Coming Back from Banishment

[Satyrn]

Recall that access to dispel magic is not automatic for Demons and Devils, and if they have it they may not have a '4th level or above slot' in which to cast it to avoid having to make a role to have it work. It may just be a spell-like ability they have that is only cast at the minimum level.

Full Disclosure: I can't really recall anything about the demons and devils in the Monster Manual. I've custom made all the ones I've used in 5e.

But I'm not sure my lack of that knowledge matters here. The OP seemed to be talking about one specific, individual devil integral to the plot, a devil he thinks may need to be present for a satisfying conclusion.

I was trying to suggest to him that he should give that devil whatever means of planar travel it would make sense for that Very Important Devil to have.

 

[abs]

It's not automatic; however, it more likely than a devil or demon having planar travel spells. It's the easiest and most likely scenario to allow the monster to return to the fight if it essential or desirable for the plot.

 

[FrogReaver]

It's not automatic; however, it more likely than a devil or demon having planar travel spells. It's the easiest and most likely scenario to allow the monster to return to the fight if it essential or desirable for the plot.

If I could downvote your suggestion I would. Never ever do you as a DM totally negate player actions by DM fiat. If the Devil returns nearly instantly you've just invalidated everything the player did. If the devil returns a week from now, or possibly a couple of days from now that would be acceptable.

 

[abs]

If I could downvote your suggestion I would. Never ever do you as a DM totally negate player actions by DM fiat. If the Devil returns nearly instantly you've just invalidated everything the player did. If the devil returns a week from now, or possibly a couple of days from now that would be acceptable.

Personally, I try not to judge the motivation behind a DM's decision, especially if I'm not at that table. I just try to give a person, it goes for players too, what is possible under the rules. Nothing More, nothing less.

I disagree with your your use of "never". I have set up situations where a cookie cutter response doesn't work and challenged the players to come up with a creative solution. My players had fun, which is more important than anyone's gaming philosophy.

 

[MechaTarrasque]

Narratively, I think it is best if the fiend doesn't come back right away, but shows up at an inconvenient time (admittedly that works better in 5e with bounded accuracy than in 3x/4e where the devil might not be able to land a hit on the party's wizard without rolling a natural 20). My memory is a little foggy, but if I recall SoW correctly, there is ample opportunity for the PC's to run into that devil after the library scene (and teleporting a devil that has permission to be there away against his will could easily offend the Powers that Be in Hestavar).

 

[abs]

Narratively, I think it is best if the fiend doesn't come back right away, but shows up at an inconvenient time (admittedly that works better in 5e with bounded accuracy than in 3x/4e where the devil might not be able to land a hit on the party's wizard without rolling a natural 20). My memory is a little foggy, but if I recall SoW correctly, there is ample opportunity for the PC's to run into that devil after the library scene (and teleporting a devil that has permission to be there away against his will could easily offend the Powers that Be in Hestavar).

I don't know if I would feel comfortable with available information to make that call for another DM. I don't know the adventure being run; I don't know how intelligent the ultimate foe is in the adventure. For example, I would probably do things to "invalidate" a player's action if the main nemesis was intelligent arch-devil or god that put the adventure or campaign into motion. I wouldn't do it if it was just some random lesser devil, even if it had vital information, placed into the world by happenstance. Like I said before, the DM running the adventure is the only one in the position to make that judgement. He asked a mechanics question; I gave the easiest and, in my opinion, the most viable method to achieve the goal in the question.