Page 74 - Monster Manual Expanded III Dragonix

Hellfire Wyrm Agent of the Nine Hells. The hellfire wyrm is sent to the Material
Plane to insert itself into numerous powerful kingdoms and live
As part of her agreement of being a subservient champion of
among the humanoid races for an indefinite time, assuming
Asmodeus, Tiamat the Dragon Queen provided the Supreme
different identities until it establishes itself successfully and
Master of the Nine Hells some of her eggs. The eggs were brought
secures a position of power, such as a chancellor, magistrate, or
to Mephistopheles and infused with Asmodeus's blood. The
treasurer. In these roles, a hellfire wyrm can secretly influence
dragons born from these eggs were raised to become draconic
and corrupt monarchs, people of high stations, and those in key,
agents loyal to Asmodeus and the ruling archdevils of the Nine
strategic positions to pursue actions and make decisions that
Hells. These dragons became known as hellfire wyrms. To
align with the goals of its archdevil master or send as many souls
ensure the hellfire wyrms would not pose a threat to her, Tiamat
possible to the Nine Hells, such as commit despotic acts and start
deliberately cursed each egg. The cursed hellfire wyrm, no matter
unnecessary wars. The hellfire wyrm always makes these moves
how old it was, would not grow to the size of an ancient dragon.
very carefully and takes utmost care to hide its diabolical nature.
Still, every hellfire wyrm, while subservient to the archdevils,
Anyone who becomes even remotely suspicious of the hellfire
recognize Tiamat as their mother and remain reverent to her.
wyrm's true identity or actions is quickly and quietly eliminated
Fiendish Shapechanger. From afar, the hellfire wyrm is often
by the dragon. The hellfire wyrm will only reveal its true draconic
mistaken for a red dragon. As one gets close to it, however, its
form if its life is in peril and it can't escape.
supernatural aura and diabolical characteristics become more
Combat Tactician. In combat, the hellfire wyrm quickly
noticeable. It features osteodermic spikes protruding from its
searches for advantages and disadvantages it can exploit, such
head and shoulders and a row of sharp bony spines run from
as the environment or its enemies' weaknesses. It keeps to the
the back of its head to the tip of its tail. Its scales continuously
air against grounded targets, using only its spells and breath
shift in the colors of flowing molten lava and its eyes burn with
attack until it is confident enough to close in and finish them off.
infernal intensity. The hellfire wyrm can also change its form to
Its breath attack is a powerful cone of hellfire that can turn bone
that of a tiefling or any Medium-sized devil. It prefers its tiefling
and flesh to ash in an instant. Those few who survive such an
form, though, where the once fearsome hellfire wyrm effortlessly
onslaught are still left vulnerable to fire and must contend with the
becomes a charming, endearing, polite, and eloquent creature. It
hellfire wyrm's next attacks.
is probably these traits, and its ability to magically disguise itself,
that make the hellfire wyrm even more dangerous.