Common questions about Devil (Dungeons & Dragons)

Short answers, pulled from the story.

When was the Monster Manual released that introduced the devil to Dungeons and Dragons?

The Monster Manual was released in 1977. This publication codified a terrifying hierarchy of infernal beings that defined the moral compass of the game.

Why did TSR Inc remove the words devil and demon from official descriptors in the late 1970s?

Religious groups and televangelists labeled the game as witchcraft and viewed the inclusion of devils and demons as an entryway into Satanic worship. The publisher was forced to replace these terms with the alien-sounding words baatezu and tanar'ri due to severe backlash.

Who is Asmodeus in the Dungeons and Dragons universe and what is his true form?

Asmodeus is the King of the Nine Hells and the embodiment of Lawful Evil. His true form is said to be a giant serpent, while his devilish appearance is merely an avatar sustained by wounds from a rebellion that never healed.

What is the Blood War in Dungeons and Dragons and which factions fight in it?

The Blood War is a centuries-long conflict between the lawful devils and the chaotic demons that threatens the order of the multiverse. This war serves as the central theater where every soul captured is a resource to be exploited and every battle is a strategic maneuver.

When was the Fiendish Codex II: Tyrants of the Nine Hells published and what did it cover?

The Fiendish Codex II: Tyrants of the Nine Hells was published in 2006. This work provided a comprehensive look at the devil, detailing the various types of devils and their roles within the Nine Hells to reconcile differences between the first and second editions.