Okay, in 3.5 MMII page 67, you'll find this creature's stat block. I was just wondering if WotC ever issued some errata on this guy. Sixteen HD, regeneration, DR 25/+2 and only a CR 9?? Excuse me? That would definitely be a "Run, stupid!" moment for a level 9 party of six, let alone four.

On a more general note, ever encounter other broken creatures, or better yet create them yourself?

sure that's a lot of hit points and the damage reduction is a cause for concern, but they have a major weak spot as a higher level devil in the fact that they're purely melee. At level nine I almost always have at least a +2 weapon unless I'm a wizard in which case I've got spells. Though the regeneration would be a problem. Bu with a -1 initiative the malebranch would almost inevitably lose initiative and with a 24 AC he's far from impossible to hit. Just keep him at a distance and you can widdle him away as a level 9 party.

Well, the Monster Manual 2 was never reprinted after the 3e/3.5e conversion. They did release an update to 3.5 with various changed stats. Here is the Malebranche updated changes:

Devil, Malebranche: Outsider; 15 ft./15 ft.; DR 10/good;

Balance +1, Bluff +19, Climb +13, Diplomacy +2, Intimidate +21, Jump +32, Listen +18, Move Silently +18, Search +19, Spot +18, Tumble +20;

Cleave, Flyby Attack, Great Cleave, Improved Sunder, Multiattack, Power Attack; LA —; Gains baatezu subtype, revised baatezu traits.

Regeneration (Ex): A malebranche takes normal damage
from acid, from holy weapons, and from attacks that deal holy damage.
So short answer is yes there is an errata The DR and regen is much more manageable.

Welcome to the Inn!

Edit: I wish they would have reprinted a hardcover MM2 into 3.5. It's my favorite monster manual and I hate having to reference the errata all the time. Fiend Folio as well.

Edit2: Here is the link to Wizards to the 3.5 updates for the non-reprinted books.

Thanks to Admiral for scoring the details. . .

That definitely seems more in line with a CR 9 creature. I guess since every DM runs a different game, this guy as originally statted would work better in a slightly more high-powered game. Personally, PC's in my game never come across a Staff of the Magi unless 1. they make it themself or 2. they pry it out of a dead wizard's hands.

Yea, on the flip side though Devils aren't supposed to be easy

But this is why CR exists. If every monster is designed to kill you regardless of your character's power level there may be a little problem with games ending.

Instantly.