Mind flayer - Revision history

Umbire the Phantom: /* dNetHack */ dropped word

2026-02-04T13:34:02Z

dNetHack: dropped word

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:34, 4 February 2026
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	===dNetHack===		===dNetHack===
	{{main\|Mind flayer (dNetHack)}}		{{main\|Mind flayer (dNetHack)}}
	In [[dNetHack]], mind flayers are much different from their ''NetHack'' incarnations: for example, they considered [[primordial]] [[demihuman]]s, and there are several types of [[Illithid (monster attribute)\|illithid]] monsters added as well.		In [[dNetHack]], mind flayers are much different from their ''NetHack'' incarnations: for example, they are considered [[primordial]] [[demihuman]]s, and there are several types of [[Illithid (monster attribute)\|illithid]] monsters added as well.

	===xNetHack===		===xNetHack===

Umbire the Phantom: /* dNetHack */ detail

2026-02-04T13:32:05Z

dNetHack: detail

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:32, 4 February 2026
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	===dNetHack===		===dNetHack===
	{{main\|Mind flayer (dNetHack)}}		{{main\|Mind flayer (dNetHack)}}
	In [[dNetHack]], mind flayers are considered [[primordial]] [[demihuman]]s, and there are several types of [[Illithid (monster attribute)\|illithid]] monsters added as well.		In [[dNetHack]], mind flayers are much different from their ''NetHack'' incarnations: for example, they considered [[primordial]] [[demihuman]]s, and there are several types of [[Illithid (monster attribute)\|illithid]] monsters added as well.

	===xNetHack===		===xNetHack===

Umbire the Phantom: /* As pets */ word choice

2026-02-04T12:38:40Z

As pets: word choice

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:38, 4 February 2026
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	Tame mind flayers can make quick work of [[shopkeeper]]s and various tough monsters, and their telepathic outreach will only lock onto and damage hostile monsters—the harmless message it otherwise produces can be hidden with <tt>[[MSGTYPE]]</tt>. However, there are a few monsters that pose a serious threat to mind flayers, including if the flayer attempts to eat their brain:		Tame mind flayers can make quick work of [[shopkeeper]]s and various tough monsters, and their telepathic outreach will only lock onto and damage hostile monsters—the harmless message it otherwise produces can be hidden with <tt>[[MSGTYPE]]</tt>. However, there are a few monsters that pose a serious threat to mind flayers, including if the flayer attempts to eat their brain:

	* [[Cockatrice]]s, [[chickatrice]]s and [[Medusa]] will turn a mind flayer to stone if a tentacle attack lands~~, though a~~ pet ~~mind flayer~~ will generally not attack ~~a footrice~~.		* [[Cockatrice]]s, [[chickatrice]]s and [[Medusa]] will turn a mind flayer to stone if a tentacle attack lands—pet flayers will generally not attack footrices.
	* [[Jellies]] have passive attacks that can easily rack up enough damage to kill a hapless mind flayer attacking one.		* [[Jellies]] have passive attacks that can easily rack up enough damage to kill a hapless mind flayer attacking one.
	* ~~Shapeshifters and~~ [[~~green slime~~]]s ~~are similarly dangerous: the former~~ may ~~go down quickly~~, but will polymorph a mind flayer that eats ~~its~~ corpse, while ~~the latter is~~ extremely likely to turn it into another slime ~~since consuming one (including eating~~ their brain~~) induces sliming~~.		* [[Shapeshifter]]s like [[chameleon]]s may be defeated somewhat easily depending on their form, but but will polymorph a mind flayer that eats their corpse, while [[green slime]]s are extremely likely to turn them into another slime upon having their brain eaten.
	* The [[Rider]]s will instantly kill a mind flayer if one manages to eat their brains, though the Rider in question still takes the extra "brain loss" damage.{{refsrc\|src/eat.c\|621\|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}		* The [[Rider]]s will instantly kill a mind flayer if one manages to eat their brains, though the Rider in question still takes the extra "brain loss" damage.{{refsrc\|src/eat.c\|621\|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}

Umbire the Phantom: /* Genocide */ clarify

2026-02-02T21:25:37Z

Genocide: clarify

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:25, 2 February 2026
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	===Genocide===		===Genocide===
	While the amnesia and instadeath from brain-eating are enough to make both forms of mind flayer a popular target for genocide, '''do not attempt blessed genocide of mind flayers if you are a [[Dwarf (starting race)\|dwarf]]!''' Using a blessed [[scroll of genocide]] will remove all {{mcsl\|h}} from the current game ''including'' dwarves, serving as a particularly aggravating form of YASD for dwarvish characters. Also, be sure to mind your spelling, ''especially'' if you are a [[Monk]]—misspelling it as "master mindfalyer" will only parse the word "Master", one of the Monk's [[rank]] titles, and wipe out you and all other monks.		While the amnesia and instadeath from brain-eating are enough to make both forms of mind flayer a popular target for genocide, '''do not attempt blessed genocide of mind flayers if you are a [[Dwarf (starting race)\|dwarf]]!''' Using a blessed [[scroll of genocide]] will remove all {{mcsl\|h}} from the current game ''including'' dwarves, serving as a particularly aggravating form of YASD for dwarvish characters. Also, when attempting any genocide for either monster, be sure to mind your spelling ''especially'' if you are a [[Monk]]—misspelling it as "master mindfalyer" will only parse the word "Master", one of the Monk's [[rank]] titles, and wipe out you and all other monks.

