Chain Devil
Medium Fiend (devil), lawful evil
7,200 XP
Special Abilities
Devil's Sight
Magical darkness doesn't impede the devil's darkvision.
Magic Resistance
The devil has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.
Actions
Multiattack
The devil makes two attacks with its chains.
Chain
Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) slashing damage. The target is grappled (escape DC 14) if the devil isn't already grappling a creature. Until this grapple ends, the target is restrained and takes 7 (2d6) piercing damage at the start of each of its turns.
Animate Chains (Recharges after a Short or Long Rest)
Up to four chains the devil can see within 60 feet of it magically sprout razor-edged barbs and animate under the devil's control, provided that the chains aren't being worn or carried.
Each animated chain is an object with AC 20, 20 hit points, resistance to piercing damage, and immunity to psychic and thunder damage. When the devil uses Multiattack on its turn, it can use each animated chain to make one additional chain attack. An animated chain can grapple one creature of its own but can't make attacks while grappling. An animated chain reverts to its inanimate state if reduced to 0 hit points or if the devil is incapacitated or dies.
Quick Reference
Running This Encounter
Chain Devils are intelligent tacticians that prefer to control the battlefield through restraint and positioning. Use their chain attacks to separate party members and create 1v1 scenarios. Position the devil behind cover or elevated terrain to maximize its reach advantage. Emphasize its sadistic nature by having it toy with weakened opponents rather than executing them immediately.
Combat Tactics
The Chain Devil opens combat by using its chains to grapple and restrain multiple targets, prioritizing spellcasters and ranged attackers. It uses its mobility to stay at mid-range, repositioning to maintain advantage while keeping grappled targets close. If a chain is broken or it takes significant damage, it attempts to retreat to a defensible position while dragging at least one captive.
Environment & Setting
Chain Devils thrive in dungeons with multiple levels, pillars, or confined spaces where their chains can anchor and their movement can be restricted. Ideal settings include infernal prisons, torture chambers, or industrial ruins with metal frameworks and scattered debris.