Nalfeshnee

Nalfeshnees, were type IV tanar'ri demons, that acted as the ruling authority for many beings within the Abyss. They were the slothful and gluttonous creatures that acted as the nobility of the Abyss, bickering amongst each other for control of small fiefdoms with pretensions of being refined rulers.

Description
Nalfeshnees were repulsive demons that towered over most other demonic entities standing at least 10 feet (3.04 meters) tall. Most however stood over 20 feet (6.09 meters) tall and weighed a gargantuan 8,000 lbs (3628.73 kg) with some being even more massive. They had small, feathered wings, greatly undersized compared to their rotund figures, that despite their flimsy appearance enabled nalfeshnees to fly. Among the most hideous of demonic powers, their bodies were most generously described as corpulent, combining the most abysmal features of a boar and ape into a bipedal monstrosity. Nalfeshnee did not so much walk as they did waddle, when they were not simply flying. Their glowing red eyes looked hungrily at most mortals they came across.

Personality
Behind their swinish exterior, both in appearance and behavior, nalfeshnee possessed a dangerous intellect. Other beings were placed within three categories by nalfeshnee, "fit to eat", "fit to use", and "fit to serve". Creatures a nalfeshnee would consume included animals, lesser demons, and most humanoid races.They did not conduct negotiations with these beings, the same as most people would not converse with their food. Among a nalfeshnees preferred foods were terrified beings, and halflings.

The second group were beings that had more worth outside a nalfeshnee's stomach than within it. Powerful humanoids, certain demons, gnomes, immortals, insects (including arachnids), and elemental creatures were in this category. Although some entities within this category were of no use to a nalfeshnee they were simply inedible.

Beings worthy of a nalfeshnee's servitude would have to be far greater than the nalfeshnhee itself, a position reserved for demon lords, primordials or powerful elementals, and balors. The true spinelessness of a nalfeshnee was only revealed when in contact with one of these entities. Normally nalfeshnee employed cutlery, regardless of condition, in an attempt to appear dignified and renounced combat as being underneath them. In the presence of a more powerful being this facade melted away into a whinging, sycophantic wretch appeared that bowed and scraped to their masters without shame. Although their intellects often rivaled that of balors, causing them to view themselves as superior, they obeyed them in recognition of the gap in strength. When their masters were not present nalfeshnee would not hesitate to secretly foil their plans, or embarrass them. Nalfeshnee carried no great regard for the Blood War, and would sabotage their balor masters even if it worsened the side of demons overall. Nalfeshnees acted as the servitors of the Abyss. In their minds, nalfeshnees saw themselves enacting the "justice of the universe" by bringing about the destruction of everything.

Abilities
Nalfeshnees are devastating in combat, using their wings to soar above the front ranks and reach vulnerable adversaries that can be dispatched with little effort From the thick of battle, they telepathically bellow commands to lesser demons, even as they inspire a sense of dread that forces their foes to scatter and run.

Combat
Nalfeshnees were often disdainful of battle, but were unable to resist their blood lust. They were most fond of their smite ability, which dazed enemies and allowed the nalfeshnee to attack unhindered. Like other tanar'ri, they could summon fellow tanar'ri to aid them when needed.

Notable nalfeshnees

 * Nalfeshnee, the strongest nalfeshnee for which the race was named.
 * Zerevimeel, summoned by Quenthel Baenre in 1373 DR.

Appearances

 * Novels
 * Resurrection
 * Archmage
 * Archmage