	You should already try to identify the [[beatitude]] of possible scrolls of genocide before reading them if at all possible, and this is especially true if you plan to eliminate mind flayers with one—in addition to the above, that randomly read scroll you just found may be cursed, and the summoned horde of mind flayers will often result in a quick death; even if you can scare them away, their psychic blasts may still overwhelm you. One or two "normal" genocides, either from the uncursed scroll or a [[throne]], should be used instead; the master mind flayer should ideally be targeted first, as regular mind flayers cannot be generated via summon nasties unless they randomly replace an [[extinct]]/genocided nasty.		You should already try to identify the [[beatitude]] of possible scrolls of genocide before reading them if at all possible, and this is especially true if you plan to eliminate mind flayers with one—in addition to the above, that randomly read scroll you just found may be cursed, and the summoned horde of mind flayers will often result in a quick death; even if you can scare them away, their psychic blasts may still overwhelm you. One or two "normal" genocides, either from the uncursed scroll or a [[throne]], should be used instead; the master mind flayer should ideally be targeted first, as regular mind flayers cannot be generated via summon nasties unless they randomly replace an [[extinct]] or genocided nasty.

	{{upcoming\|NetHack 3.7.0\|Per {{commit\|3eed500886900e690a100a7370200dcd0abcd02a}}, mind flayers will appear in place of master mind flayers if the summon nasties monster spell is cast and the latter are genocided.}}		{{upcoming\|NetHack 3.7.0\|Per {{commit\|3eed500886900e690a100a7370200dcd0abcd02a}}, mind flayers will appear in place of master mind flayers if the summon nasties monster spell is cast and the latter are genocided.}}

Umbire the Phantom: /* Origin */ paragraphing, etc.

2025-12-06T01:41:08Z

Origin: paragraphing, etc.

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:41, 6 December 2025
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	Mind flayers are derived from ''[[Dungeons & Dragons]]'', where they appear in all editions, and are also known as illithids; the illithid is considered "Product Identity" by Wizards of the Coast, and as such is not released under its Open Game License. ''Dungeons & Dragons'' co-creator Gary Gygax stated that one of his inspirations was the cover painting of the Titus Crow book ''The Burrowers Beneath'' by Brian Lumley. The first mention of illithids is found in the first issue of TSR Games' official newsletter ''The Strategic Review''; they were included in the Eldritch Wizardry supplement for the original white box edition of the 1976 ''Dungeons & Dragons'' game, where they were depicted as Lawful Evil; they also appear in the first edition's Monster Manual; and the 3rd and 3.5 editions introduce playable illithids.		Mind flayers are derived from ''[[Dungeons & Dragons]]'', where they appear in all editions, and are also known as illithids; the illithid is considered "Product Identity" by Wizards of the Coast, and as such is not released under its Open Game License. ''Dungeons & Dragons'' co-creator Gary Gygax stated that one of his inspirations was the cover painting of the Titus Crow book ''The Burrowers Beneath'' by Brian Lumley. The first mention of illithids is found in the first issue of TSR Games' official newsletter ''The Strategic Review''; they were included in the Eldritch Wizardry supplement for the original white box edition of the 1976 ''Dungeons & Dragons'' game, where they were depicted as Lawful Evil; they also appear in the first edition's Monster Manual; and the 3rd and 3.5 editions introduce playable illithids.

	The illithid is "a super-intelligent, man-shaped creature with four tentacles by its mouth which it uses to strike its prey"; a tentacle that hits penetrates to the brain and draws it ~~forth~~, allowing the monster to devour it. Its major weapon is the 'mind blast', a short-range wave of "PSI force" which affects each opponent differently based on how intelligent it is, and can induce many ailments from confusion and insanity, up to coma and even death~~. In-universe, the origins of the illithids are subject to many conflicting stories~~.		The illithid is "a super-intelligent, man-shaped creature with four tentacles by its mouth which it uses to strike its prey"— a tentacle that hits penetrates to the brain and draws it out, allowing the monster to devour it. Its major weapon is the 'mind blast', a short-range wave of "PSI force" which affects each opponent differently based on how intelligent it is, and can induce many ailments from confusion and insanity, up to coma and even death.

	Illithid society is structured around a creature called an "[[elder brain\|Elder Brain]]", which lives in a pool of cerebral fluid in the center of a city. Dead illithids have their brain extracted and taken to this pool to have its contents absorbed, which illithids believe a form of immortality; this Brain also functions as a vast library of knowledge that an illithid can call upon with a simple telepathic call. Psionic potential is thus an integral part of the illithid identity, and they typically communicate by projecting thoughts and feelings to each other.		In-universe, the origins of the illithids are subject to many conflicting stories. Illithid society is structured around a creature called an "[[elder brain\|Elder Brain]]", which lives in a pool of cerebral fluid in the center of a city. Dead illithids have their brain extracted and taken to this pool to have its contents absorbed, which illithids believe a form of immortality; this Brain also functions as a vast library of knowledge that an illithid can call upon with a simple telepathic call. Psionic potential is thus an integral part of the illithid identity, and they typically communicate by projecting thoughts and feelings to each other.

