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Devilbound Gnome

Small · Humanoid · CR 9 · Any Evil

Source. Tome of Beasts 1 (2023 Edition)

17 (Infernal Blessing)

104 (19d6 + 38)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Small

Type Humanoid

Alignment Any Evil

XP 5000

Initiative Bonus +2

Movement

Walk 25 ft (7.6 m)

Swim 12 ft (3.7 m)

Climb 12 ft (3.7 m)

Crawl 12 ft (3.7 m)

Senses

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 11

Saving Throws

Constitution +6 Intelligence +7 Charisma +9

Skills

Arcana +7 Deception +9 History +7 Persuasion +9

Languages

Common, Infernal, Gnomish

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Resistances

cold, fire, poison; bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage from nonmagical attacks not made with silvered weapons

Condition Immunities

poisoned

Traits

Infernal Blessing

While the devilbound gnome is conscious and wearing no armor and wielding no shield, it adds its Charisma modifier to its AC (included above) and saving throws. In addition, magical darkness doesn’t impede the gnome’s darkvision.

Infernal Bond

The devilbound gnome is magically bound to an imp. The imp acts as an ally of the gnome’s, obeying its spoken commands. The gnome can perceive through the imp’s senses, speak through its mouth, and communicate with it telepathically even if the two aren’t on the same plane of existence.

Magic Resistance

The devilbound gnome has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.

Actions

Hellish Blast

+9 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d6+5 plus 2d8 poison damage.

Melee or Ranged Spell Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 120 ft., one target. Hit: 12 (2d6 + 5) fire damage plus 9 (2d8) poison damage.

Hell's Servitors

1/day

The devilbound gnome magically calls 1d4 devils with a challenge rating of 4 or lower, or it calls 1 devil with a challenge rating of 6 or lower. The called Fiends arrive in 1d4 rounds, acting as allies of the gnome and obeying its spoken commands. The Fiends remain for 1 hour, until the gnome dies, or until the gnome dismisses them as a bonus action.

Spellcasting

The devilbound gnome casts one of the following spells, requiring no material components and using Charisma as the spellcasting ability (spell save DC 17):

At Will: detect magic, minor illusion, prestidigitation
3/Day Each: command, dimension door, invisibility
1/Day Each: fly, haste, wall of fire

To Hell and Back

1/day

The devilbound gnome sends one creature it can see within 60 feet of it hurling through Hell. The target must make a DC 17 Wisdom saving throw. On a success, the target takes 35 (10d6) fire damage as Hell pulls on the creature. On a failure, the target is incapacitated and disappears, as it takes a quick trip through the nightmarish landscapes of Hell. At the end of the gnome's next turn, the target reappears in the space it previously occupied, or the nearest unoccupied space, and takes 55 (10d10) psychic damage.

Reactions

Fiendish Sacrifice

When the devilbound gnome is reduced to 0 hp, it can sacrifice a Fiend called with the Hell's Servitor's action or sacrifice its bonded imp, preventing the damage and killing the chosen Fiend. If the gnome sacrifices its bonded imp, it loses its Infernal Blessing and Infernal Bond traits until it receives a new imp from its patron devil.

About Devilbound Gnome

Devilbound Gnome is a small humanoid with a Challenge Rating of 9. It has a any evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 17 and possesses 104 hit points (derived from 19d6 + 38).

Devilbound Gnome has communication capabilities including Common, Infernal, Gnomish. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Devilbound Gnome

2 tips available

When using Devilbound Gnome 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.
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.

Player Guide: Facing Devilbound Gnome

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.
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.

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 Devilbound Gnome?: Devilbound Gnome has a Challenge Rating of 9, making it appropriate for parties of level 9.0.
What type of creature is Devilbound Gnome?: Devilbound Gnome is a Small Humanoid, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Devilbound Gnome speak?: Devilbound Gnome can communicate in Common, Infernal, Gnomish.