Pazuzu

Pazuzu is a powerful demon lord, and fond of corrupting mortals, especially the innocent and honest. He is one of the oldest and most reprehensible demon lords, The Dark Angel of the Four Winds takes great delight in offering aid that seems beneficial, but ultimately spells doom on victim in the long run.

Pazuzu's home is the 1st layer of the abyss, Pazunia, known as the Plain of Infinite Portals or the Palace of 1,001 Closets. Details of the plane are found in the Fiendish Codex I, including the harsh terrain and portal access through the many pits on its surface. [4]

D&D lore states that his favorite prizes are the most pure and Pazuzu believes the living world provides the best opportunity for such prey. His constant search for these naive targets has given him few true enemies among the other Demon Lords. However, one such lord, Lamashtu, Pazuzu's one time lover, has become a nemesis to him, though he thinks little of her. Lamashtu betrayed Pazuzu, so he blinded her and imprisoned her on the 503rd layer of the Abyss, called Torremor. Torremor was once Pazuzu's realm, now the Winged Prince watches as Lamashtu rules, begging for influence whereever she may find it.

Pazuzu is described as being tall and well-proportion with unmistakably demonic features, such as avian feet, 4 wings that both smoke and gleam with oil, and most notably, a feral bird's beak on an otherwise handsome face. [3]

He wields a powerful magic greatsword that grants him great speed, and can breathe swarms of locusts and acidic, poisonous clouds. He also has Low-light vision, and Blindsight. Pazuzu is well versed in Abyssal, Common, and his communication skills also extend to a weaker form of telepathy.

Abilities
While not exactly an ability, Pazuzu has a team of vrocks at his command.These bodyguards, called the Six Wings of Pazrael, travel alongside Pazuzu at most times. The Six are led by a Balor.

-- Holds sway over all evil flying creatures, even among the different layers of the abyss.

-- Level 33 +/- ; 1200 HP ; CR22 [3]

-- Combat skills include:: Plague of Abyssal Locusts; Master of Manipulation; Pestilence; Tail Sting; Soul Corruption; Shapeshifting; Coercion; Resistance

-- Breath weapons (swarm of locust, cone of poisonous acidic vapor), summon avian, summon Tanar'ri, temptation; various other spell-like abilities; aura of servile avians. [3]

History
Pazuzu is among the oldest of beings, predating the Abyss itself. He is a primordial, called an obyrith. As such, Pazuzu manipulated the god, Tharizdun, causing the interloping god to create the Abyss. The Winged One was also responsible for the corruption of the angel, Asmodeus. Seen as his ultimate prize, Pazuzu corrupted the one time servant of the lawful gods and convinced the angel to turn on those he served. This corruption and Pazuzu's further aid led to victory, though only Asmodeus and the other obyrith knows of the demon lord's help. This costly aid is as yet unpaid by the fallen angel.

The Lord of Corruption was also instrumental in bringing the Blood War to fruition. Playing both sides through his connection to Asmodeus, Pazuzu maintained a balance of strength between the devils & demons, prolonging the endless war. Both Asmodeus, and a group called the Queen's Conclave, used the Blood War for their own means,

Throughout his thousands of years of existence, Pazuzu has perfected his craft of seduction through benevolent means. Under the guise of Imdugud, Pazrael, and Typhon, the Corrupter would answer the hard sought prayers of mortals, granting them blessings and salvation, all the while leading them further and further down the path to hell---or rather, his abyssal plain. The victims remained as unwitting accomplices to the spreading of Pazuzu's cults and worship. Otherwise, his worshipers include any evil flyer, usually an individual among the Kenku (winged), Manticore, Harpies, or some other evil winged race. The wings are necessary, as his temples are found in areas that are otherwise unreachable.

Pazuzu might also answer anyone who uttered his name, or his alias, three times in succession. This type of summons forms a link between the Demon Lord and the victim, across any distance or planes. This link provides Pazuzu with the ability to read the thoughts of the summoner, determine their intentions, and appear directly beside them at will. Pazuzu typically grants aid at much cost to the victim, and will grant this aid repeatedly, establishing a dependence on Pazuzu's services. Through one victim, the Corrupter can reach others. Once this new cult comes fully under his wing, the Demon Lord will leave it drifting in the wind while he searches for other victims.

In the Monster Manual II, he is said to be on good terms with daemons (now known as yugoloths) and the dukes of Hell.

In the "Demonomicon of Iggwilv" and "Fiendish Codex I: Hordes of the Abyss," Graz'zt is listed as Pazuzu's most notable enemy. Graz'zt alone takes umbrage at Pazuzu's claim to dominion over the skies of the Abyss, though the Prince of Tyrants has never taken action against him beyond the occasional insult.

Creative origins
Pazuzu is derived from the Mesopotamian god of the same name.

Pazuzu has appeared in Monster Manual II and the Book of Vile Darkness web enhancement. He is covered in depth in Dragon magazine #329, in the "Demonomicon of Iggwilv" feature, as well as the supplements Fiendish Codex I: Hordes of the Abyss and the Demonomicon.

Underscore7 just saved Pazuzu's soul by editing this page ;)