Marilith

Mariliths, also known as type V demons, were a type of powerful tanar'ri demon. They served as the tacticians of Abyssal hordes, advisors to demonic nobility, and in some cases acted as serpentine demon queens.

Description


Mariliths appeared to be attractive humanoid women with six arms from the waist up, but their lower halves were those of giant green snakes. In each hand they carried highly decorated weapons, normally including some number of longswords, and adorned themselves with bangles and jewelery. They measured 20 feet (6 meters) and weighed two tons (1814.3 kilograms) when assessed from head to tail tip, but normally stood somewhere between 7-9 feet (2.1-2.7 meters) tall.

Personality
Mariliths were very intelligent and served as talented generals and tacticians. They were proud of their martial skills and often kept the weapons of their defeated foes as trophies.

Combat
Mariliths eagerly joined melee combat given the chance. They carefully sized up the situation first and plotted to use any terrain and vulnerabilities to their advantage. They could attack with a weapon in each of their six hands, typically longswords or scimitars. Their tail was capable of moving like a whip or a constrictor. Mariliths could also cast illusionary and charm spells, as well as gating in other tanar'ri.

History
In 1373 DR, three mariliths known as the "Triumvirate" served under Kaanyr Vhok, the leader of the Scoured Legion of Hellgate Keep. One of those mariliths was Vhok's mother, Mulvassys the Sceptered.

In 1385 DR, the marilith Vhissilka, who served the balor Axithar, was trapped when the death of Mystra tore away a chunk of the Blood Rift. With the help of the cambion Kaanyr Vhok, Vhissilka was able to return to Axithar to wage war upon the House of the Triad.

In 1485–1486 DR, mariliths were among the demons that wandered the streets of Menzoberranzan and participated in the failed defense of Q'Xorlarrin against the dwarves. The great Marilith, for whom all mariliths were named, was among them. She allowed Malagdorl Del'Armgo to slay and banish her back to Abyss, but Gromph Baenre resummoned her days later, making a fool out of Malagdorl for claiming he'd defeated her. She was subsequently sent to fight against the dwarves at Q'Xorlarrin. She was confronted by Drizzt Do'Urden, who disabled her. Bruenor Battlehammer placed the final stroke that slew her and banished her.

Notable mariliths

 * Marilith, the great demon for whom the race of mariliths was named.
 * Bethshiva
 * Charsultketh, disguised as the human Helanna Darkstorm
 * Kalistes
 * Mulvassys the Sceptered
 * Nethess
 * Reluhantis, servant of Graz'zt
 * Unhath, servant of Graz'zt
 * Vhissilka
 * Y'tossi
 * Yxunomei

Appearances

 * Novels
 * Passage to Dawn
 * Stormlight
 * Tymora's Luck
 * The Glass Prison
 * Viper's Kiss
 * Farthest Reach (mentioned)
 * The Gossamer Plain (mentioned)
 * The Crystal Mountain
 * Archmage
 * Computer games
 * Pools of Darkness
 * Icewind Dale
 * Baldur's Gate II: Throne of Bhaal
 * Neverwinter Nights 2
 * Dungeons & Dragons Online : Demon Sands
 * Neverwinter Nights 2
 * Dungeons & Dragons Online : Demon Sands