brain extraction [Archive] - Wizards Community

brain extraction [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
savant_warlord13
12-07-05, 04:08 PM how do illithids go about extracting brains? I am not looking for game mechanics, I was just wondering how they do it.
Talisman
12-07-05, 04:23 PM I believe they simply tear your head apart with their tentacles. I don't think it's ever been explicitly explained...not in The Illithiad (2nd Ed) or Lords of Madness.
savant_warlord13
12-07-05, 05:21 PM it just seems like it would be hard to get fleshy tentcles through the skull
Radijs
12-07-05, 05:28 PM They do it the zombie way. Inbetween the 4 tentacles a mind flayer has a powerful set of crunching jaws. They bite the skull apart and then they SUCK.
sandskimmer
12-07-05, 05:55 PM Very similiar to an octopus. They have a powerful beak that punches a hole in the skull and then they suck. Just find some film showing an octopus eating a crab and you'll get the idea.
General_Ridley
12-07-05, 06:19 PM IIRC, LoM says that they secrete a solution through their tentacles that punches through the bones of the victims skull, and they simply pull the brain through the holes. It fits, seeing as how the Voidmind template doesn't mention the top of the skull being removed too.
Raymond_Luxury_Yacht
12-07-05, 06:48 PM Prior to LoM, 'thids ate brain in one of two ways. Nonpsionic flayers had rasping jaws that ground the top of the skull away. Psionic flayers had beaks, which were used as mentioned above.
BigDumb
12-08-05, 02:03 AM Ever notice in the pictures of a mindflayer with a trophy skull that a nice hole is at the top rear of the skull. BEAK TO MAKE NICE HOLE FOR SUCKING ACTION. Octopus, cuttlefish, and squid all have the hard beak to chomp with, so do their evolved cousins the illithid.
Sarlax
12-08-05, 11:32 PM The Illithiad does explicitly say how flayers extract brains. The tentacles contain fluid ducts connected to unique glands. When the tentacles touch the target's skull, the ducts rapidly release an extremely potent acid (think [i]Alien[/b]) the dissolves anything except brain tissue. The acid rapidly becomes inert upon its release, however, making it only useful for eating.

Essentially, the tentacles emit supersaliva that dissolves the scalp and skull, allowing the head to be pulled apart like an eggshell.

This is why neothelids breathe acid; they are mutated illithid tadpoles. Their breath weapon is actually a hyperpotent form of normal illithid acid enzymes. In 2E, the neothelid's breath weapon dissolved everything except brains.
Karasuko
12-09-05, 02:43 PM I've always imagined it like this:

1. Illithid wraps tentacles around helpless victim's head.

2. Powerful, acidic saliva dissolves flesh, hair, and weakens the skull.

3. The illithid's sharp beak cracks open the skull like a nutcracker.

4. Illithid sucks out whole brain and ingests it.

It all happens quickly. Grusome, isn't it? :coolcthul
(Psi)SeveredHead
12-09-05, 04:16 PM I've always imagined it like this:

1. Illithid wraps tentacles around helpless victim's head.

2. Powerful, acidic saliva dissolves flesh, hair, and weakens the skull.

3. The illithid's sharp beak cracks open the skull like a nutcracker.

4. Illithid sucks out whole brain and ingests it.

It all happens quickly. Grusome, isn't it? :coolcthul

I'm thinking in a non-combat situation, the mind flayer will want to take their time and enjoy the meal.

Worse, what if they sense link with the victim and force them to taste their own brain being devoured?
savant_warlord13
12-09-05, 04:48 PM wait, if it used acid, then how would it affect creatures with acid immunity? So that can't be it
Radijs
12-09-05, 05:27 PM Gnittihsllub mode on: Well its not actually an acid but a base. You know the opposite. Its just as potent in destroying organic matter but isn't stopped by acid resistance or immunity.
Karasuko
12-09-05, 05:55 PM Worse, what if they sense link with the victim and force them to taste their own brain being devoured?

Oooo!! Now THAT is sadistic!! That's awful! That's grusome!!:gah:

Kinda like it.... :evillaugh :devil:
savant_warlord13
12-09-05, 06:15 PM Gnittihsllub mode on: Well its not actually an acid but a base. You know the opposite. Its just as potent in destroying organic matter but isn't stopped by acid resistance or immunity.

