wealth of possibilities for both players and DMs. By understanding its mechanics, lore, and tactical nuances, you can unlock its full potential, transforming encounters into memorable and engaging experiences. This ever-evolving understanding of devils suggests they may have more complex roles within the Nine Hells, from trainers to strategists.
Hello, My love for writing is rivaled only by my passion for in-depth research. While many may skim the surface, I dive deep, seeking the hidden gems of information that give a story texture and depth. Every word I write is backed by hours of exploration, ensuring that my work is not just compelling, but also meticulously accurate. Join me on a journey where every piece is a deep dive into the realms of knowledge and storytelling.
