Yagnoloth

Yagnoloths, also known as Yagnodemons, were a type of yugoloth from the Lower planes.

Description
Yagnoloths were horrifying humanoids that stood and were covered in red scales. Their heads were small and seemingly skeletal, with strange, ugly facial features and large ears that looked like the wings of a bat. Their most distinguishing feature was their monstrously sized arm, a thick, knotted behemoth of a limb, better fit for a giant than a creature of their size. Their other arm seemed puny and weak in comparison but was just as powerful as that of a regular human. At any time, they were likely wearing a cape to disguise either one of their limbs.

Personality
Yagnoloths were corrupt and selfish entities that constantly abused their positions of authority. They were also indulgent and indolent, attempting to avoid any form of work for as long as possible while reaping the rewards of those beneath them. Despite their slothfulness, they were capable of being cunning if needed and knew how to establish control of a situation, usually through a display of power.

Abilities
Even without a weapon the massive clawed arm of a yagnoloth was dangerous, able to beat in or tear up their enemies with brutal efficiency. The impact from their fists was strong enough that most beings struck by it were stunned for over a minute straight. Their bodies were sturdy enough that most earth-based effects were ineffective against them. Every now and then, they could release a cloud of acidic gas that painfully melted exposed skin and was also capable of stunning foes.

Their various stunning powers acted in conjunction with their most horrifying power, the ability to drain life force. By touching their head against an incapacitated foe, yagnoloths could sap the vitality out of a creature and potentially kill them. The drain lasted until the yagnoloth died if it had happened within 1 day but otherwise the victim would need magical restoration or serious rest. The process took approximately half a minute and if interrupted would not harm the victim.

They had several innate spells they could cast. At will, they could cast darkness, detect magic, dispel magic, invisibility and suggestion. They also had eletrical powers ranging in power from shocking grasp to lightning bolt levels.

Combat
Yagnoloths were proficient in the use of several types of weapons, such as maces, greatswords, greataxes and harpoons. Their most dangerous weapon however was the tol-kendar, otherwise known as the body-wrecker, a  long polearm constructed from steel that was ringed with blades and tipped with a harpoon-like point. The blades made it especially dangerous to remove the weapon from one's body after it was inserted, and was so heavy it required giant level strength to wield.

Their normal strategy in combat was to immobilize the most powerful enemy and repeatedly plunge their weapons into them until the foe stopped moving, before checking to see if the remaining enemies had fled after seeing the vicious display. If warranted, they might teleport before, between, or after their attacks. Normally they wielded weapons with their puny arm but never magical ones with special abilities. Possession of such a tool was a large enough asset that it might prompt the yagnoloth's minions to rebel and assassinate them in order to obtain it.

Society
Yagnoloths had a high position on the yugoloths heirarchy. They took orders only from arcanaloths and ultroloths. They had full authority over lesser yugoloths and demanded total obedience from them. As such, they were despised by other yugoloths. Of all yugoloths, yagnoloths interacted with other creatures the most. They were the negotiators and contact for any dealings with the yugoloths. They acted as intermediaries between other beings and their superiors. Yagnoloths were also know to serve as guards and enforcers.

Ecology
Most yagnoloths lived in Morglon-Daar near the Blood Rift. They were found elsewhere in the Abyss, usually layers that were moist or with abundant water. Yagnoloths were also minor lords in Gehenna. Yagnoloths avoided verbal communication when possible, preferring to communicate telepathically.

History
It is believed yagnoloths were created while the Abyss was still young. Legend has it they were formally a race of aquatic humanoids in service to the primordial Throan. Before he was slain, Throan transferred his spirit into the race, transforming them into yagnoloths.

Appearances

 * Adventures
 * Baldur's Gate: Descent into Avernus‎‎
 * Minitures
 * Icons of the Realms
 * Icons of the Realms
 * Icons of the Realms