Nalfeshnee
Large Fiend (demon), chaotic evil
10,000 XP
Special Abilities
Magic Resistance
The nalfeshnee has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.
Actions
Multiattack
The nalfeshnee uses Horror Nimbus if it can. It then makes three attacks: one with its bite and two with its claws.
Bite
Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 32 (5d10 + 5) piercing damage.
Claw
Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (3d6 + 5) slashing damage.
Horror Nimbus (Recharge 5-6)
The nalfeshnee magically emits scintillating, multicolored light. Each creature within 15 feet of the nalfeshnee that can see the light must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened for 1 minute. A creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success. If a creature's saving throw is successful or the effect ends for it, the creature is immune to the nalfeshnee's Horror Nimbus for the next 24 hours.
Teleport
The nalfeshnee magically teleports, along with any equipment it is wearing or carrying, up to 120 feet to an unoccupied space it can see.
Variant: Summon Demon (1/Day)
The demon chooses what to summon and attempts a magical summoning.
A nalfeshnee has a 50 percent chance of summoning 1d4 vrocks, 1d3 hezrous, 1d2 glabrezus, or one nalfeshnee.
A summoned demon appears in an unoccupied space within 60 feet of its summoner, acts as an ally of its summoner, and can't summon other demons. It remains for 1 minute, until it or its summoner dies, or until its summoner dismisses it as an action.
Quick Reference
Running This Encounter
The Nalfeshnee is a powerful demon lord whose intelligence and cunning make it far more dangerous than its brutish appearance suggests. It excels at controlling the battlefield through area denial and manipulation, using its spellcasting to crowd-control while allies wear down the party. Consider giving it minions or using its lair action equivalent to create dynamic, multi-round encounters that prevent the party from simply rushing it down.
Combat Tactics
The Nalfeshnee prioritizes casting Dispel Magic and Telekinesis to neutralize casters and control enemy positioning, then uses its powerful melee attacks against frontline threats. It uses its flight and 30-foot fly speed to maintain distance while summoning allies, and will Teleport away if cornered, returning with reinforcements or to launch spellcasting attacks from safety.
Environment & Setting
The Nalfeshnee thrives in dark caverns, abyssal wastelands, or evil temples where its summoning magic can conjure additional demons. Encounters benefit from multilevel terrain, pillars, or rubble that allow it to use its flight advantage while its minions control ground level.