Erinyes

Erinyes were baatezu devils of the Nine Hells. "They live by the sword and kill by the sword. Their beauty is nothing compared to their wrath."

- The Book of Vile Darkness.

Description
Erinyes originally appeared as imposing yet beautiful figures, so attractive that they could be easily mistaken for celestials. An erinyes generally stood around tall, weighed approximately 150 pounds (68 kg). Although they were naturally female, erinyes could appear as idealized versions of either gender of any mortal race.

Their natural forms normally possessed glowing red eyes, as well as large, feathered wings that stayed regardless of the form that they took. After Asmodeus' ascension to godhood, the erinyes lost their wings, and received hooves and fangs in return, which made them look beastly.

Personality
Erinyes were not only physically stunning, but dangerously capable, highly disciplined and unfailingly loyal to their lords. When hunting mortal souls they showed both ruthlessness and cunning, exploiting their angelic appearance and tempting those they came across into committing wicked acts.

The relationship between erinyes and other devils was a conflicting combination of admiration and hatred. Having come from celestials as opposed to damned souls, erinyes viewed themselves as innately superior to other baatezu, causing a mutual disdain between them and their devil kin. Other devils greatly envied the erinyes, yet at the same time, were inspired by their indomitable fury. Feelings of lust and idolization clashed with hostility so much so that the two groups occasionally disobeyed their superiors and met one another with violence.

Combat
Erinyes usually wielded a longsword, but their primary weapon was a shining red +1 flaming composite longbow. They preferred to use it to fight a distance or from above, and used their powers to distract or disorganize their foes. They liked to tie up an enemy in a rope and fly them high into the sky before dropping them.

Abilities
An erinyes could use the spells of charm monster and minor image, and in common with other baatezu they could cast an unholy blight and greater teleport at will, as well as act under a constant true seeing. They could summon lemures and bearded devils to assist them.

An erinyes had the special power to animate a rope and use it to entangle a victim.

They could also cast a spell of fascination on their chosen victims.

Society
"It is in the choice of enemies that a devil ﬁnds itself."

- Zagrish, an erinyes philosopher.

Erinyes typically served as scouts or servants to powerful devils, and sometimes as their concubines.

Some erinyes took advantage of their beauty and resemblance to celestials, and attempted to masquerade as angels.

Erinyes spoke Infernal, Celestial, and Draconic languages.

History
Legend in the Nine Hells told that the first erinyes were angels who fell from the heavens after being corrupted by temptation or committing some misdeed. Modern erinyes were their descendants.

Following the ascension of Asmodeus, the erinyes received mastery over the succubi, but were transformed into devilish forms.

Notable erinyes

 * Eshaeris / Lady Desmonda
 * Hezebel
 * Invadiah of Malbolge. Formerly the most powerful erinyes, she was demoted to succubus in 1478 DR when she fouled up one of Glasya's plots in Neverwinter.
 * Nyphithys of the Broken Wings