The archdevil looms above you, inspecting the burning blood that drips from his face. The same boiling red drips from your blade as a grin curls across your lips...but its booming bass shakes you to your core as it speaks to the air around you.
"Azolonia. This mortal has requested his demise. Kindly remove his head for me." A shockwave of dread spirals up your spine as tendrils of black smoke and scents of sulfur spur into your peripheral. You whip around and stare into the red eyes of a statuesque form; alabaster skin and striking beauty, stylized black armor gleaming with the firelight surrounding you. A pair of gigantic black wings stretch and flex behind her as she draws an exquisite, vicious blade from a scabbard, a grin curling across her lips. Her voice is menacing silk. "Of course, my lord." Inspiration and Lore
The Erinyes is a powerful, disciplined devil warrior that serves the pit fiend masters of the Nine Hells. They are dangerous, tactical, mobile, and vicious. Masters of martial combat, each is skilled with bow and sword alike, and many use magical ropes of entanglement to ensnare powerful foes.
Erinyes, despite their gladiatorial or knight-like visage, are often mistaken in use and sight for Succubi or Incubi. And this could not be further from the truth. Ignoring the fact that both would be at each other's throats, the Erinyes does not exude allure or seduction. They are militant powerhouses among the devilish culture, and command immense respect and fear, more likely to kill or enslave with blade and chains than to charm you into defeat. Only subservient to their chosen masters, an Erinyes swoops down from the skies on red and black wings to strike down those who dare threaten or insult the ideals of Asmodeus or the edicts of their masters. When not beheading mortal fools, an Erinyes can patrol the fortress of their master, or otherwise move freely through the dissonant cities of Hell. However, if need for their presence arises, their master only needs to speak their name and they are pulled to their aid immediately. So beware, small ignorant traveler. Assume every Pit Fiend you pick a fight with has at least one Erinyes looming in the shadows behind you. Traits and Features in 5th Edition
Though predominantly female in representation, an Erinyes can also be male. No matter their gender, they are an imposing force of statuesque, athletic physique in stylized armor.
Their massive wings net them an impressive Fly speed of 60 feet and with a decent pool of hit points coupled with a base 18 Armor Class, these devils are hugely mobile and dangerous. Their heroic array of stats are not to trifled with, either, sporting three 18's in Strength, Constitution, and Charisma, with no other stat going below a 14. Higher than average Saving Throws, Immunity to Poison and Fire damage, as well as Resistance to Cold, and non-magical/non-silvered physical damage, plus TELEPATHY out to 120 FEET??? Yeesh. Three attacks in a round, with Parry options, extra poison damage on their "hellish" weapons, plus Magic Resistance (good luck, Wizards)... These boys and girls are going to be quite a fight no matter the terrain. Erinyes in Io
In Ionian lore, an Erinyes is already a powerful entity, but there are some who aspire to even greater power. An Erinyes, male or female, serves a devil master or a general oath to Asmodeus, but there is a grand order of Erinyes who command even more clout and respect among the greater and lesser devils. These are called The Furies.
A cohort of nine sister generals, each serving the Archduke or Archduchess of each layer of the Nine Hells. These Erinyes have earned the title of Fury, and command legions of lesser and greater devils as grand warriors and tacticians in service of their masters. The more they please this master, the more power and abilities the archdevil passes onto the Fury. Meaning, the longer a Fury serves their master in good standing, the more power they may yet wield. This creates distinct opportunities to express a power difference between a standard Erinyes and a Fury. Players may come in contact with a Fury flanked by three other Erinyes; her Seconds. It is very clear that this one, adorned in stronger armor with unique weaponry, as well as vicious helm, is different than the others that surround her. Maybe she has spell casting abilities, like war magic, or wields a legendary weapon, bestowed upon her by her Archduchess. And though such a sight may fill the head of an adventurer with glittering prizes, such gifts can also grant higher proficiencies, saving throws, extra attacks, higher resistances. Heightened skill earns expanded power. Just know what you're getting into, grasshopper.
Welcome to Hell.
See you at the table. -Adamus
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Adam SummererProfessional Game Master musician, music teacher, game designer, amateur bartender, and aspiring fiction author. 1st Saturday: Etsy updates*
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