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An elder brain was the final stage of the mind flayer life cycle. The elder brain lived in a brine-filled pool in the center of a mind flayer city, where it guided its community by filling them with dark dreams of illithid domination.[5]

Description[]

The elder brain's strong mind-affecting powers stemmed from the brains of long-dead mind flayers making up its viscous mass. Being composed of many brains as energy source for its intellect, it could communicate telepathically with any creature within a distance of 350 feet (110 meters)[5][6] and sense the presence of any sentient creature within 5 miles (8 kilometers).[1]

Combat[]

Brawn is no match for our cosmic intellect!
— Zuphelithid the elder brain.[7]

Although its intellect was of godlike proportions, its only physical attack was by using its tendrils to lash out at or grapple an opponent. Therefore, mind flayers protected their elder brain by securing it in a well-protected cave inside the city.

An elder brain could quickly cast spells at the same time as it used its tendrils to attack. It usually started combat with a powerful mind blast. It could then use many psionic attacks such as charm and domination abilities. On top of those, it could cast spells as an extremely powerful sorcerer, making it an opponent to be feared.[5]

The elder brain could then use its tentacles to lash out against opponents, usually those paralyzed by its psionic attacks.[5]

Society[]

Volobrain

An elder brain being transported.

Forming the physical and spiritual center of a mind flayer community, the elder brain served as a living library of the community's history, technology, and knowledge. Playing this important role in a mind flayer society, it often doubled as an advisor in all sorts of political and military decisions, operating as the community's effective leader.[1][5]

An elder brain marked also the ultimate goal in every mind flayer's life when it neared the end of its lifespan. Mind flayers sacrificed their brain and individual life by merging with the elder brain, strengthening its powers and intellect. The average mind flayer was unaware that their personality and consciousness were lost when joining with the elder brain, and only their knowledge and ideas survived. This was a fiercely guarded secret kept by the elder brains.[5]

Notable Elder Brains[]

Appendix[]

Appearances[]

Adventures
Referenced only
Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
Video Games
Idle Champions of the Forgotten RealmsBaldur's Gate III
Board Games
Tyrants of the Underdark: Aberrations and UndeadBetrayal at Baldur's Gate
Comics
Honor Among Thieves: The Feast of the Moon
Card Games
Magic: The Gathering (CLB)
Organized Play & Licensed Adventures
Referenced only
Writhing in the DarkAssault on Maerimydra

Gallery[]

External Links[]

Disclaimer: The views expressed in the following links do not necessarily represent the views of the editors of this wiki, nor does any lore presented necessarily adhere to established canon.

References[]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Mike Mearls, et al. (November 2016). Volo's Guide to Monsters. Edited by Jeremy Crawford, et al. (Wizards of the Coast), pp. 173–174. ISBN 978-0786966011.
  2. Mike Mearls, Greg Bilsland, Robert J. Schwalb (June 2010). Monster Manual 3 4th edition. Edited by Greg Bilsland, et al. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 139. ISBN 978-0-7869-5490-2.
  3. Bruce R. Cordell, Gwendolyn F.M. Kestrel, Jeff Quick (October 2003). Underdark. (Wizards of the Coast), pp. 84–85. ISBN 0-7869-3053-5.
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 Bruce R. Cordell (April 1998). The Illithiad. Edited by Keith Francis Strohm. (TSR, Inc.), pp. 92–93. ISBN 0-7869-1206-5.
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 Richard Baker, James Jacobs, and Steve Winter (April 2005). Lords of Madness: The Book of Aberrations. (Wizards of the Coast), pp. 144–146. ISBN 0-7869-3657-6.
  6. Bruce R. Cordell, Gwendolyn F.M. Kestrel, Jeff Quick (October 2003). Underdark. (Wizards of the Coast), pp. 85–86. ISBN 0-7869-3053-5.
  7. 7.0 7.1 Jeremy Lambert, Ellen Boener (February 2023). Honor Among Thieves: The Feast of the Moon. Edited by Jonathan Manning, Zac Boone. (IDW Publishing). ISBN 978-1-68405-911-9.
  8. Eric L. Boyd (November 1999). Drizzt Do'Urden's Guide to the Underdark. Edited by Jeff Quick. (TSR, Inc.), p. 78. ISBN 0-7869-1509-9.
  9. Bruce R. Cordell, Gwendolyn F.M. Kestrel, Jeff Quick (October 2003). Underdark. (Wizards of the Coast), pp. 168–169. ISBN 0-7869-3053-5.
  10. Richard Baker, Ed Bonny, Travis Stout (February 2005). Lost Empires of Faerûn. Edited by Penny Williams. (Wizards of the Coast), pp. 98, 101–102. ISBN 0-7869-3654-1.
  11. Cryptic Studios (June 2013). Neverwinter. Perfect World Entertainment.
  12. Larian Studios (October 2020). Designed by Swen Vincke, et al. Baldur's Gate III. Larian Studios.

Connections[]

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