Probably my favourite bosses for my previous campaigns have to be Demon Lords or Arch Devils. Sadly, they have become less prominent in Monster Manuals throughout the years and versions. The Advanced Dungeons and Dragons Monster Manuals 1 and 2 were probably the height of their prominence. That was closely followed by the amazing Advanced Dungeons and Dragons Deities and Demigods reference book. (Even better if you have the version with the Cthulu Mythos) If I can’t defeat a Demon, how about a god?

Sadly the 2014 and 2024 Monster Manuals have an assortment of some lesser demons and devils, but really no named Demon Lords or Arch Devils. Perhaps these were removed in light of the bad press Dungeons and Dragons have received over the years as being occult worshipping.

You can still find some great Demon Lords and Arch Devils in various adventure books like Out of the Abyss and Descent into Avernus – but I digress.

Why do I like the Demon Lords and Arch Devils? First off the Blood War provides a great context for an ongoing war that can be incorporated into campaigns. Probably the best synopsis of the Blood War can be found in Mordenkainen’s Tome of Foes. Secondly, there is amazing power that is conferred when an opponent is named and part of a hierarchy of evil. This hierarchy allows for a succession of challenges that can test even the most powerful players. Thirdly, there is the real world name familiarity that makes the battles more interesting – who wouldn’t want to battle with Asmodeus or Mephistopheles as the ultimate challenge? Demon Lords or Arch Devils also have the stereotypical cultists that can be used to build the story and plot along the way.

The real world name familiarity also allows for the Dungeon Master to flesh out more personality of these Demon Lords or Arch Devils. Their real world legend and history have some traits and backstories that can be incorporated. They aren’t just an opponent with Hit Points and an Armour Class. They have a history and a context that can be researched and applied. This makes the ultimate battle a pitched test of good versus evil.

And finally, they are extremely powerful opponents with legendary actions, lair actions, and magic that would test even the most powerful characters. It can take some work to find the stat blocks and history but it is well worth it to be able to battle the ultimate evil.

Now I just need and old priest and a young priest.