	While illithids do have a patron deity, known as [[Ilsensine]], few of them actively worship her—both because they believe themselves the most powerful creatures in the universe, and because Ilsensine is more of an "abstract" deity that represents universal knowledge and one’s mastery of their own mind, a state that all illithids seek. Outcast illithids that turn to wizardry are often known to become [[alhoon]]s.		While illithids do have a patron deity, known as [[Ilsensine]], few of them actively worship her—both because they believe themselves the most powerful creatures in the universe, and because Ilsensine is more of an "abstract" deity that represents universal knowledge and one’s mastery of their own mind, a state that all illithids seek. Outcast illithids that turn to wizardry are often known to become [[alhoon]]s.

Umbire the Phantom: lede again

2025-12-06T01:33:42Z

lede again

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:33, 6 December 2025
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	A hero that has their brain eaten by a master mind flayer's tentacle attack loses [[intelligence]], has their [[wisdom]] abused and can also be subjected to [[amnesia]]—losing enough intelligence this way causes the hero to become [[brainless]], which is an [[instadeath]] that cannot be averted by [[life saving]] or being [[polymorph]]ed; if a player is in [[explore mode]] or [[wizard mode]] and chooses not to die at the prompt that comes up, the hero's intelligence is boosted to 5.{{refsrc\|src/eat.c\|602\|version=NetHack 3.6.7}} Non-[[mindless]] monsters that are hit by a brain-sucking tentacle attack take an additional d10 of damage per attack to simulate brain loss.{{refsrc\|src/eat.c\|499\|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}		A hero that has their brain eaten by a master mind flayer's tentacle attack loses [[intelligence]], has their [[wisdom]] abused and can also be subjected to [[amnesia]]—losing enough intelligence this way causes the hero to become [[brainless]], which is an [[instadeath]] that cannot be averted by [[life saving]] or being [[polymorph]]ed; if a player is in [[explore mode]] or [[wizard mode]] and chooses not to die at the prompt that comes up, the hero's intelligence is boosted to 5.{{refsrc\|src/eat.c\|602\|version=NetHack 3.6.7}} Non-[[mindless]] monsters that are hit by a brain-sucking tentacle attack take an additional d10 of damage per attack to simulate brain loss.{{refsrc\|src/eat.c\|499\|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}

	Eating a ~~master~~ mind flayer [[corpse]] or [[tin]] can either grant [[telepathy]] or raise intelligence by 1 point, with an equal probability of each.{{refsrc\|src/eat.c\|1084\|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}		Eating a mind flayer [[corpse]] or [[tin]] can either grant [[telepathy]] or raise intelligence by 1 point, with an equal probability of each.{{refsrc\|src/eat.c\|1084\|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}

	{{upcoming\|NetHack 3.7.0\|Per {{commit\|d6dd5c743c6520652a82937063f788d7be747014}}, mind flayer attacks may cause spells and skills to be forgotten as with [[amnesia]], which was reworked per {{commit\|04c59fff0a80e244a1e7bfba8d64c5d0b5550d6c}}—prior to the former commit, mind flayer attacks did not cause amnesia.		{{upcoming\|NetHack 3.7.0\|Per {{commit\|d6dd5c743c6520652a82937063f788d7be747014}}, mind flayer attacks may cause spells and skills to be forgotten as with [[amnesia]], which was reworked per {{commit\|04c59fff0a80e244a1e7bfba8d64c5d0b5550d6c}}—prior to the former commit, mind flayer attacks did not cause amnesia.

Umbire the Phantom: lede

2025-12-06T01:30:40Z

lede

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:30, 6 December 2025
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	A '''mind flayer''', {{monsym\|mind flayer}}, is a type of [[monster]] that appears in ''[[NetHack]]''. Mind flayers are [[omnivorous]] [[Humanoid (monster class)\|humanoids]] with octopus-like tentacled heads that are capable of [[flight]] and [[telepathy]], have [[infravision]] along with the ability to [[see invisible]], and can be seen via infravision. They will also pick up [[gold]], [[gem]]s, [[weapon]]s, [[food]], and similar items that they come across. The mind flayer shares a glyph with the [[dwarf king]].		A '''mind flayer''', {{monsym\|mind flayer}}, is a type of [[monster]] that appears in ''[[NetHack]]''. Mind flayers are [[omnivorous]] [[Humanoid (monster class)\|humanoids]] with octopus-like tentacled heads that are capable of [[flight]] and [[telepathy]], have [[infravision]] along with the ability to [[see invisible]], and can be seen via infravision. They will also pick up [[gold]], [[gem]]s, [[weapon]]s, [[food]], and similar items that they come across. The mind flayer shares a glyph with the [[dwarf king]].

	A mind flayer has a weapon attack and five tentacle attacks that cause [[intelligence drain]], and they are also capable of emitting [[mind blast]]s that can lock on to the [[hero]] and/or other monsters on the same level as them: if a monster is either close enough to them or else possesses telepathy, they take d15 damage, which is affected by the [[half spell damage]] property. A tame or peaceful ~~master~~ mind flayer will not deal damage to the hero this way unless they are under [[conflict]].		A mind flayer has a weapon attack and five tentacle attacks that cause [[intelligence drain]], and they are also capable of emitting [[mind blast]]s that can lock on to the [[hero]] and/or other monsters on the same level as them: if a monster is either close enough to them or else possesses telepathy, they take d15 damage, which is affected by the [[half spell damage]] property. A tame or peaceful mind flayer will not deal damage to the hero this way unless they are under [[conflict]].

