Homebrew Cylithri Species Details

 

A bloom of color against a backdrop of gray, the creature was unlike others of its kind I'd seen. Little did I know then, it was not a mindflayer as I'd assumed, but some other creation. There were subtle differences in the appearance, perhaps more than eye such as mine could note, it was an easy mistake. As the creature spoke to me I soon realized that I had sorely misjudged it, and wondered if this were a common experience for him. 

-Colin Dorveth, the Aphus Expidition

 

A Gruesome Creation

Exiled Illithids, as they are most commonly called, are not exactly Illithids at all. They are the product of experimentation done by Mindflayer colonies to create more useful slaves by combining different races with their own. Physical attributes can vary slightly depending on the exact blend of races they came from. Typically elongated, bulbous heads, tentacles on the face, and a rubbery texture to the skin are normal. The number of tentacles, skin color, eye color, etc, can vary. 

 

 

Outcast Among their Own

 

These creations are not considered equals to other Illithid, in fact they are considered barely a step above humans and other races. They were designed to be servants to the colony, and are looked at as little more than fodder, just like other races. 

 

 

Falsely Accused

Many of these creations never escape the colony they are born into, forced into servitude from the moment of their awakening. The few who do escape face a lifetime of judgement. They are commonly mistaken for Mindflayers, which brings a great deal of dislike and even abuse in some cities. It is not safe to travel in certain areas without disguising oneself. Some larger, more progressive, societies offer a bit more understanding, but a single mistake can have you labeled as just another bad apple. 

 

Cylithri Traits

Outcast among their own kind, seeking a place in a world that does not understand them.

Telepathy

 You don't need to share a language with the creature for it to understand your telepathic messages, but the creature must be able to understand at least one language or be telepathic itself. Creatures without telepathy can receive and respond to these telepathic messages but can't initiate or terminate a telepathic conversation.

Darkvision

You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can't discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.

Mind Blast

When you use your mind blast, each hostile creature in a 15 ft. cone emanating from yourself. must make an Intelligence saving throw. A creature takes 2d6 psychic damage and is stunned until the end of their next turn on a failed save, or half as much damage without a stun on a successful save. The DC for this saving throw equals 8 + your Intelligence modifier + your proficiency bonus. 

The damage of your mind blast increases to 3d6 at 6th level, 4d6 at 11th level, and 5d6 at 16th level.

After you use your mind blast, you can't use it again until you complete a short or long rest.

Ability Score Increase

Wisdom and Intelligence each increase by 1. 

Size

Cylithri typically range between 5-6 feet in height. 

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and one extra language of your choice.