Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Bone Devil

Large · Fiend · CR 9 · Lawful Evil

Source. 5e 2024 Rules

16 (natural armor)

161 (17d10 + 68)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Large

Type Fiend

Alignment Lawful Evil

XP 5000

Initiative Bonus +7

Movement

Walk 40 ft (12.2 m)

Fly 40 ft (12.2 m)

Swim 20 ft (6.1 m)

Climb 20 ft (6.1 m)

Crawl 20 ft (6.1 m)

Senses

Darkvision 120 ft (36.6 m)

Passive Perception 12

Saving Throws

Strength +8 Dexterity +3 Constitution +4 Intelligence +5 Wisdom +6 Charisma +7

Skills

Deception +7 Insight +6

Languages

Infernal; telepathy 120.0 ft (36.6 m).

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

fire, poison

Damage Resistances

cold

Condition Immunities

poisoned

Traits

Diabolical Restoration

If the devil dies outside the Nine Hells, its body disappears in sulfurous smoke, and it gains a new body instantly, reviving with all its Hit Points somewhere in the Nine Hells.

Magic Resistance

The devil has Advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.

Actions

Claw

Cost 1

+8 to hit, reach 10 ft (3 m). Hit: 2d8+4 slashing damage.

Melee Attack Roll: +8, reach 10 ft. 13 (2d8 + 4) Slashing damage.

Infernal Sting

Cost 1

+8 to hit, reach 10 ft (3 m). Hit: 2d10+4 piercing damage.

Melee Attack Roll: +8, reach 10 ft. 15 (2d10 + 4) Piercing damage plus 18 (4d8) Poison damage, and the target has the Poisoned condition until the start of the devil's next turn. While Poisoned, the target can't regain Hit Points.

Multiattack

Cost 1

The devil makes two Claw attacks and one Infernal Sting attack.

About Bone Devil

Bone Devil is a large fiend with a Challenge Rating of 9. It has a lawful evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 16 and possesses 161 hit points (derived from 17d10 + 68).

Bone Devil has communication capabilities including Infernal; telepathy 120 ft.. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Bone Devil

2 tips available

When using Bone Devil in your D&D 5e campaign, consider these tactical approaches:

Flight Control Strategy: Target flying creatures with spells like 'Hold Person', 'Web', or 'Grease' to ground them. Without flight restriction, they can escape melee range easily. Consider area denial spells below their flight altitude to force them into disadvantageous positions.
Telepathic Communication: This creature can communicate telepathically, making it excellent for coordination with allies. Silence spells won't stop its communication. Consider 'Mind Blank' or abilities that block telepathy.

Player Guide: Facing Bone Devil

2 strategies available

When your party encounters this creature, keep these strategies in mind:

Counter Flight Advantage: This creature can fly! Use ranged attacks, reach weapons, or spells like 'Thunderwave' to push it away. Consider 'Gust of Wind' or 'Earthbind' to ground it. Melee characters need fly speed or flight magic to engage.
Telepathy Awareness: This creature communicates telepathically! It can coordinate with allies silently. Silence won't stop it. Use 'Mind Blank' or abilities that block telepathy. Be cautious of mental attacks.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 9.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 12 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 9,000 XP
Hard: 13,500 XP
Deadly: 18,000 XP

Based on D&D 5e Dungeon Master's Guide encounter building guidelines. CR roughly equals party level for medium encounters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the challenge rating of Bone Devil?: Bone Devil has a Challenge Rating of 9, making it appropriate for parties of level 9.0.
What type of creature is Bone Devil?: Bone Devil is a Large Fiend, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Bone Devil speak?: Bone Devil can communicate in Infernal; telepathy 120 ft..