Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Malakbel

Medium · Fiend · CR 9 · Chaotic Evil

Source. Tome of Beasts
Armor Class
14 (natural armor)
Hit Points and Hit Dice
102 (12d8+48)
Challenge Rating CR
9

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR
14
+2
DEX
17
+3
CON
19
+4
INT
13
+1
WIS
16
+3
CHA
20
+5

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 generates a 30-foot-radius aura of searing light and heat. A creature that starts its turn in the aura, or who enters it for the first time on a turn, takes 11 (2d10) radiant damage. The area in the aura is brightly lit, and it sheds dim light for another 30 feet. The aura dispels magical darkness of - 3rd Level or lower where the areas overlap.

Distortion

Ranged attacks against the malakbel have 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, range 120 ft (36.6 m). Hit: 3d8 fire damage.

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

Searing Flare

Recharge 5–6

The malakbel intensifies its Blistering Radiance to withering levels. All creatures in the malakbel's aura take 31 (7d8) radiant damage and gain a level of exhaustion; a successful DC 16 Constitution saving throw reduces damage by half and negates exhaustion.

Teleport

The malakbel magically teleports to an unoccupied space it can see within 100 feet.

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..

Related D&D 5e Content

Related Creatures