Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Chain Devil

Medium · Fiend · CR 8 · Lawful Evil

Source. 5e 2024 Rules

15 (natural armor)

85 (10d8 + 40)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Medium

Type Fiend

Alignment Lawful Evil

XP 3900

Initiative Bonus +5

Movement

Walk 30 ft (9.1 m)

Swim 15 ft (4.6 m)

Climb 15 ft (4.6 m)

Crawl 15 ft (4.6 m)

Senses

Darkvision 120 ft (36.6 m)

Passive Perception 11

Saving Throws

Strength +4 Dexterity +2 Constitution +7 Intelligence +0 Wisdom +4 Charisma +2

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

Chain

Cost 1

+7 to hit, reach 10 ft (3 m). Hit: 2d6+4 slashing damage.

Melee Attack Roll: +7, reach 10 ft. 11 (2d6 + 4) Slashing damage. If the target is a Large or smaller creature, it has the Grappled condition (escape DC 14) from one of two chains, and it has the Restrained condition until the grapple ends.

Conjure Infernal Chain

Cost 1

The devil conjures a fiery chain to bind a creature. Dexterity Saving Throw: DC 15, one creature the devil can see within 60 feet. Failure: 9 (2d4 + 4) Fire damage, and the target has the Restrained condition until the end of the devil's next turn, at which point the chain disappears. If the target is Large or smaller, the devil moves the target up to 30 feet straight toward itself. Success: The chain disappears.

Multiattack

Cost 1

The devil makes two Chain attacks and uses Conjure Infernal Chain.

Reactions

Unnerving Gaze

Trigger: A creature the devil can see starts its turn within 30 feet of the devil and can see the devil. Response––Wisdom Saving Throw: DC 15, the triggering creature. Failure: The target has the Frightened condition until the end of its turn. Success: The target is immune to this devil’s Unnerving Gaze for 24 hours.

About Chain Devil

Chain Devil is a medium fiend with a Challenge Rating of 8. It has a lawful evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 15 and possesses 85 hit points (derived from 10d8 + 40).

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

GM Tips: Using Chain Devil

2 tips available

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

Fire Damage Mitigation: This creature deals fire damage. Advise players to have fire resistance ready or use water-based tactics. Consider environmental fire hazards that could backfire on the creature.
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 Chain Devil

2 strategies available

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

Fire Damage Protection: This creature deals fire damage! Get fire resistance from spells like 'Resistance' or potions. Avoid fighting near flammable objects. Water spells can counter fire attacks.
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 8.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 11 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 7,200 XP
Hard: 10,800 XP
Deadly: 14,400 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 Chain Devil?: Chain Devil has a Challenge Rating of 8, making it appropriate for parties of level 8.0.
What type of creature is Chain Devil?: Chain Devil is a Medium Fiend, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Chain Devil speak?: Chain Devil can communicate in Infernal; telepathy 120 ft..