Balor (Dungeons & Dragons)
| Balor | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Characteristics | |
| Alignment | Always Chaotic Evil |
| Type | Outsider (Demon) |
| Image | Wizards.com image |
| Stats | Open Game License stats |
| Publication history | |
| First appearance | Eldritch Wizardry |
| Based on | Balrog |
In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy roleplaying game, a balor (/ˈbeɪlɔːr/ BAY-lor) is one of the most powerful types of tanar'ri demons. Of all the inhabitants of the Abyss, balors are second in power only to the demon lords, klurichirs, and myrmyxicus. In first edition Advanced Dungeons & Dragons, balors were known as "type VI demons."
The balors found in Dungeons & Dragons have little relation to the mythical Balor of Irish mythology, actually being based on the balrogs of The Lord of the Rings, and some of its derivation can be seen in its physical description, with its fiery aura, sword and flaming whip.
In the original Dungeons & Dragons pamphlets, this breed of demon was known as balrog, but the name was revised in subsequent supplements to simply "type VI demon" so as not to infringe on J. R. R. Tolkien's copyright. In second edition AD&D, the name "type VI demon" was revised to "balor," taking the name of the greatest individual of their rank as the name for the entire breed. Also in second edition, balors now had vorpal swords.
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Wikipedia