Marilith
Large Fiend (Demon) · · CR 16
- Fiend (Demon)
- Large
- Tier 3
Marilith, CR 16, fills the large fiend (demon) role with chaotic evil disposition. Sourced from Monster Manual (5e 2014) and Monster Manual (5.5e 2024).
Stat Block
- Challenge Rating
- 16
- Type
- Fiend (Demon)
- Size
- Large
- Alignment
- —
- Speed
- —
- Habitats
- —
- Sources
- Monster Manual (5e 2014), Monster Manual (5.5e 2024)
Ecology
Mariliths are general-class demons of the Abyss, commanding armies of lesser demons in the endless abyssal wars. They lair in fortified war-camps on layers of the Abyss where conflict is constant, and on the Material Plane, they appear during wars, summoned by warlords desperate enough to bargain. They feed on the despair of defeated soldiers and the pride of victorious ones; both feelings sustain them. Their war-camps are decorated with fallen banners, captured weapons, and trophies of named heroes.
Behaviour
Mariliths are calculating, prideful, and hungry for tactical challenge. They view combat as art and prefer skilled opponents to easy victories. They hold grudges against any mortal who has bested them in battle and pursue such mortals across planes and centuries. Mariliths prefer command over solo action and surround themselves with elite demonic lieutenants. They are unpredictable in alliance, betraying allies the moment betrayal serves a more interesting tactical situation, even at strategic cost.
Origin
Mariliths are promoted from succubi, hezrou, or other senior demons after demonstrating sustained tactical brilliance in the Blood War and other abyssal conflicts. The promotion involves Demogorgon's or Graz'zt's direct intervention, and the transformation grants the six-armed body and serpentine lower form. Newly-formed mariliths must immediately seize command of an existing demonic warband, or they are ritually devoured by their seniors as failures. Most surviving mariliths are millennia old.
Related Monsters
Frequently Asked Questions about Marilith
- What is the challenge rating of Marilith?
- Listed CR for Marilith: 16. Match it to a party that works against tier-3 parties.
- What type of creature is Marilith?
- Marilith is classified as a fiend (demon) in D&D 5e, large size.