Small fiend (demon), chaotic evil
Armor Class 9
Hit Points 9 (2d6 + 2)
Speed 20 ft.
Proficiency Bonus +2
Proficiency Bonus +2 (5th Edition Advanced Mode)
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 (+0) | 9 (-1) | 13 (+1) | 3 (-4) | 8 (-1) | 4 (-3) |
Saving Throws (suggested) Con +3
Damage Resistances cold, fire, lightning
Damage Immunities poison
Condition Immunities charmed, frightened, poisoned
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 9
Languages understands Abyssal but can’t speak
Challenge 1/8 (25 XP)
Putrid Dissipation (suggested). When the manes dies, it dissolves into a puddle of rotting slime. Each creature within 10 feet of it must make a DC 10 Constitution saving throw, taking 1d6 necrotic damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. The manes regenerates at the end of its next turn unless it is killed by radiant damage or its remains are sprinkled with holy water.
ACTIONS
- Multiattack (suggested). The mane makes two attacks with its claws and one attack with bite.
- Claws. Melee Weapon Attack: +2 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (2d4) slashing damage.
- Claws (suggested). Melee Weapon Attack: +2 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 2 (1d4) slashing damage.
- Bite (suggested). Melee Weapon Attack: +2 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 3 (1d6) slashing damage.
5th Edition Advanced Mode
Limiting the power of a character and making the overall difficulty of the game harder, does not reduce the creativity, indeed it does quite the opposite.
The Game Master has the option to use any and all of the instances proposed in this guide, or just some of them according to their preference.
It is the lack of something that move and motivate characters, not the abundance of it
DESCRIPTION
Manes are the lowest form of demons, created from the souls of chaotic evil mortals who are sent to the Abyss after death. They are small, pale, and bloated humanoids with nearly hairless bodies that are infested with maggots and carrion creatures that literally feed on them. Their eyes constantly drip foul fluids and show no signs of intelligence. They have jagged teeth and sharp claws that they use to attack anything that is not a demon. Manes are considered the fodder of the Abyss, and are often used as slaves, sacrifices, or cannon fodder by other demons.
COMBAT
Manes are not very effective in combat, as they are slow, weak, and stupid. They have no sense of self-preservation and will attack mindlessly until they are killed or ordered to stop by a more powerful demon. They have no skill with weapons or magic, and rely on their natural attacks to bite and claw their enemies. Manes are resistant to cold, fire, and lightning damage, and immune to poison and some mental effects. However, they are vulnerable to radiant damage and holy weapons, which can destroy them instantly. Manes can also be turned or destroyed by clerics or paladins who channel divine power.
HABITAT / SOCIETY
Manes dwell in the Abyss, the infinite plane of chaos and evil where demons rule. They can be found in almost any layer of the Abyss, wandering aimlessly or serving as minions for more powerful demons. Manes have no culture or society of their own, and are treated as disposable by other demons. They have no loyalty or friendship, and will often fight among themselves for food or territory. Manes can understand Abyssal, the language of demons, but cannot speak it. They can communicate telepathically with other tanar’ri, the true demons, but only in simple concepts. Manes have no goals or ambitions, and only live to satisfy their hunger and hatred.
Manes travel in gibbering, snarling hordes that sometimes number in the thousands. Physically weak, they attack in such great numbers that non-tanar’ri fear them. These wretched armies are difficult to maintain, for the manes are literally too stupid to understand commands. They can temporarily form a regiment, but they eventually wander about aimlessly, paying no heed to orders. If brought to a battle, however, they make excellent soldiers; once they see the enemy, they attack tirelessly. Sometimes they attack even when such a tactic does not favor their army, but such is war in the Abyss.
In the Abyss, manes are viewed as sub-tanar’ric and scorned by everything there. This does not bother the witless manes.
Like the dretches, the manes represent a major fighting force that is highly expendable. Unaware of their position in the Blood War, the manes have no way to improve the cruel treatment they receive.
When chaotic evil mortals from the Prime Material Plane die, their spirits go to the Abyss and become manes. Those who were particularly cruel and evil in life are confined to the Pits of Despair on the 400th layer of the Abyss. Of this place, wizards and sages know only the name, because none have ever seen it. The Pits are thought to be hidden beneath the Mountain of Woe, but again, little is known.
ECOLOGY
Manes are an integral part of the ecology of the Abyss, as they serve as both prey and potential predators for other creatures. Manes feed on anything they can find, including corpses, plants, fungi, or even rocks. They are also eaten by other demons, especially those who need to replenish their energy or increase their power. Manes can reproduce by infecting living creatures with their demonic essence, turning them into manes after death. This process can be reversed by a wish spell or a divine intervention. Manes can also evolve into other types of demons, depending on their actions, environment, or the whims of the demon lords. This is a rare occurrence, but it is possible for a mane to rise through the ranks of the demonic hierarchy and become a powerful fiend.