Horned Devil
Large Fiend (Devil) · · CR 11
- Fiend (Devil)
- Large
- Tier 3
As a large fiend (devil) (lawful evil), Horned Devil carries CR 11. Sourced from Monster Manual (5e 2014) and Monster Manual (5.5e 2024).
Stat Block
- Challenge Rating
- 11
- Type
- Fiend (Devil)
- Size
- Large
- Alignment
- —
- Speed
- —
- Habitats
- —
- Sources
- Monster Manual (5e 2014), Monster Manual (5.5e 2024)
Ecology
Horned devils, or malebranche, form the heavy infantry and noble enforcer caste of the Nine Hells. They live in fortified barracks across multiple infernal layers, each commanded by a pit fiend lord. They feed on conflict, growing stronger when present at battles, and weaker when forced into peace. They are deployed against celestial incursions, demonic raids, and high-stakes mortal contract enforcement, especially when intimidation matters as much as success.
Behaviour
Horned devils are arrogant, methodical, and intensely territorial. They follow orders with brutal exactness but resent being commanded by lesser devils. Among peers they boast and feud, settling disputes in formal duels witnessed by the layer's lord. Toward mortals they are condescending, viewing most as livestock with optional eternal value. They love fire as a weapon and as a sign of office, igniting their forks ceremonially before battle.
Origin
Horned devils are promoted from bone devils through millennia of successful contract enforcement, their bodies growing larger and more martial with each ascension. The horns themselves, polished and curved, are status symbols carved during the promotion ritual; their size correlates with the number of celestials slain. Some malebranche claim descent from fallen archons who switched sides in a forgotten infernal civil war.
Related Monsters
Frequently Asked Questions about Horned Devil
- What is the challenge rating of Horned Devil?
- On the bestiary CR scale, Horned Devil sits at 11. It works against tier-3 parties.
- What type of creature is Horned Devil?
- The bestiary type for Horned Devil is fiend (devil), large size.