	A hero that has their brain eaten by a master mind flayer's tentacle attack loses [[intelligence]], has their [[wisdom]] abused and can also be subjected to [[amnesia]]—losing enough intelligence this way causes an [[~~instadeath~~]] by [[~~brainlessness~~]] that cannot be averted by [[life saving]] or being [[polymorph]]ed; if a player is in [[explore mode]] or [[wizard mode]] and chooses not to die at the prompt that comes up, the hero's intelligence is boosted to 5.{{refsrc\|src/eat.c\|602\|version=NetHack 3.6.7}} Non-[[mindless]] monsters that are hit by a brain-sucking tentacle attack take an additional d10 of damage per attack to simulate brain loss.{{refsrc\|src/eat.c\|499\|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}		A hero that has their brain eaten by a master mind flayer's tentacle attack loses [[intelligence]], has their [[wisdom]] abused and can also be subjected to [[amnesia]]—losing enough intelligence this way causes the hero to become [[brainless]], which is an [[instadeath]] that cannot be averted by [[life saving]] or being [[polymorph]]ed; if a player is in [[explore mode]] or [[wizard mode]] and chooses not to die at the prompt that comes up, the hero's intelligence is boosted to 5.{{refsrc\|src/eat.c\|602\|version=NetHack 3.6.7}} Non-[[mindless]] monsters that are hit by a brain-sucking tentacle attack take an additional d10 of damage per attack to simulate brain loss.{{refsrc\|src/eat.c\|499\|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}

	Eating a master mind flayer [[corpse]] or [[tin]] can either grant [[telepathy]] or raise intelligence by 1 point, with an equal probability of each.{{refsrc\|src/eat.c\|1084\|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}		Eating a master mind flayer [[corpse]] or [[tin]] can either grant [[telepathy]] or raise intelligence by 1 point, with an equal probability of each.{{refsrc\|src/eat.c\|1084\|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}

Umbire the Phantom: lede, touch-ups, whisk some of this variant info off to other articles

2025-12-06T00:47:47Z

lede, touch-ups, whisk some of this variant info off to other articles

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:47, 6 December 2025
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	\|reference=[[monst.c#line449]]		\|reference=[[monst.c#line449]]
	}}		}}
			A '''mind flayer''', {{monsym\|mind flayer}}, is a type of [[monster]] that appears in ''[[NetHack]]''. Mind flayers are [[omnivorous]] [[Humanoid (monster class)\|humanoids]] with octopus-like tentacled heads that are capable of [[flight]] and [[telepathy]], have [[infravision]] along with the ability to [[see invisible]], and can be seen via infravision. They will also pick up [[gold]], [[gem]]s, [[weapon]]s, [[food]], and similar items that they come across. The mind flayer shares a glyph with the [[dwarf king]].
	A '''mind flayer''', {{monsym\|mind flayer}}, is a type of [[monster]] that appears in ''[[NetHack]]''. Mind flayers are [[omnivorous]] [[Humanoid (monster class)\|humanoids]] with octopus-like tentacled heads~~, and possess~~ [[flight]], [[telepathy]], [[see invisible]], and [[infravision]]. They will also ~~collect~~ [[gold]], [[gem]]s and ~~any other~~ items they come across. ~~They share~~ a glyph with the [[dwarf king]].

	A mind flayer has a weapon attack and five tentacle attacks that cause [[intelligence drain]], and they are also capable of emitting [[mind blast]]s that can lock on to the [[hero]] and/or other monsters on the same level as them: if a monster is either close enough to them or else possesses telepathy, they take d15 damage, which is affected by the [[half spell damage]] property. A tame or peaceful master mind flayer will not deal damage to the hero this way unless they are under [[conflict]].		A mind flayer has a weapon attack and five tentacle attacks that cause [[intelligence drain]], and they are also capable of emitting [[mind blast]]s that can lock on to the [[hero]] and/or other monsters on the same level as them: if a monster is either close enough to them or else possesses telepathy, they take d15 damage, which is affected by the [[half spell damage]] property. A tame or peaceful master mind flayer will not deal damage to the hero this way unless they are under [[conflict]].
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	==History==		==History==
	The mind flayer first appears in [[NetHack 3.1.0]]. From this version to [[NetHack 3.4.3]], including some variants based on those versions, the game does not ~~yet~~ recognize the alternate spelling "mindflayer" when selecting a monster for genocide.		The mind flayer first appears in [[NetHack 3.1.0]]. From this version to [[NetHack 3.4.3]], including some variants based on those versions, the game does not recognize the alternate spelling "mindflayer" when selecting a monster for genocide.

	==Origin==		==Origin==
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	Illithid society is structured around a creature called an "[[elder brain\|Elder Brain]]", which lives in a pool of cerebral fluid in the center of a city. Dead illithids have their brain extracted and taken to this pool to have its contents absorbed, which illithids believe a form of immortality; this Brain also functions as a vast library of knowledge that an illithid can call upon with a simple telepathic call. Psionic potential is thus an integral part of the illithid identity, and they typically communicate by projecting thoughts and feelings to each other.		Illithid society is structured around a creature called an "[[elder brain\|Elder Brain]]", which lives in a pool of cerebral fluid in the center of a city. Dead illithids have their brain extracted and taken to this pool to have its contents absorbed, which illithids believe a form of immortality; this Brain also functions as a vast library of knowledge that an illithid can call upon with a simple telepathic call. Psionic potential is thus an integral part of the illithid identity, and they typically communicate by projecting thoughts and feelings to each other.

	While illithids do have a patron deity known as [[Ilsensine]], few of them actively worship her - both because they believe themselves the most powerful creatures in the universe, and because Ilsensine is more of an "abstract" deity that represents universal knowledge and one’s mastery of their own mind, a state that all illithids seek. Outcast illithids that turn to wizardry are often known to become [[alhoon]]s.		While illithids do have a patron deity, known as [[Ilsensine]], few of them actively worship her—both because they believe themselves the most powerful creatures in the universe, and because Ilsensine is more of an "abstract" deity that represents universal knowledge and one’s mastery of their own mind, a state that all illithids seek. Outcast illithids that turn to wizardry are often known to become [[alhoon]]s.

	==Messages==		==Messages==
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	===dNetHack===		===dNetHack===
	In [[dNetHack]], mind flayers ~~and their stronger kin~~ are considered [[primordial]]s, and a few more types can be encountered. There are also a few more types of mind flayers seen in the future as well, the [[parasitic mind flayer]]s and [[parasitic master mind flayer]]s. [[Parasitized android]]s and [[parasitized gynoid]]s are also counted as mind flayers. [[Star spawn]] and [[alhoon]]s, which are a type of mind flayer not normally generated, are set to spawn in the lost cities and n'kai. A handful of unique quest nemeses and high level monsters are also counted as mind flayers: [[Mad Grazi]] from the [[Drow Healer]] quest, the [[~~elder brain~~]]s from the [[Drow Noble Quest]], [[Anachrononaut quest\|Android /Anachrononaut quest]], [[Lugribossk]] and [[Maanzecorian]] from the Anachrononaut astral plane, and [[Great Cthulhu]], lying asleep in R'lyeh.		{{main\|Mind flayer (dNetHack)}}
			In [[dNetHack]], mind flayers are considered [[primordial]] [[demihuman]]s, and there are several types of [[Illithid (monster attribute)\|illithid]] monsters added as well.
	Mind flayers and their parasitic counterparts are [[always generated with]] a large [[quarterstaff]], a large leather [[helmet]], a large [[leather cloak]], a large pair of [[leather gloves]], and a large cloth pair of [[high boots]]. Additionally, ~~they have a very small chance of generating with a much-sought-after [[crystal skull]].~~

	~~The Drow Noble Quest involves infiltrating a colony of mind flayers~~ and ~~retrieving the [[quest artifact]], the [[Web of the Chosen]]:~~ there are ~~16 mind flayers scattered about the goal level at level creation, generally situated around the elder brain guarding the [[Bell~~ of ~~Opening]]. The quest artifact's actual owner,~~ [[~~A'gone]], is locked up in a cell on the edge of the level, with her mind completely gone due to the mind flayers.~~

	~~<simpletabs>~~
	~~Anachrononaut quest\|~~
	~~The [[Anachrononaut quest]] features mind flayers in a major role that constitutes major spoilers for the [[Anachrononaut]] role. This info can be accessed by selecting the "Role spoiler" tab.~~
	~~\|-\|~~
	~~Role spoiler~~\|
	In the "age before ages", the mind flayers discovered and worshipped an eldritch "nascent thought" known as [[Ilsensine]]—in bringing knowledge of it back to the past, they set off a chain of events that caused the end of the world. While the mind flayer empires were overthrown and brought low, the [[god]]s of Law discovered Ilsensine and were consumed, followed by the other gods of the heavens: this is why Anachrononauts do not worship gods and cannot make use of altars. In order to change the future and gain a full-scoring ascension, an Anachrononaut hero must gain access to the Quest from their [[quest leader]] [[Sara, the Last Oracle]] before she dies, retrieve [[the Annulus]] and obtain the [[Amulet of Yendor]], then reach the lawful high altar on the [[Astral Plane]] ~~and invoke the Annulus to purge Ilsensine's influence once and for all before ascending on the correct high altar as normal.~~

	Mind flayers are one of the many quest monsters: {{frac\|7}} of the randomly generated monsters are mind flayer-related, and of those {{frac\|8}} are mind flayers, {{frac\|8}} are master mind flayers, and the remaining monsters ~~are either [[umber hulk]]s or [[brain golem]]s. Mind flayers are among the various [[H.P. Lovecraft]]-inspired r'lyehians that can appear~~ as well, with a {{frac\|7}} chance of a r'lyehian generating and a further {{frac\|16}} chance of the r'lyehian being a mind flayer. Many mind flayers are also generated below the home level of the Quest at level creation: four are generated on the locate level, eight are generated on each of the lower filler level(s), and sixteen are generated on the goal level. Genocide does not apply to monsters generated in the Quest branch in dNetHack and notdNetHack, meaning that Anachrononauts cannot preemptively remove mind flayers to make their quest easier.
	~~</simpletabs>~~

	===xNetHack===		===xNetHack===
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	===notdNetHack===		===notdNetHack===
	In [[notdNetHack]] and [[notnotdNetHack]], in addition to dNetHack details, the [[Illithanachronounbinder]] is a role that is flavored as being a mind flayer of whatever starting race the player selects, possessing both the traits of that race and those of mind flayers—the role's rank title for [[experience level]]s 14-17 is "Mind Flayer".		In [[notdNetHack]] and [[notnotdNetHack]], in addition to dNetHack details, the [[Illithanachronounbinder]] is a role that is flavored as being a mind flayer of whatever starting race the player selects, possessing both the traits of that race and those of mind flayers—the role's rank title for [[experience level]]s 14-17 is "Mind Flayer".

	~~notdNetHack also adds [[villithid]]s, vampiric mind flayers that are primarily seen on the [[Illithanachronounbinder quest]].~~

	===EvilHack===		===EvilHack===

Umbire the Phantom: copyedit

2025-10-07T18:28:21Z

copyedit

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:28, 7 October 2025
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	In [[dNetHack]], mind flayers and their stronger kin are considered [[primordial]]s, and a few more types can be encountered. There are also a few more types of mind flayers seen in the future as well, the [[parasitic mind flayer]]s and [[parasitic master mind flayer]]s. [[Parasitized android]]s and [[parasitized gynoid]]s are also counted as mind flayers. [[Star spawn]] and [[alhoon]]s, which are a type of mind flayer not normally generated, are set to spawn in the lost cities and n'kai. A handful of unique quest nemeses and high level monsters are also counted as mind flayers: [[Mad Grazi]] from the [[Drow Healer]] quest, the [[elder brain]]s from the [[Drow Noble Quest]], [[Anachrononaut quest\|Android /Anachrononaut quest]], [[Lugribossk]] and [[Maanzecorian]] from the Anachrononaut astral plane, and [[Great Cthulhu]], lying asleep in R'lyeh.		In [[dNetHack]], mind flayers and their stronger kin are considered [[primordial]]s, and a few more types can be encountered. There are also a few more types of mind flayers seen in the future as well, the [[parasitic mind flayer]]s and [[parasitic master mind flayer]]s. [[Parasitized android]]s and [[parasitized gynoid]]s are also counted as mind flayers. [[Star spawn]] and [[alhoon]]s, which are a type of mind flayer not normally generated, are set to spawn in the lost cities and n'kai. A handful of unique quest nemeses and high level monsters are also counted as mind flayers: [[Mad Grazi]] from the [[Drow Healer]] quest, the [[elder brain]]s from the [[Drow Noble Quest]], [[Anachrononaut quest\|Android /Anachrononaut quest]], [[Lugribossk]] and [[Maanzecorian]] from the Anachrononaut astral plane, and [[Great Cthulhu]], lying asleep in R'lyeh.

	Mind flayers and their parasitic counterparts are [[always generated with]] a large [[quarterstaff]], a large leather [[helmet]], a large [[leather cloak]], a large pair of [[leather gloves]], and a large cloth pair of [[high boots]]. Additionally, they have a very small chance ~~to spawn~~ with a much sought after [[crystal skull]].		Mind flayers and their parasitic counterparts are [[always generated with]] a large [[quarterstaff]], a large leather [[helmet]], a large [[leather cloak]], a large pair of [[leather gloves]], and a large cloth pair of [[high boots]]. Additionally, they have a very small chance of generating with a much-sought-after [[crystal skull]].

	The Drow Noble Quest involves infiltrating a colony of mind flayers and retrieving the [[quest artifact]], the [[Web of the Chosen]]: there are 16 mind flayers scattered about the goal level at level creation, generally situated around the elder brain guarding the [[Bell of Opening]]. The quest artifact's actual owner, [[A'gone]], is locked up in a cell on the edge of the level, with her mind completely gone due to the mind flayers.		The Drow Noble Quest involves infiltrating a colony of mind flayers and retrieving the [[quest artifact]], the [[Web of the Chosen]]: there are 16 mind flayers scattered about the goal level at level creation, generally situated around the elder brain guarding the [[Bell of Opening]]. The quest artifact's actual owner, [[A'gone]], is locked up in a cell on the edge of the level, with her mind completely gone due to the mind flayers.
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	<simpletabs>		<simpletabs>
	Anachrononaut quest\|		Anachrononaut quest\|
	The [[Anachrononaut quest]] features mind flayers in a major role that constitutes major spoilers for the [[Anachrononaut]] role. ~~They~~ can be accessed by selecting the "Role spoiler" tab.		The [[Anachrononaut quest]] features mind flayers in a major role that constitutes major spoilers for the [[Anachrononaut]] role. This info can be accessed by selecting the "Role spoiler" tab.
	\|-\|		\|-\|
	Role spoiler\|		Role spoiler\|
	In the "age before ages", the mind flayers discovered and worshipped an eldritch "nascent thought" known as [[Ilsensine]]~~, and~~ in bringing knowledge of it back to the past they set off a chain of events that caused the end of the world. While the mind flayer empires were overthrown and brought low, the [[god]]s of Law discovered Ilsensine and were consumed, followed by the other gods of the heavens - this is why Anachrononauts do not worship gods and cannot make use of altars. In order to change the future and gain a full-scoring ascension, ~~you~~ must gain access to ~~your~~ Quest from ~~your~~ [[quest leader]] before she dies, retrieve [[the Annulus]] and obtain the [[Amulet of Yendor]], then reach the lawful high altar on the [[Astral Plane]] and invoke the Annulus to purge Ilsensine's influence once and for all before ascending on the correct high altar as normal.		In the "age before ages", the mind flayers discovered and worshipped an eldritch "nascent thought" known as [[Ilsensine]]—in bringing knowledge of it back to the past, they set off a chain of events that caused the end of the world. While the mind flayer empires were overthrown and brought low, the [[god]]s of Law discovered Ilsensine and were consumed, followed by the other gods of the heavens: this is why Anachrononauts do not worship gods and cannot make use of altars. In order to change the future and gain a full-scoring ascension, an Anachrononaut hero must gain access to the Quest from their [[quest leader]] [[Sara, the Last Oracle]] before she dies, retrieve [[the Annulus]] and obtain the [[Amulet of Yendor]], then reach the lawful high altar on the [[Astral Plane]] and invoke the Annulus to purge Ilsensine's influence once and for all before ascending on the correct high altar as normal.

	Mind flayers are one of the many quest monsters: {{frac\|7}} of the randomly generated monsters are mind flayer-related - of those, {{frac\|8}} are mind flayers, {{frac\|8}} are master mind flayers, and the remaining monsters are either [[umber hulk]]s or [[brain golem]]s. Mind flayers are among the various [[H.P. Lovecraft]]-inspired r'lyehians that can appear as well, with a {{frac\|7}} chance of a r'lyehian generating and a further {{frac\|16}} chance of the r'lyehian being a mind flayer. Many mind flayers are also generated below the home level of the Quest at level creation: four are generated on the locate level, eight are generated on each of the lower filler level(s), and sixteen are generated on the goal level. Genocide does not apply to monsters generated in the Quest branch in dNetHack and notdNetHack, meaning that Anachrononauts cannot preemptively remove mind flayers to make their quest easier.		Mind flayers are one of the many quest monsters: {{frac\|7}} of the randomly generated monsters are mind flayer-related, and of those {{frac\|8}} are mind flayers, {{frac\|8}} are master mind flayers, and the remaining monsters are either [[umber hulk]]s or [[brain golem]]s. Mind flayers are among the various [[H.P. Lovecraft]]-inspired r'lyehians that can appear as well, with a {{frac\|7}} chance of a r'lyehian generating and a further {{frac\|16}} chance of the r'lyehian being a mind flayer. Many mind flayers are also generated below the home level of the Quest at level creation: four are generated on the locate level, eight are generated on each of the lower filler level(s), and sixteen are generated on the goal level. Genocide does not apply to monsters generated in the Quest branch in dNetHack and notdNetHack, meaning that Anachrononauts cannot preemptively remove mind flayers to make their quest easier.
	</simpletabs>		</simpletabs>

	===xNetHack===		===xNetHack===
	In [[xNetHack]], mind flayers are moved to the [[aberration]] [[monster class]] represented by {{white\|U} - this is done to avert ~~a potential YASD~~ for dwarvish ~~characters~~ using blessed scrolls of genocide, and also solves the problem of minesflayers.		In [[xNetHack]], mind flayers are moved to the [[aberration]] [[monster class]] represented by {{white\|U}}—this is done to avert accidental death for dwarvish heroes using blessed scrolls of genocide, and also solves the problem of minesflayers.

	===notdNetHack===		===notdNetHack===
	In [[notdNetHack]] and [[notnotdNetHack]], in addition to dNetHack details, the [[Illithanachronounbinder]] is a role that is flavored as being a mind flayer of whatever starting race ~~you select~~, possessing both the traits of that race and those of mind flayers - the role's rank title for [[experience level]]s 14-17 is "Mind Flayer".		In [[notdNetHack]] and [[notnotdNetHack]], in addition to dNetHack details, the [[Illithanachronounbinder]] is a role that is flavored as being a mind flayer of whatever starting race the player selects, possessing both the traits of that race and those of mind flayers—the role's rank title for [[experience level]]s 14-17 is "Mind Flayer".

	notdNetHack also adds [[villithid]]s, vampiric mind flayers that are primarily seen on the [[Illithanachronounbinder quest]].		notdNetHack also adds [[villithid]]s, vampiric mind flayers that are primarily seen on the [[Illithanachronounbinder quest]].
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	===EvilHack===		===EvilHack===
	{{main\|Illithid (starting race)}}		{{main\|Illithid (starting race)}}
	In [[EvilHack]], mind flayers use {{brightmagenta\|h}} in order to differentiate them more easily for dwarven royals. They also appear as a playable race known as the [[Illithid (starting race)\|illithid]], and can ~~also appear~~ as [[racial monster]]s including [[shopkeeper]]s and [[Player monster (EvilHack)\|player monsters]]. All mind flayers and other [[Illithid (monster attribute)\|illithids]] have [[psychic resistance]] that renders them immune to brain-eating attacks, including those from other mind flayers.		In [[EvilHack]], mind flayers use {{brightmagenta\|h}} in order to differentiate them more easily for dwarven royals. They also appear as a playable race known as the [[Illithid (starting race)\|illithid]] and can be generated as [[racial monster]]s, including [[shopkeeper]]s and [[Player monster (EvilHack)\|player monsters]]. All mind flayers and other [[Illithid (monster attribute)\|illithids]] have [[psychic resistance]] that renders them immune to intelligence drain from brain-eating attacks, including those from other mind flayers.

	A mind flayer may generate in a [[mind flayer nursery]], which often contains several [[mind flayer larvae]] (and are the only room type ~~they~~ can generate in). Mind flayer larvae can transform into mind flayers by attaching themselves to a victim's face: if a hero is attacked by one, they have only one turn to kill or remove the larva before it burrows itself into their brain, killing them instantly and turning them into a mind flayer that can be found if a [[bones]] file is left.		A mind flayer may generate in a [[mind flayer nursery]], which often contains several [[mind flayer larvae]] (and are the only room type that larvae can generate in). Mind flayer larvae can transform into mind flayers by attaching themselves to a victim's face: if a hero is attacked by one, they have only one turn to kill or remove the larva before it burrows itself into their brain, killing them instantly and turning them into a mind flayer that can be found if a [[bones]] file is left.

	==Monster stats by variant==		==Monster stats by variant==

Klepto: added dnh's mind flayer types. needs polishing.

2025-08-25T06:47:33Z

added dnh's mind flayer types. needs polishing.

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:47, 25 August 2025
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	===dNetHack===		===dNetHack===
	In [[dNetHack]], mind flayers and their stronger kin are considered [[primordial]]s, and [[parasitic mind flayer]]s and [[parasitic master mind flayer]]s ~~can~~ also ~~be encountered~~.		In [[dNetHack]], mind flayers and their stronger kin are considered [[primordial]]s, and a few more types can be encountered. There are also a few more types of mind flayers seen in the future as well, the [[parasitic mind flayer]]s and [[parasitic master mind flayer]]s. [[Parasitized android]]s and [[parasitized gynoid]]s are also counted as mind flayers. [[Star spawn]] and [[alhoon]]s, which are a type of mind flayer not normally generated, are set to spawn in the lost cities and n'kai. A handful of unique quest nemeses and high level monsters are also counted as mind flayers: [[Mad Grazi]] from the [[Drow Healer]] quest, the [[elder brain]]s from the [[Drow Noble Quest]], [[Anachrononaut quest\|Android /Anachrononaut quest]], [[Lugribossk]] and [[Maanzecorian]] from the Anachrononaut astral plane, and [[Great Cthulhu]], lying asleep in R'lyeh.

	Mind flayers are [[always generated with]] a large [[quarterstaff]], a large leather [[helmet]], a large [[leather cloak]], a large pair of [[leather gloves]], and a large cloth pair of [[high boots]]. Additionally, they have a very small chance to spawn with a much sought after [[crystal skull]].		Mind flayers and their parasitic counterparts are [[always generated with]] a large [[quarterstaff]], a large leather [[helmet]], a large [[leather cloak]], a large pair of [[leather gloves]], and a large cloth pair of [[high boots]]. Additionally, they have a very small chance to spawn with a much sought after [[crystal skull]].

	The [[Drow Noble Quest]] involves infiltrating a colony of mind flayers and retrieving the [[quest artifact]], the [[Web of the Chosen]]: there are 16 mind flayers scattered about the goal level at level creation, generally situated around the [[elder brain]] guarding the [[Bell of Opening]]. The quest artifact's actual owner, [[A'gone]], is locked up in a cell on the edge of the level, with her mind completely gone due to the mind flayers.		The Drow Noble Quest involves infiltrating a colony of mind flayers and retrieving the [[quest artifact]], the [[Web of the Chosen]]: there are 16 mind flayers scattered about the goal level at level creation, generally situated around the elder brain guarding the [[Bell of Opening]]. The quest artifact's actual owner, [[A'gone]], is locked up in a cell on the edge of the level, with her mind completely gone due to the mind flayers.

	<simpletabs>		<simpletabs>

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:33, 6 December 2025
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	A hero that has their brain eaten by a master mind flayer's tentacle attack loses [[intelligence]], has their [[wisdom]] abused and can also be subjected to [[amnesia]]—losing enough intelligence this way causes the hero to become [[brainless]], which is an [[instadeath]] that cannot be averted by [[life saving]] or being [[polymorph]]ed; if a player is in [[explore mode]] or [[wizard mode]] and chooses not to die at the prompt that comes up, the hero's intelligence is boosted to 5.{{refsrc\|src/eat.c\|602\|version=NetHack 3.6.7}} Non-[[mindless]] monsters that are hit by a brain-sucking tentacle attack take an additional d10 of damage per attack to simulate brain loss.{{refsrc\|src/eat.c\|499\|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}		A hero that has their brain eaten by a master mind flayer's tentacle attack loses [[intelligence]], has their [[wisdom]] abused and can also be subjected to [[amnesia]]—losing enough intelligence this way causes the hero to become [[brainless]], which is an [[instadeath]] that cannot be averted by [[life saving]] or being [[polymorph]]ed; if a player is in [[explore mode]] or [[wizard mode]] and chooses not to die at the prompt that comes up, the hero's intelligence is boosted to 5.{{refsrc\|src/eat.c\|602\|version=NetHack 3.6.7}} Non-[[mindless]] monsters that are hit by a brain-sucking tentacle attack take an additional d10 of damage per attack to simulate brain loss.{{refsrc\|src/eat.c\|499\|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}

	Eating a ~~master~~ mind flayer [[corpse]] or [[tin]] can either grant [[telepathy]] or raise intelligence by 1 point, with an equal probability of each.{{refsrc\|src/eat.c\|1084\|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}		Eating a mind flayer [[corpse]] or [[tin]] can either grant [[telepathy]] or raise intelligence by 1 point, with an equal probability of each.{{refsrc\|src/eat.c\|1084\|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}

	{{upcoming\|NetHack 3.7.0\|Per {{commit\|d6dd5c743c6520652a82937063f788d7be747014}}, mind flayer attacks may cause spells and skills to be forgotten as with [[amnesia]], which was reworked per {{commit\|04c59fff0a80e244a1e7bfba8d64c5d0b5550d6c}}—prior to the former commit, mind flayer attacks did not cause amnesia.		{{upcoming\|NetHack 3.7.0\|Per {{commit\|d6dd5c743c6520652a82937063f788d7be747014}}, mind flayer attacks may cause spells and skills to be forgotten as with [[amnesia]], which was reworked per {{commit\|04c59fff0a80e244a1e7bfba8d64c5d0b5550d6c}}—prior to the former commit, mind flayer attacks did not cause amnesia.