Brainstealer Dragons are the monstrous hybrid between an illithid and a dragon, which is likely the result of a mind flayer ejecting a tadpole into the mind of a captured dragon and transforming it through ceremorphosis. The dragons are powerful entities, believed to be one of the few creations of Illithids that have the likelihood of being unable to be contained by the Elder Brain, potentially serving as a replacement for it. [1]
Appearance[]
Brainstealer Dragons retain only the basic resemblance of a dragon, having a serpentine neck, four legs, a tail, small and pale purple scales, and what remains of wings, all of which are coated with illithid traits. The dragons claws are much longer than average and are effective for grappling victims, much like an illithid. Also like illithids, they have a squid-like head with that ends with four long tentacles, as well as a pair of white, lidless eyes.[1]
History[]
In Ebberon, a young Brainstealer Dragon has taken interest in seeking the location of Vvaraak's Cave and its relations to the Draconic Prophecy. This has brought it into conflict with the Shadow Marches, who believe they have somehow gotten the attention of the god Khyber, the Dragon Below and rightfully fear the creature.[1]
Habits[]
Personality[]
Brainstealer Dragons tend to be manipulative and deceptive creatures. They influence lesser races of the Underdark to further their goals, some Great Wyrms being capable of claiming leadership of entire illthid communities. They see life as a game meant to be won, and see the others as their pawns.[1]
Combat[]
A Brainstealer Dragon typically opens up with a mind blast, before then grappling and extracting the brains out of the afflicted victims.[1]
Powers and Abilities[]
Brainstealer Dragons possess much of the same abilities as Illithids such as Mind Blast, where the Dragon shoots out a cone of psychic energy at the target which mentally stuns them in place, allowing the dragon to extract the victim's brain with ease. Further, Brainstealer Dragons can telepathically speak with any creature that can speak a language up to dozens of meters away. The only notable feature that the Brainstealer Dragon retains from its draconic origin is it Frightful Presence ability. Brainstealer Dragons are immune to acid and opposing mind blasts.[1]
As they age, they gain access to spells in the form of psionics similar to a Illtithid, allowing them to charm enemies, levitate, read enemies' thoughts, travel through planes, and utilize astral projection.[1]