Barlgura

Barlguras  or bar-lguras, also known as leaping demons, were bestial tanar'ri that resembled orangutans. Their ape-like qualities reflected their savage nature, fearsome power and tribe mentality.

Description
Barlguras normally stood between 5-6 feet (1.52-1.82 meters) tall, although some were known to reach just under 8 feet (2.42 meters), and weighed 650 lb (294.83 kg.). They were visually similar to orangutans, with broad shoulders, long forelimbs and short legs. Despite being capable of standing upright they normally shambled apishly across the ground on all fours. Where their skin was exposed was grayish-brown, but most of their bodies were covered in matted reddish-brown fur, although they were capable of changing its color reflexively. A pair of tusks that jutted out from their jaws marked their terrifying and drooping visage, and they leered at their enemies with rheumy red eyes. The key feature that distinguished them from orangutans was that their hands and feet each had six digits with noticeably lengthy claws. Despite being capable of fighting without them some wielded weaponry and wore clothing or armor.

Personality
Barlguras were unique in their outlook among tanar'ri and even demons in general. While still evil, barlgura were somewhat indifferent to the general dealings of the Blood War, and would rather be left alone by those not of their kind. Decoration of their territories was done with grisly trophies taken from their prey, as well as with totems and fetishes. Although they were telepaths they also expressed themselves vocally and using body language by changing their fur color, such as brilliant orange when enraged and a dull grey when calm. They did not take pleasure in bullying weaker demons like dretches and manes, and viewed them as obstacles and annoyances. They only begrudgingly dealt with demons of a higher status than their own, and only when they were clearly more powerful. They were also not quite as hateful as other demons, whereas most despised the lawful baatezu, barlgura did not possess the same animosity. Barlgura were savages that drifted between barbaric savagery and intelligent thought, being the most animalistic of the tanar'ri.

Combat
Ambush predators at heart, barlgura preferred to spring at their enemies while they had the element of surprise. They used their camouflage or invisibility powers to hide from prey before jumping out at them. Despite their seemingly wimpy legs the barlgura were excellent pouncers, making massive running leaps in ways many wouldn't expect to work. They could rip their prey apart with tooth and claw or pummel them into a bloody pulp with their bare fists, although some used weapons and armor if they felt it would help. Barlgura preferred to travel through the trees where their mobility was increased and their camouflage was more easily usable. They could somehow sense invisible beings, and had a strange perception of the world around them that allowed them to detect otherwise untraceable things. A small array of magical abilities was also available to barlgura, including the ability to quickly cause plants to grow and entangle passersby, as well as illusions for use in deception. Hunting in small packs was their favored method and when outnumbering a foe some would hold the target down while the others viciously savaged them. Normal demonic resistances were present within the barlgura and they could summon more demons for assistance, often another barlgura, but this had a low chance of working. Teleportation was a common demonic ability, but the barlgura's was unique in that they could consistently teleport other beings along with them, a power often used to capture victims and leave them in isolated or sealed off locations.

Society
Barlgura normally formed packs led by dominant males within the ancient forests and cliff ridden mountains of the Abyss, far from any other demonic forces. In some parts of the Abyss barlgura formed tribes of 300 or more of their kin, that separated themselves from the normal political condition of the plane. They formed crude governments and did not serve the other tanar'ri, allowing them to operate by themselves and enjoy their lifestyle. Although their numbers protected them from being attacked by true demons, their were tales of balor that laid waste to these rebel factions. When two tribes met it always resulted in a bloodbath with only one tribe surviving.

When forced to fight on behalf of more powerful demons barlgura served as scouts and foot soldiers, and were normally forced to work with other demons. In these circumstances they attempted to manipulate less intelligent demons and contradict the desires of their superiors whenever they could. However, barlgura tried to hunt alongside their own kind in packs whenever possible terrorizing and preying upon the weaker creatures of the Abyss. Due to their animalistic appearance and demeanor they were treated with special cruelty and harshness when they disobeyed orders. Demon Lords like Demogorgon, Yeenoghu and Baphomet favored the brutal ferocity of the barlgura, as did other high ranking demons that appreciated savagery.

History
Barlgura dominated the Guttering Groves, the 88th layer of the Abyss, along with other fiendish simians and dire primates. They also inhabited the 90th layer fighting various evil ridden dinosaurs and behemoths for territory. Their patron deity and lord, Ilsidahur the Howling King, dwelled within the leafy canopies of the Grove.

At some point, two barlguras found their way up from the Underdark to the Sargauth Level of Undermountain, where they waited to ambush people who intruded on their territory.

Appearances

 * Adventures
 * Out of the Abyss
 * Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
 * Novels
 * Tymora's Luck
 * Archmage