Mind Flayers are tyrants who forged an empire for thousands of years by dominating races across the known planes, such as the Gith, the Duergar, whatever Grimlocks used to be, Quaggoth, and pretty much everyone else. The foundation of this empire was built on the slavery of these races, which they controlled using.... dominate monster?? an 8th level concentration spell with a duration of 1 hour? that they can cast once per day? Am I crazy, or is this just the only way thematically that this ability works? I mean, the effects fit, but the power level seems pretty low for monsters that forged an empire based on mind control slavery. Something like the aboleth's Enslave ability seems a bit more fighting. But let me know your thoughts, and if you think that's right or if I'm misunderstanding something

EDIT: dominate monster is 8th level, not 5th level

5th edition generally doesn't bother to describe creature powers that aren't combat useful. I would assume they have some sort of non-combat psychic surgery.

Quote from Pantagruel666 >>

5th edition generally doesn't bother to describe creature powers that aren't combat useful. I would assume they have some sort of non-combat psychic surgery.

 That's sort of what I figured. Volo's guide definitely has an in-depth description of Mind flayer society in general. I'm definitely not a person who has to have everything written down, so I'm willing to make something up or use RAI to get it to work, I was just wondering if RAW if that's how it's supposed to work. The straight up statblock seems to suggest that they use that spell, so I'm curious. I'll need to re-read and check out that section. Appreciate the input

You'll want to refer to Volo's Guide to Monsters.  They have some scenarios about taking over the mental thought processes of some victims and how they make them useful.  Though, personally, if I watched them implant a "thing" that induced ceremorphosis... or the process of devouring a brain... it wouldn't take much for me to do whatever I could to not have either of those happen to me.  

Quote from Grayfax >>

You'll want to refer to Volo's Guide to Monsters.  They have some scenarios about taking over the mental thought processes of some victims and how they make them useful.  Though, personally, if I watched them implant a "thing" that induced ceremorphosis... or the process of devouring a brain... it wouldn't take much for me to do whatever I could to not have either of those happen to me. 

I agree. I have to admit I'd never thought about the thrall process as an out-of-combat experience, but I definitely agree with Pantragruel where 5e doesn't normally stat that stuff. I was mainly thinking about the MM when phrasing the question, where they basically say "Mind Flayers have an empire with thralls, who they can mind control and communicate telepathically with", which fits the bill of dominate monster, minus the strength of it. But yeah with Volo's guide I see what all of you are saying, so I think that answers the question. Thanks

Keep in mind that although monsters often use PC abilities like named spells, they are in no way limited by only those choices. Consider it a part of their "class" or race, but mind flayers have the ability to dominate creatures that goes far beyond the PC spell. It's no different than Quicklings having a base speed of 120ft when longstrider only gives you 10 feet of movement. The spell dragon's breath is a weak echo of an actual dragon's breath. The spells may do something similar but that's not the source of their ability.

If monsters were limited to what PCs could do, it would be a fairly boring game.