Hamatula

Hamatulas, also called barbed devils, were the guardians of the Nine Hells, entrusted with important duties such as defending infernal fortresses or prisons, guarding vaults, and serving as bodyguards to the most powerful denizens of the Nine Hells.

Description
Hamatulas were tall humanoids with  bodies that, as their name implied, were completely covered in barbs. Their horned hands ended in strangely, lengthy claws and their long, burly tails were coated in spines. Shifting across the room were their gleaming, vigilant eyes, so constant in their movement it made barbed devils seem anxious.

Personality
Hamatulas were extremely greedy creatures, constantly on the lookout for objects or creatures of which they could claim ownership. They were also incredibly prideful entities, zealously attending to their duties without boredom or disinterest due to their desire to increase their own status. Although solitary they relished having opponents as such beings provided opportunities for them to prove their worth.

Abilities
The spikes of a barbed devil had many combat uses, such as piercing their opponents with their claws and tails, hurting foes that got too close and impaling enemies by hugging them. Additionally, the first time they struck an opponent with their claws they filled their enemies with supernatural fear. They also were known for being able to manipulate flames, hurling it at intruders and causing other fiery effects. Their gating ability allowed them to call upon other hamatula or the assistance of abishai or barbazus.

Combat
Although always eager to battle, barbed devils disdained weapons, preferring to impale their enemies with their natural weaponry. Those who avoided their attempts to get close would be immobilized through means such as hold person and distant foes would have fire hurled at them. Depending on the nature of their mission they would engage in skirmishers or prompt their foes to flee before running after them with claws and fire.

Society
Hamatulas were typically employed to serve as guards throughout the middle layers of the Nine Hells. They were most commonly encountered in Phlegethos, Malbolge, and Maladomini. To gain favor of higher-ranking baatezu, they were zealous in their duties as patrol troops. Gazra had an army of 5,000 hamatula in Phlegethos, and even his personal bodyguard comprised twenty elite hamatula soldiers. Hamatula were solitary in nature, and only worked as a group when compelled to by a stronger baatezu.

Unlike other demons, hamatulas could not freely traverse between different layers of the Hells. It was speculated that this limitation was purposeful, in order to prevent them from wandering too far away from their guard assignments.

Ecology
They possessed glands behind their ears that secreted a hallucinogenic substance. It was most commonly used by greater devils as a torture and interrogation tool, but rumors existed that large quantities of the secretion could produce powerful potions of illusion.

History
Two barbed devils served as cooks in the Dweomercore level of Undermountain.

Appearances

 * Adventures:
 * City of the Spider Queen
 * The Sword of Selfaril
 * Waterdeep: Dragon Heist
 * Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage