Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Mindshard

Small · Aberration · CR 4 · Neutral Evil

Source. Tome of Beasts 3

16 (natural armor)

81 (18d6+18)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

-5

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Small

Type Aberration

Alignment Neutral Evil

XP 1100

Initiative Bonus +3

Movement

Fly 40 ft (12.2 m)

Senses

Blindsight 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 12

Saving Throws

Constitution +3 Intelligence +2

Skills

Perception +2

Languages

Deep Speech, telepathy 60'

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

poison

Condition Immunities

charmed, frightened, poisoned, prone

Traits

Mindleech Aura

When a charmed creature enters a space within 15 ft. of the mindshard on a turn or starts its turn within 15 ft. of the mindshard that creature takes 7 (2d6) psychic.

Translucent

Is invisible to creatures more than 60' away from it.

Reactions

Enthralling Defense

When a creature the mindshard can see within 30' of it hits it with an attack that creature must make DC 14 Cha save or be charmed until end of its next turn.

About Mindshard

Mindshard is a small aberration with a Challenge Rating of 4. It has a neutral evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 16 and possesses 81 hit points (derived from 18d6+18).

Mindshard has communication capabilities including Deep Speech, telepathy 60'. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Mindshard

2 tips available

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

Flight Control Strategy: Target flying creatures with spells like 'Hold Person', 'Web', or 'Grease' to ground them. Without flight restriction, they can escape melee range easily. Consider area denial spells below their flight altitude to force them into disadvantageous positions.
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 Mindshard

2 strategies available

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

Counter Flight Advantage: This creature can fly! Use ranged attacks, reach weapons, or spells like 'Thunderwave' to push it away. Consider 'Gust of Wind' or 'Earthbind' to ground it. Melee characters need fly speed or flight magic to engage.
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 4.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 6 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 2,000 XP
Hard: 3,000 XP
Deadly: 4,000 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 Mindshard?: Mindshard has a Challenge Rating of 4, making it appropriate for parties of level 4.0.
What type of creature is Mindshard?: Mindshard is a Small Aberration, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Mindshard speak?: Mindshard can communicate in Deep Speech, telepathy 60'.