Bael

With the Blood War between devils and demons raging for eons and no end in sight, opportunities abound for ambitious archdevils to win fame, glory, and power in the ongoing struggle. Duke Bael, one of Mammon's most important vassals, has won fame and acclaim for his victories. Charged with leading sixty-six companies of barbed devils (see the Monster Manual), Bael has proven to be a tactical genius, earning esteem for himself and his master as a result of victory after victory over the abyssal host. Mammon relies on Bael to safeguard his holdings because of Bael's battle acumen. During a time when so many other archdevils have lost their positions, Mammon has never been ousted, which is a testament to Bael's skill on the battlefield.

For his accomplishments, Bael has been granted the title of Bronze General. His accolades notwithstanding, he has had a difficult time navigating the quagmire of infernal politics. His critics call him naive, though never to his face. His primary interest has always been leading soldiers in battle, so he finds it frustrating to have his ambitions of ascending to a higher rank constantly stymied by politically shrewd rivals.

Bael prefers to make servants out of his adversaries, and mortals bound to his service earn their wretched place by falling victim to his superior stratagems. Bael gladly spares the lives of those he defeats--if they pledge their souls and service to him. Demons are an exception; although he is willing to corrupt almost any other foes, he always destroys demons he defeats.

Bael also welcomes mortals into his service if they can provide him with an advantage in his politicking. He recruits savvy individuals and relies on them to represent his interests at Mammon's court, which leaves him free to pursue his battle lust.

Despite his lack of interest in affairs outside battle, or perhaps because of it, Bael has gained a small following of cultists. Those who worship at his altar call him the King of Hell, and the most deluded believe that he is the lord of all devils. In arcane circles, certain writings, such as the dreaded Book of Fire, say that Bael revealed the invisibility spell to the world, though some scholars of magic hotly refute such claims. Bael is sometimes depicted as a toad, a cat, a human, or some combination of these forms.

Bael

Large fiend (Devil), Lawful Evil

  • Armor Class 18 (plate)
  • Hit Points 189 (18d10 + 90)
  • Speed 30 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
24 (+7) 17 (+3) 20 (+5) 21 (+5) 24 (+7) 24 (+7)
  • Proficiency Bonus +6
  • Saving Throws Dex +9,Con +11,Int +11,Cha +13
  • Damage Vulnerabilities
  • Damage Resistances cold; bludgeoning,piercing,and slashing from nonmagical attacks that aren't silvered
  • Damage Immunities fire,poison
  • Condition Immunities charmed,exhaustion,frightened,poisoned
  • Skills Intimidation +13,Perception +13,Persuasion +13
  • Senses truesight 120 ft.,passive Perception 23
  • Languages all,telepathy 120 ft.
  • Challenge 19

Dread. Any creature, other than a devil, that starts its turn within 10 feet of Bael must succeed on a DC 22 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened of him until the start of its next turn. A creature succeeds on this saving throw automatically if Bael wishes it or if he is incapacitated.

Legendary Resistance (3/Day). If Bael fails a saving throw, he can choose to succeed instead.

Magic Resistance. Bael have advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.

Regeneration. Bael regains 20 hit points at the start of his turn. If he takes cold or radiant damage, this trait doesn't function at the start of his next turn. Bael dies only if he starts his turn with 0 hit points and doesn't regenerate.

Actions

Multiattack. Bael makes two Hellish Morningstar attacks.

Hellish Morningstar. Melee Weapon Attack: +13 to hit, reach 20 ft., one target. Hit: 16 (2d8 + 7) force damage plus 9 (2d8) necrotic damage.

Infernal Command. Each of Bael's allies within 60 feet of him can't be charmed or frightened until the end of his next turn.

Spellcasting. Bael casts one of the following spells, requiring no material components and using Charisma as the spellcasting ability (spell save DC 21):

At will: alter self (can become Medium), charm person, detect magic, invisibility, major image

3/day each: dispel magic, fly, suggestion, wall of fire

1/day: dominate monster

Teleport. Bael teleports, along with any equipment he is wearing or carrying, up to 120 feet to an unoccupied space he can see.

Legendary Actions

Bael can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action option can be used at a time and only at the end of another creature's turn. Bael regains spent legendary actions at the start of his turn.

Fiendish Magic. Bael uses Spellcasting or Teleport.

Infernal Command. Bael uses Infernal Command.

Attack (Costs 2 Actions). Bael makes one Hellish Morningstar attack.