Hthrynxkhs

Source: The Gods Are Bastards - Web Serial
Type: High-Caste Combat Demon
Hierarchy: Military and Combat Specialists (high-caste sentient demons, field commanders)
Colloquial Name: Shadowlords
Minimum Warlock Level: 5

Physical Description

Hthrynxkhs are high-caste demonic forms that are stronger than they appear but less agile. They possess very durable armor-like skin (armor-based durability, not magical resistance like hethelax). Despite their deceptive appearance, they are formidable combatants.

Their appearance suggests a deceptive strength—they look less powerful than they actually are, making them dangerous opponents who can surprise enemies with their physical capabilities.

Role in Hell

Hthrynxkhs are high-caste sentient demons colloquially called "shadowlords." They are non-casters (do not cast spells) but possess unique abilities that make them effective field commanders and shock troops.

They can command other demons and coordinate attacks, making them valuable as field commanders in demonic armies. They are used as shock troops and field commanders to break defensive lines, utilizing their shadow-jumping abilities to bypass enemy formations.

Special Abilities

Limited Inherent Camouflage

Hthrynxkhs possess limited inherent camouflage abilities, allowing them to blend into their surroundings and remain concealed when needed. This makes them effective for ambushes and stealth operations.

Short-Range Shadow-Jumping

Hthrynxkhs can perform short-range shadow-jumping, allowing them to teleport short distances through shadows. This ability enables them to bypass defensive formations and attack vulnerable positions, making them particularly effective at breaking defensive lines.

Armor-Like Durability

Hthrynxkhs have very durable skin that provides armor-like protection. Unlike hethelax (which have magical resistance), hthrynxkhs rely on physical armor for their durability. This makes them resilient in combat but vulnerable to magical attacks.

Command Capabilities

As high-caste sentient demons, hthrynxkhs can command other demons and coordinate attacks. They can organize demonic forces for coordinated assaults.

Making a Pact

What Hthrynxkhs Want

Hthrynxkhs demons seek: - Combat opportunities: They value opportunities to engage in combat and break defensive lines - Command authority: They appreciate being given command over other demons or forces - Strategic objectives: They want clear military goals and tactical objectives - Respect for their caste: As high-caste demons, they expect to be treated with appropriate respect

What They Get from the Pact

Through the pact, Hthrynxkhs gain: - A commander: The warlock provides strategic direction and objectives - Combat opportunities: The warlock gives them chances to engage in combat and use their abilities - Resources: The warlock provides access to equipment and other demons to command - Purpose: The warlock gives them clear military objectives and tactical goals

Contract Difficulty

Negotiation DC: Hard (DC 18 Charisma check)

As high-caste sentient demons, Hthrynxkhs are difficult to contract with. They are intelligent and expect to be treated with respect appropriate to their caste status. They value clear military objectives and tactical opportunities, and will negotiate for favorable terms that allow them to exercise their command abilities.

Demon Summon

When you summon your pacted Hthrynxkhs demon, it appears in its high-caste demonic form and can aid you in the following ways:

Combat Command: The Hthrynxkhs can command other demons or allies, coordinating attacks and organizing forces
Shadow-Jumping Assault: The demon can use its shadow-jumping abilities to bypass defensive lines and attack vulnerable positions
Field Tactics: As a high-caste demon with tactical experience, the Hthrynxkhs can provide strategic advice and coordinate military operations
Combat Support: The demon can engage in direct combat, using its deceptive strength and durable armor to overwhelm enemies

The demon can remain summoned for a number of hours equal to your warlock level, and it will follow commands related to combat, tactics, and military objectives. As high-caste demons, they expect to be treated with respect and may resist commands that don't align with their tactical judgment or that show disrespect for their caste status.

Example Stat Block

name: Hthrynxkhs (Shadowlord)
size: Medium
type: fiend
subtype: demon
alignment: lawful evil
ac: 16 (natural armor)
hp: 90
hit_dice: 12d8 + 36
speed: 30 ft.
stats: [16, 12, 16, 12, 13, 14]
skillsaves:
  - athletics: 6
  - intimidation: 5
  - perception: 4
  - stealth: 4
damage_resistances: cold, fire, lightning, bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks
damage_immunities: poison
condition_immunities: poisoned
senses: darkvision 120 ft.
languages: Abyssal, understands Tanglish
cr: 7
traits:
  - name: Limited Camouflage
    desc: "While in dim light or darkness, the Hthrynxkhs has advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks and can attempt to hide even when only lightly obscured."
  - name: Armor-Like Durability
    desc: "The Hthrynxkhs has resistance to bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage from nonmagical attacks. This is physical armor, not magical resistance."
  - name: Command Presence
    desc: "As a bonus action, the Hthrynxkhs can issue commands to up to two allied creatures within 60 feet. Each creature can use its reaction to make one weapon attack or move up to its speed."
actions:
  - name: Multiattack
    desc: "The Hthrynxkhs makes two melee attacks."
  - name: Claw
    desc: "Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (2d6 + 3) slashing damage."
  - name: Shadow Jump (Recharge 5-6)
    desc: "The Hthrynxkhs teleports up to 30 feet to an unoccupied space it can see that is in dim light or darkness."

Greater Hthrynxkhs

If a warlock contracts with a Hthrynxkhs at level 5 and keeps it alive until reaching level 10, the demon evolves into a Greater Hthrynxkhs—a more powerful shadowlord with enhanced shadow-jumping abilities, improved command presence, and greater durability that makes it a formidable field commander.

name: Greater Hthrynxkhs
size: Medium
type: fiend
subtype: demon
alignment: lawful evil
ac: 18 (natural armor)
hp: 152
hit_dice: 16d10 + 64
speed: 40 ft.
stats: [20, 14, 18, 14, 15, 16]
skillsaves:
  - athletics: 9
  - intimidation: 7
  - perception: 6
  - stealth: 6
damage_resistances: cold, fire, lightning; bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks
damage_immunities: poison
condition_immunities: poisoned, frightened
senses: darkvision 120 ft., truesight 30 ft.
languages: Abyssal, Tanglish, Common
cr: 12
traits:
  - name: Limited Camouflage
    desc: "While in dim light or darkness, the Hthrynxkhs has advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks and can attempt to hide even when only lightly obscured. Creatures have disadvantage on Perception checks to spot the Hthrynxkhs in dim light or darkness."
  - name: Armor-Like Durability
    desc: "The Hthrynxkhs has resistance to bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage from nonmagical attacks. This is physical armor, not magical resistance. Critical hits against the Hthrynxkhs become normal hits."
  - name: Command Presence
    desc: "As a bonus action, the Hthrynxkhs can issue commands to up to four allied creatures within 60 feet. Each creature can use its reaction to make one weapon attack or move up to its speed. Additionally, creatures within 60 feet of the Hthrynxkhs that can see it have advantage on saving throws against being frightened."
  - name: Magic Resistance
    desc: "The Hthrynxkhs has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects."
actions:
  - name: Multiattack
    desc: "The Hthrynxkhs makes three claw attacks, or it makes two claw attacks and uses Shadow Jump."
  - name: Claw
    desc: "Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (2d8 + 5) slashing damage plus 7 (2d6) necrotic damage."
  - name: Shadow Jump
    desc: "The Hthrynxkhs teleports up to 60 feet to an unoccupied space it can see that is in dim light or darkness. Immediately after teleporting, the Hthrynxkhs can make one claw attack with advantage."
reactions:
  - name: Shadow Shift
    desc: "When the Hthrynxkhs takes damage, it can use its reaction to teleport up to 30 feet to an unoccupied space it can see that is in dim light or darkness."