Hamatula [Lesser Baatezu]

A hamatula is a big humanoid sheathed in barbs from scalp to the tip of its thick tail. Its fingers end in long, wicked claws, and its sharp eyes flick constantly about, giving it a jumpy, watchful air.

Natural guards, hamatula are never surprised. They seldom use weapons, preferring two raking claws (2d4 each) and a bite (3d4). If both claws land, the devil hugs its target onto its spines for an automatic 2d4, then holds him there for 2d4 more every round. A captive with 16 or higher Strength may break free with a Strength check, and the hamatula lets go at the end of any round in which it takes 15 or more damage. Its first hit on any foe also forces a save vs. rod, staff, or wand to avoid fleeing for 1d6 rounds.

Along with standard baatezu magic it has pyrotechnics, produce flame, hold person, and affect normal fires. Once a day it may call 2-12 scaled devils (50%) or 1-4 hamatula (35%).

They patrol the third and fourth layers of the Nine Hells with zeal, knowing success means promotion. Mostly loners, they band together only on orders, such as a small squad sent to check a reported intrusion. On the fourth layer, the pit fiend Ulvakesh rules the top four layers from a crystal castle, guarded day and night by twenty maximum-hit-point hamatula and backed by an army of 5,000 more. Prisoners they catch are thrown into the cells beneath for torture, and faithful service to this lord is the quickest way up.

Uniquely, hamatula cannot travel between layers or to other Lower Planes, perhaps to keep them at their posts. They are also the only devils that yield something useful: a gland behind each ear secretes a strong hallucinogen that greater devils harvest for interrogation. Sages who have bought or braved their way to small samples suspect a larger supply could make a very potent potion of illusion.