War devil

War devils, sometimes called malebranches―not to be confused with another type of devil with the same name ―were aggressive baatezu that served as warriors and champions of the Nine Hells.

Description
These creatures had enormous muscular bodies with black, leathery hides, slightly curving horns, and wings. They had undershot jaws and their eyes glimmered in various shades of red.

Personality
War devils were bullies that enjoyed tormenting weaker creatures but cowered at anyone stronger than themselves. They were almost fanatically devoted to greater devils such as pit fiends and archdevils and took orders from no one else.

Despite their overtly brute appearance and demeanor, war devils were capable leaders and resourceful tacticians.

Combat
The weapons war devils most commonly favored were tridents and ranseurs made of cold iron. They usually charged into combat by silently approaching their foes from the air in order to attack them by surprise. Once engaged with their opponents, they relied on brute strength rather than finesse.

Society
War devils were most commonly found in Avernus, where they enjoyed slaughtering hordes of invading demons, and Dis, but were also common in all the other layers of the Nine Hells.

They were typically employed by generals as warriors and mounts during combat, but also as enforcers and punishers within the diabolic ranks. They were also occasionally given command of their own legions of lesser devils.

In the hierarchy of the Nine Hells, devils could only be transformed into war devils through demotion from higher forms.

Appearances

 * Novels:
 * Bloodwalk
 * Brimstone Angels (mentioned only)
 * Neverwinter
 * Unholy