Need help finding a "boss"

[Dafydd]

So my PCs need to collect 4 artifacts for the end game battle. I have 3 of the artifact guardians decided on. A Brine Dragon, a Thriae Queen and her court and a Jinushigami Kami (Land Kami).

The observant among you may have noticed the lack of a fire based guardian (Dragon as water, Queen as air and Kami as earth). My problem is, I need a smart fire based creature, preferably Lawful but Neutral is ok. I would prefer to not use a Dragon.

It is not a combat type of encounter so CR is not much of an issue.

Of course, if you think up a strong Water guardian, I can go with the Gold Dragon for Fire.

Yes, I could go dragons all around, or Genies, but dragons are over used and Genies are not strong enough.

Any thoughts?

[Dave Justus]

How about an Azer?

[Gamerskum]

Fire Giant?

[Dafydd]

Azer is too weak, and Fire giant suffers the same issue. While the CR is not really an issue, these guardians are supposed to be defending the artifacts from the minions of an Elder God.

Hence why the other 3 guardians have a CR of 15+

Something a group of level 9 PCs will think twice about fighting.

That said, Azers and Fire Giants will be around as servants, guards, etc.

[Rynjin]

An Efreeti with class levels.

Or perhaps an Immolation Devil?

[ericthecleric]

A LN or LG Peri (B3; CR 14), and give it the advanced or axiomatic template?

[Gregory Connolly]

How about a Pit Fiend? They are lawful, somewhat associated with fire, and CR 20.

[tonyz]

Efreeti with class levels and/or lots of extra hit dice. Smart and malicious, but not as nasty as a pit fiend.

Keep in mind they're clever and have illusions and can use misdirection a lot, so the players don't have to know at first what they're facing (though at this level you can expect them to do divinations galore if they have time.)

[kyrt-ryder]

Have you considered changing your resume?

[Dafydd]

I think I will go with either a Resolute Advanced Peri or an Immolation Devil.

Just have to decide if I want them to fight their way in, lifting the siege on the Devils or fight their way out through a horde of fire giants who think the PCs disposed of their Peri "queen."

Thanks all.