Scaly Devils
Also called Scaly Devils, an Abishai are a draconic form of Baatezu created by Tiamat. Due to the many traits they share with other Devils, and that the site of their creation is on Baator, they are considered Devils for the purposes of taxonomy.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Scaly Devils are so named for their reptillian appearance, having a scaly skin and clawed hands. Thanks to their draconic heritage, Scaly Devils also feature a pair of batlike wings sufficient to lift them in sustained flight, as well as barbed, prehensile tails. The head is of similar shape to a Dragonborn's, but unlike their draconic cousins, Abishai grow hair in patterns similar to humans. Unlike dragonborn, however, Scaly Devils are a small race, with an average height of 4'6" among adults.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Carnivorous, scaly devils can metabolize vegetation, but gain most of their nutrients from meat.
Additional Information
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Their anatomy grants scaly devils several abilities uncommon to most humanoids, including the natural weapons of their claws and sharp teeth, as well as the poisonous effect of their barbed tails, which varies based on their chromatic draconic influence.
Scaly Devils have about the same chance of sorcerous magical abilities as a human, and inherit a few natural fiendish abilities, including a natural resistance to heat and the ability to see through even magical darkness. Just like any fiend, if killed outside of Baator, a scaly devil reforms in its home realm.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
Like all fiends, Scaly Devils keep their true names secret to avoid being bound by summoners. Unlike other fiends, however, Abishai more commonly use draconic naming structures than fiendish or celestial ones.
- Shemmash, Axuth, Timbak, Myampaduath, Vaaccuth, Kleldrul
Beauty Ideals
Abishai venerate the draconic side of their ancestry, and pronounced draconic features are seen as desirable.
Major Language Groups and Dialects
Abishai usually speak Draconic as well as Infernal.
Culture and Cultural Heritage
Abishai inherit the pride and vanity of their creator Tiamat, and their culture is informed by the rigid belief that dragons - especially chromatic dragons - are a superior form of life.
History
Created by Tiamat shortly after she took up residence in Avernus, the Scaly Devil was designed to be fiendish enough to sustain its nature in the Realm, with enough draconic influence to solidly alignn them with Tiamat's own ends. Though originally crafted to be her personal army and guard force, the population has since grown, and many Abishai are allegiant to the dukes and archdukes of the Hells. Or at least, they claim to be.
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
Though fully integrated into the ranks of Baator, Abishai are not usually privileged with the same trust - already minimal - their fully-fiendish cousins receive. To be fair to the Archdevils, a significant portion of the Abishai population is engaged in espionage and sabotage for the purpose of improving Tiamat's position in the hells.
Red Abishai by Daniel Landerson
Scientific Name
Abishai
Origin/Ancestry
Fiend
Geographic Distribution
Related Ethnicities
Discovered by