Imp

Imps were vicious, manipulative fiends that compromised the least powerful ranks of the infernal legions. They were considered minor, non-Baatezu devils, serving as tempters and lackeys to mortals whom devils want groomed to the side of evil. Imps delighted in the opportunity to leave the Nine Hells and tempt mortals to evil. In addition to serving more powerful devils or evil spellcasters, imps were found in service to Deep Duerra, the duergar goddess.

Familiar
Many evil spellcasters could be found with an imp in their company, serving as a familiar. Once this was done, the imps would immediately attempt to take control of their "master's" actions, via a telepathic link.

Appearance
Although they could alter their form into that of any tiny animal, an imp normally appeared as a tiny, red-skinned humanoid with a pair of black wings and a long tail ending in a poisonous stinger, containing a deadly poison. They stood stands about 2 feet tall and weighed only 8 lbs.

Motives
Imps frequently acted as manipulators in mortal lands, tempting the greedy, gullible or foolish into maliciously manipulative acts so as to corrupt them, ensuring a continuous supply of souls for the Archdevils in the Nine Hells. While physically weak compared to some lesser devils, imps were envied as the successful temptation of mortals to acts of evil was one of the surest paths to further promotions.

Varieties
Bloodbag imp • Euphoric imp • Filth imp • Shadow imp

Notable imps

 * Druzil
 * Invidoo
 * Cespenar

Appearances

 * Novels:
 * Curse of the Shadowmage
 * King Pinch
 * Canticle
 * In Sylvan Shadows
 * The Fallen Fortress
 * The Chaos Curse
 * Passage to Dawn
 * Sword Play
 * Charon's Claw
 * Soldiers of Ice
 * The City of Ravens


 * Computer games:
 * Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn
 * Baldur's Gate II: Throne of Bhaal
 * Icewind Dale
 * Neverwinter Nights
 * Neverwinter Nights: Hordes of the Underdark
 * Neverwinter Nights 2
 * Neverwinter