Homebrew Balor Species Details
My bones shook as a roar shattered the air, and a shadow fell across the sky as the hellish Balor descended upon my companions. I write this account in shame, as I abandoned them when confronted with the awesome power of a demon general from the Abyss
Balors are demonic beings evolved from the lowest of lifeforms. Demons are born from the chaotic energies in the Abyss in a variety of shapes and sizes, then evolve as a result of exposure to the Abyss' energy. The longer a demon survives, the stronger it becomes. Balors are long-lived demons who have struggled their way up the evolutionary ladder to become apex predators of all things killable.
Demonic Generals
Balors are usually beings with great power in the Abyss, commanding legions of their demonic brethren in schemes against the Material Plane or even other demons. They are among the strongest non-Demon Lord creatures in the Abyss, which means that they are most likely bloodthirsty and incredibly violent. Still, it is not possible to become a balor or other strong demon without being at least semi-intelligence.
From an early age, a balor must fight to survive. Whether that be through brute strength or cunning and an ability to latch onto stronger individuals, there is no such thing as a balor who does not know pain. The experiences that a balor has throughout its early life can shape its desires and emotional characteristics.
Each balor is familiar with at least one region of the Abyss, and likely knows at least a bit about each of the Demon Lords. As a powerful demon, it is probable that a balor has powerful friends in the Abyss.
Rampaging Agents of Chaos
A balor rarely shies away from a fight. They know that there are few things in the Abyss that could challenge a balor's might in the Abyss, and so they are quick to anger and challenge opponents on their home territory. The only creatures that truly give a balor pause are their mortal enemies, Devils. The only thing that could command a balor is a creature whose power is beyond comprehension: a Demon Lord.
Demonic Liege Lords
A balor, except for one who has refused allegiance and survived the hunt that follows, has a link to a Demon Lord. That Demon Lord provides power and guidance to the balor, though this connection functions only in rare moments when away from the Abyss. As such, a balor seeking freedom might try to go to the Material Plane alone. The power they receive is both a blessing and a curse for a balor, as in the Abyss they will serve under the Demon Lord to which they are pledged.
The Demon Lord is far from omniscient. Its guidance is based on its understanding of current events, but it might have insight into combating especially powerful foes that it knows about.
As part of fleshing out a balor character, consider the nature of that character’s Demon Lord. The Demon Lord Liege tables offer names and natures that you can use to flesh out your character’s guide.
Demon Lord Liege
| d6 | Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | Baphomet |
| 2 | Demogorgon |
| 3 | Orcus |
| 4 | Yeenoghu |
| 5 | Fraz Urb'luu |
| 6 | Graz'zt |
| d6 | Nature |
|---|---|
| 1 | Obedient and Supplicating |
| 2 | Chaotic and Violent |
| 3 | Practical and Scheming |
| 4 | Fierce and vengeful |
| 5 | Disciplined and Militaristic |
| 6 | Cautious and Wounded |
Evolutionary Beings
Despite its chaotic origin, a balor is mortal and possesses free will. Most balors follow the typical path of becoming a general, but some grow to see their lords as a shackle. These disaffected balors are typically itching to flee their Demon Lords, even if it means a reduction in power, but some become crueller and angrier, taking out their frustration on anyone around them.
Balors know that they evolved once, and they can evolve again. No matter what their decisions are, they can grow strong if they only survive.
Balor Traits
Your balor character has the following racial traits.Ability Score Increase
Your Charisma score increases by 2.
Age
Balors can be killed, but they will not die with old age. A balor might be anywhere from 20 years old to 1000.
Alignment
The majority of balors are chaotic evil, but some might be lawful or neutral evil as well. A balor who is not evil is a rare occurrence.
Size
Balors can be anywhere from 8 to 12 feet tall, and normally weigh 3,000-4,500 pounds. Your size is large.
Speed
Your base walking speed is 35 feet.
Darkvision
Evolving throughout the Abyss has left your eyes used to the darkness. Your keen senses allow you to see in the darkness, your vision tinted only by the red hue of your endless fury.
Demonic Resistance
You have resistance to necrotic damage and radiant damage.
Vengeful Flames
The fires of the Abyss have nestled deep in your demonic soul. Your body has evolved after countless years in the darkest parts of the multiverse to contain the flames in which you grew stronger. When an enemy has attacked you, you may use your reaction once per long rest to summon the fires of the Abyss to your hand and touch them, causing 3d6 fire damage.
Lightning Whip
You know the [Tooltip Not Found]
cantrip. Charisma is your spellcasting ability for it.Languages
You can speak, read, and write Common and Celestial.
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