Cornugon

Cornugons, also known as horned devils or malebranche &mdash;not to be confused with another type of devil with the same name &mdash;were greater baatezu <  that served as elite defense troops in the Nine Hells.

Description
Cornugons were ogre-sized creatures whose bodies reached up to. They were, roughly humanoid beings with bodies sheathed in repulsive scales. The presence they possessed was considered intimidating even to other devils, as their massive wings, sweeping horns, and serpentine tails furthered their frightening appearance.

Personality
Despite being among the most capable and cunning of the baatezu, cornugons were also some of the least likely to betray their superiors, making them powerful assets. The true source of their loyalty was a point of contention although they notably hated and feared those stronger than themselves and so acted to avoid risk to themselves. While some claimed their true nature was militaristic and disciplined others said their loyalty stemmed from laziness, and their love of battle from belligerence. Regardless of the reasons for their obedience, if thoroughly agitated they were capable of daunting rage.

Abilities
Like all baatezu, cornugons could see in utter darkness and were telepathic.

They could fly, had several inherent spell-like powers, and could regenerate any damage they suffered except from good-aligned or silver weapons or inherently good spells. Like all baatezu, they were immune to fire and poison and resistant to acid and cold.

Combat
Cornugons often fought with military forks  or spiked chains, with which they would stun their enemies. In addition to biting and clawing, they would also lash out with their tails, which would leave a piercing wound that would not heal naturally. Cornugons also had the ability to hurl a flame of fire at their enemies.

They were bold in combat and would rarely retreat. Tactically, they often sought to eliminate their most powerful opponents first.

Society
Cornugons formed elite strike forces for the Hells' armies, numbering as many as 2,000 devils, which were led by pit fiends. Gelugons and pit fiends often utilized them as personal body guards. The Dark Eight had control of 106 cornugon guards.

Cornugons primarily lived on the sixth through ninth layers of the Hells, with the greatest populations in Malbolge and Maladomini. In the upper layers, promoted cornugons sometimes led their own armies of lesser baatezu.

In the infernal hierarchy of the baatezu, cornugons were greater devils who were below erinyes and gelugons in rank. Cornugons were some of the fastest progressing baatezu. After surviving a number of campaigns in elite combat forces, a cornugon would be promoted to lead armies in the upper layers. After displaying quality leadership, a cornugon would be promoted to a gelugon.

Corugons often had names that translated into such things as "Bent Wing" or "Easy Tail".

Notable Cornugons

 * Vesarius, Vooka, and Vrag, were corungon lieutenants in Dragonspear Castle.

Appearances

 * Hordes of Dragonspear
 * City of the Spider Queen
 * Mysteries of the Moonsea