Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Intellect Devourer

Tiny · Aberration · CR 3 · Chaotic Evil

Source. Monstrous Menagerie

36 (8d4+16)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

-2

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Tiny

Type Aberration

Alignment Chaotic Evil

XP 700

Initiative Bonus +3

Movement

Walk 40 ft (12.2 m)

Swim 20 ft (6.1 m)

Climb 20 ft (6.1 m)

Crawl 20 ft (6.1 m)

Senses

Blindsight 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 12

Saving Throws

Intelligence +5 Wisdom +4 Charisma +4

Skills

Deception +4 Insight +4 Stealth +5

Languages

understands Deep Speech but can't speak, telepathy 120.0 ft (36.6 m).

Actions

Body Thief

The intellect devourer enters the nose and mouth of an incapacitated humanoid within 5 feet. The target must be Small or larger have a brain and have an Intelligence of 4 or higher. The intellect devourer eats the targets brain and takes control of the target. The intellect devourer leaves the body if the target is reduced to 0 hit points if the target is affected by dispel evil and good or another effect that ends possession or voluntarily as a bonus action. A creature killed by the intellect devourer can be restored to life by resurrection or similar magic.

Claws

+5 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d4+3 slashing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (2d4 + 3) slashing damage.

Ego Whip

The intellect devourer targets a creature with a brain within 60 feet. The target makes a DC 13 Intelligence saving throw. On a failure it takes 14 (4d6) psychic damage and is rattled for 1 minute. If it is already rattled by Ego Whip it is also stunned. The target repeats the saving throw at the end of each of its turns ending both effects on a success.

While the intellect devourer is in control of the target, the intellect devourer retains its own Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma, its telepathy, and its knowledge of Deep Speech

It otherwise uses the targets statistics including proficiencies languages class features and spells. It has vague knowledge about the targets life but must make a DC 15 Intelligence check to recall specific facts.

About Intellect Devourer

Intellect Devourer is a tiny aberration with a Challenge Rating of 3. It has a chaotic evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 14 and possesses 36 hit points (derived from 8d4+16).

Intellect Devourer has communication capabilities including understands Deep Speech but can't speak, telepathy 120 ft.. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Intellect Devourer

1 tips available

When using Intellect Devourer in your D&D 5e campaign, consider these tactical approaches:

Telepathic Communication: This creature can communicate telepathically, making it excellent for coordination with allies. Silence spells won't stop its communication. Consider 'Mind Blank' or abilities that block telepathy.

Player Guide: Facing Intellect Devourer

1 strategies available

When your party encounters this creature, keep these strategies in mind:

Telepathy Awareness: This creature communicates telepathically! It can coordinate with allies silently. Silence won't stop it. Use 'Mind Blank' or abilities that block telepathy. Be cautious of mental attacks.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 3.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 5 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 1,200 XP
Hard: 1,800 XP
Deadly: 2,400 XP

Based on D&D 5e Dungeon Master's Guide encounter building guidelines. CR roughly equals party level for medium encounters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the challenge rating of Intellect Devourer?: Intellect Devourer has a Challenge Rating of 3, making it appropriate for parties of level 3.0.
What type of creature is Intellect Devourer?: Intellect Devourer is a Tiny Aberration, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Intellect Devourer speak?: Intellect Devourer can communicate in understands Deep Speech but can't speak, telepathy 120 ft..