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Malakbel

Medium · Fiend · CR 9 · Chaotic Evil

Source. Tome of Beasts 1 (2023 Edition)

14 (natural armor)

102 (12d8 + 48)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Medium

Type Fiend

Alignment Chaotic Evil

XP 5000

Initiative Bonus +3

Movement

Walk 40 ft (12.2 m)

Swim 20 ft (6.1 m)

Climb 20 ft (6.1 m)

Crawl 20 ft (6.1 m)

Senses

Truesight 30 ft (9.1 m)

Passive Perception 17

Saving Throws

Dexterity +7 Wisdom +7

Skills

Perception +7

Languages

Abyssal, telepathy 120.0 ft (36.6 m).

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

fire, radiant, poison

Damage Resistances

cold, lightning; bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks

Condition Immunities

blinded, poisoned

Traits

Blistering Radiance

The malakbel sheds searing, bright light in a 30-foot radius and dim light for an additional 30 feet. At the start of each of the malakbel’s turns, each creature in the bright light shed by the malakbel takes 11 (2d10) radiant damage. If any of the bright light overlaps with an area of darkness created by a spell of 3rd level or lower, the spell creating the darkness is dispelled.

Distortion

Ranged attacks against the malakbel are made with disadvantage.

Magic Resistance

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

Actions

Multiattack

The malakbel makes two Scorching Blast attacks.

Scorching Blast

+9 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 3d8+5 fire damage.

Melee or Ranged Spell Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 120 ft., one target. Hit: 18 (3d8 + 5) fire damage.

Searing Flare

Recharge 5–6

The malakbel intensifies the heat and light it sheds to withering levels. Each creature in the bright light shed by the malakbel's Blistering Radiance trait must make a DC 16 Constitution saving throw. On a failure, a creature takes 13 (3d8) fire damage and 22 (4d10) radiant damage and suffers one level of exhaustion. On a success, a creature takes half the damage and doesn't suffer exhaustion.

Teleport

The malakbel magically teleports, along with any equipment it is wearing or carrying, up to 100 feet to an unoccupied space it can see.

About Malakbel

Malakbel is a medium fiend with a Challenge Rating of 9. It has a chaotic evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 14 and possesses 102 hit points (derived from 12d8 + 48).

Malakbel has communication capabilities including Abyssal, telepathy 120 ft.. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Malakbel

2 tips available

When using Malakbel 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 Malakbel

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 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 Malakbel?: Malakbel has a Challenge Rating of 9, making it appropriate for parties of level 9.0.
What type of creature is Malakbel?: Malakbel is a Medium Fiend, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Malakbel speak?: Malakbel can communicate in Abyssal, telepathy 120 ft..