Amnizu

**Amnizu** (pronounced: /ɑːmˈnitsʌ/ *ahm-NEE-tsu*[6]), also known as **styx devils**,[5] were powerful baatezu primarily responsible for protecting the River Styx within the circle of Hell known as Stygia.[4] Like the treacherous depths of the Styx itself they could drain the memories of those that they touched.[1]

## DescriptionEdit

Amnizus were green, gruesome humanoids with short, squat bodies and stubby limbs.[3] They usually stood between 4‒5 ft (1.2‒1.5 m) tall and weighed 200 lbs (91 kg), although older amnizu could grow past 10 ft (3 m) tall and could weigh over 700 lbs (320 kg).[1][3] Sprouting from their backs was a pair of large, leathery wings colored black but with a silver trim.[1][5] Their bald heads were disproportionately large and elongated compared to the rest of their bodies, hosting porcine eyes, a pug-nose, and a mouth full of jagged teeth. As amnizus grew older they began to further dress their corpulent forms in the robes of office.[1][3]

## PersonalityEdit

Amnizu had a deep-seated loathing for not only for foreigners but even the native inhabitants of the Nine Hells, viewing all others as nothing but tools to be utilized or a form of currency.[3][4] They were ruthless and tyrannical baatezu whose high position caused them to take on an aloof attitude in regards to lesser devils, a disinterest that frequently reached the point of callous disregard.[2][3] This feeling of superiority was fostered by Levistus, who encouraged his trusted chancellors to view themselves as above Hell's rules.[7]

On the other hand, amnizus abhorred being inferior to others, whether in terms of personal station or ability.[3] Rather than obeying commands due to an inherently lawful disposition, they followed their superiors in order to advance or avoid punishment by the pit fiends.[4] The pit fiends were not exempt from the constant schemes and undermining machinations of the amnizus, convinced as they were that they were the only devils truly fit to rule Hell.[8] Even as an amnizu feigned servility, they persistently plotted to eliminate their rivals and superiors, either through attempting to discredit their foes with complex political maneuvers or more direct means, such as hiring an assassin.[3]

While notorious for their diabolical nature and constant conspiracies, styx devils were admirable in their ability to complete their duties and unfailingly completed their wicked agendas within the limits of the law.[3][9] Despite their great intelligence, amnizus were often hoist by their own enormous egos when clever enemies pandered to their pride. If not working or scheming they recklessly indulged in the pleasures and luxuries of the Nine Hells.[3]

## AbilitiesEdit

The touch of an amnizu was incredibly dangerous as it channeled harmful energy into their enemies that only magical protection could impede.[1] Their touch degraded not only the body but the mind, draining targets of their intellects and memories like the Styx itself.[3] Conversely, their connection to the Styx also made them immune to its harmful effects, an immunity that carried over into anything that would reduce their mental capacity.[3][9] Magical, silver, and holy weapons were among the few things that could properly hurt them, outside of acid or good-aligned spells and abilities.[3][5] In order to banish an amnizu back to Stygia a holy word had to be uttered.[1]

Due to their role as protectors styx devils were also given access to powerful imprisonment magic with which to seal away dangerous opponents, although they could only make use of it once per day.[1] Amnizus also had an array of powerful and innate, mental magic, letting them dominate and destroy the minds of their opponents.[2] They were also capable of hurling dangerously fast fireballs at their foes as a means of causing more direct harm.[3] If in danger, amnizus could call upon a wide variety of devils for aid, including abishai, advespas, barbazus, erinyes, hamatula or another amnizu with varying degrees of success.[3][1][10]

## EcologyEdit

To become an amnizu, an osyluth would have to undergo a painful promotion process where their limbs would be torn off to reveal stubby ones and their faces removed. The ritual was administered by other bone devils who would leave the subject's to peel off the leftover caul from their face, or otherwise die before the promotion was finished.[12]