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Mind Flayer 5e Stats

Medium Aberration, Lawful Evil

At a Glance

CR
7
Type
Aberration
Size
Medium
Alignment
Lawful Evil
AC
15 (breastplate)
HP
71 (13d8 + 13)
Speed30 ft.

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Ability ScoresKey AbilitiesTacticsEncounter TipsCommon MistakesDM TipsFAQSources

Ability Scores

str
11
+0
dex
12
+1
con
12
+1
int
19
+4
wis
17
+3
cha
17
+3

Key Abilities

AbilityDescription
Mind Blast60-foot cone. DC 15 Int save or take 22 (4d8+4) psychic damage and stunned for 1 minute. Can repeat save each turn.
Extract BrainMelee attack against incapacitated humanoid. 55 (10d10) piercing damage. Target dies if reduced to 0 HP.
TelepathyCan communicate telepathically with any creature within 120 feet. Can read surface thoughts.
Magic ResistanceAdvantage on saves against spells and magical effects.

How to Run This Monster

Open with mind blast to stun party. Extract brains from stunned victims. Flee if outnumbered or losing.

Encounter Ideas

Always encountered with thralls (1-4 intellect devourers or dominated humanoids). Uses lair defenses.

Loot
Breastplate, scholar's robes worth 50gp, possibly headband of intellect or wand.

Common Mistakes

Common Mistake
Using them alone—they always have thralls or minions
Common Mistake
Not emphasizing the horror of brain extraction

DM Tips

DM Tip
Make them calculating and cruel, not mindless monsters
DM Tip
Use telepathy for creepy mid-combat taunts

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Further Reading