Illithid mucous

Illithid mucous was just that, a mucous that was naturally secreted by illithids by glands located below the dermis layer of their skin.

Description
This variety of mucous gave off a faint odor similar to onions, garlic, or even vanilla, although the smell was imperceptible from afar.

Powers
The most noteworthy feature of illithid mucous is that it had faint active psionic properties. Some sages theorized this mucous enhanced the innate psionic abilities of illithids, reduced the mental strain of psychoportation, and provided them their magic resistance. It was further conjectured that, if true, this meant loss of mucous would cause an illithid's psionic powers and magic resistances to dampen.

Usages

 * Non-illithid beings were mostly unaware of the psionic properties of illithid mucous, though some human mages were said to have developed formulas for potions of ESP that used it as an ingredient.
 * Illithids researched various methods by which they could use excess mucous to create psionic items.

History
In the late 15 century DR, a group of adventurers traveling in and around Neverwinter found vials of illithid mucous within the Tarmalune Trade House. Rogues found that keeping these vials on their person seemed to provide them a latent, offensive wave of psionic energy.