Baldur’s Gate: Descent Into Avernus gives us a great view of the first layer of the Nine Hells. But I felt it was lacking in descriptions of some of the most powerful beings who dwell there. It gives us the stats of the rulers past and present (Zariel, Bel, and Tiamat) but not so much on the nobles and outcast devils that serve under or plot to dethrone them. This is the first in a series where I look back at previous editions and update some of these powerful, unique devils to 5th edition.

Amduscias is a Duke of Hell in Dungeons & Dragons. He was introduced into the game by Ed Greenwood in his “Nine Hells” article for Dragon #75, but the fiend’s origins are much older.

Amduscias (alternatively Amdusias, Amukias or Amdukias) was described by the German demonologist Johann Wier in the Pseudomonarchia Daemonum in 1563. Wier described the creature as a Grand Duke of Hell who ruled 29 infernal legions. He was supposed to have the form of a unicorn but would appear as a human on command. He was said to give concerts with the music coming from many invisible instruments. It was also said that trees would bend to his voice.

Amduscias even appears in the Castlevania video game series

Amduscias also appears in the Lesser Key of Solomon:

He is a Duke Great and Strong, appearing at first like a Unicorn, but at the request of the Exorcist he standeth before him in Human Shape, causing Trumpets, and all manner of Musical Instruments to be heard, but not soon or immediately. Also he can cause Trees to bend and incline according to the Exorcist’s Will. He giveth Excellent Familiars. He governeth 29 Legions of Spirits. The Goetia aka The Lesser Key of Solomon

Greenwood’s description of him includes several of these elements: he commands 29 legions (of abishai), has a human and unicorn form, and can cast find familiar for others. Other aspects of the devil are changed however: no mention of his musical traits, he gains the form of a wolf with a scorpion tail, and his human form has the head of a hawk. He is also described as having a long memory, devising cunning strategies, and for his skillful acting and negotiating (earning him the moniker “Reconciliator of Foes”).

Amduscias was originally a servitor of Tiamat, the ruler of Avernus at the time. He was briefly mentioned in Faces of Evil: The Fiends as a servant of Bel, but his next mention in Fiendish Codex II: Tyrants of the Nine Hells once again has his allegience with Tiamat (The Wikipedia page “List of named devils in Dungeons & Dragons” mentions that he originally served Zariel but was put in service to Tiamat in exchange for her guarding the entrance to Dis, but I have no idea where that lore comes from). Greenwood described his role as guarding Avernus against intruders and the machinations of the “Rabble of Devilkind” (more on them in a later post). Amduscias didn’t have a base per se but a series of safe caves he could take shelter in.

He could be introduced in several different ways in BG:DIA. He and his forces could save the party from demons or a warlord, then bring them back to one of his relatively safe caves to tend their wounds. If a player wants a familiar that is not an imp or Abyssal chicken he could summon one for them, to sweeten this deal the range of connection could be extended, or it could function more like a Pact of the Chain familiar. He may be called in as a mediator between the players and a faction or the party could be recommended to him if they need help disarming a situation. He may also be one of the first devils to interact with the party as he performs his role of detecting incursions and potential threats. None of these interactions with him will come without some price to be paid.

Amduscias’ goal is the protection of Avernus and he will stop at nothing to accomplish it. He is willing to exchange his services only for favors, information or items that will help him in this goal. Amduscias’ main targets are intruding demons and devils/warlords who overstep their bounds. He may ask the party for information regarding the plans or whereabouts of one of these targets, or for them to attack one themselves. He would also be very interested in obtaining the shield of the hidden lord, as he could see Gargauth as a potential threat.

Below is my take on Amduscias for 5E, I left in as much of the stats from older editions as I could while also trying to match up to other devil statblocks and bringing back a little of his musical lore. Let me know what you think in the comments below!