I would assume that the only way a creature would be immune to acid without being hurt by water would be for it to have buffers in its system, which would also protect it from bases
Ront Iron-Roar
12-09-05, 09:40 PM Well, in addition to acid the Illithids burrow thier tentacles into the skin of the victim. The tentacles being strong enough also pry apart the seams in the skull if needed. Hints the bigger holes.

I mean c'mon, I mean tentacles that deal that much damage from being so small must be as strong as hell.

But, remember Illithids are from the future. I think thier evolved versions of humans. I mean Ceratomorphosis only produces a normal illithid if exposed to a human right?

But, anywho perhaps they evolved the ultimate acid? But, its potencty only last for a short duration. The neothilid being a genetic mutant doesn't have such a strong acid.
savant_warlord13
12-09-05, 09:42 PM Well, in addition to acid the Illithids burrow thier tentacles into the skin of the victim. The tentacles being strong enough also pry apart the seams in the skull if needed. Hints the bigger holes.

I mean c'mon, I mean tentacles that deal that much damage from being so small must be as strong as hell.

But, remember Illithids are from the future. I think thier evolved versions of humans. I mean Ceratomorphosis only produces a normal illithid if exposed to a human right?

But, anywho perhaps they evolved the ultimate acid? But, its potencty only last for a short duration. The neothilid being a genetic mutant doesn't have such a strong acid.

Ceremorphosis (note the spelling) affects any medium sized humanoid
Sarlax
12-10-05, 02:03 AM wait, if it used acid, then how would it affect creatures with acid immunity? So that can't be it
It is "it," according to those sources that exist, which include The Illithiad (2E) and Lords of Madness (3.5), the latter referring to it as an enzyme. Functionally, it's no different from acid in D&D, in which "acid" really means "liquid or vapor that causes damage on contact."

Anyway, how many creatures out there are immune to acid? Of those, how often are they going to have their brains targetted for extraction by mind flayers? Not many and almost none. So if you like the game to have a little flavor on occasion, give acid immune creatures some protection from the attack.

An illithid does not bite through the skin and skull of a victim, instead dissolving it with a powerful enzyme transmitted through ducts in the tentacles. This enzyme acts so quickly that the tentacles appear to push right through the scalp and bonze as if through soft clay.
Radijs
12-10-05, 05:39 AM I would assume that the only way a creature would be immune to acid without being hurt by water would be for it to have buffers in its system, which would also protect it from bases
Water has a PH value of 7 and is therefore neutral.
Karasuko
12-10-05, 09:55 AM Ceremorphosis (note the spelling) affects any medium sized humanoid
I'm not sure if any medium sized humanoid will do... Let me check.. :D

*Checks the Lords of Madness sourcebook*

"Only certain races are used by the mind flayers as recipents of ceremorphosis. In general, donors must be humanoid, mammalian, between 5 feet 4 inches and 6 feet 2 inches tall, andweigh from 130 to 270 pounds. Humans, elves, drow, githzerai, githyanki, grimlocks, gnolls, goblinoids (of Medium size), and orcs are sought-after donors. Races smaller or larger then these, whether in height, weight, or size catagory, are never used and neither are reptilian or amphibian races. Halflings, dwarves, derro, duergar, gnomes, centaurs and their relatives, giants, and kuo-toas might be used as thralls or as food, but they are never used as ceremorphosis subjects."

I guess you were right for the most part! :w00t: I humble myself before you. :bow:
Raymond_Luxury_Yacht
12-10-05, 01:12 PM But, remember Illithids are from the future. I think thier evolved versions of humans.
Depends on whether you follow LoM or the Illithiad. The former has them being evolved something or another, probably parasites of some sort. The latter has them as human-like things that became warped into what they are now after traveling through the Far Realm as a side-effect to their time travel.
savant_warlord13
12-10-05, 01:46 PM Water has a PH value of 7 and is therefore neutral.

exactly!

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
savant_warlord13 12-07-05, 04:08 PM	how do illithids go about extracting brains? I am not looking for game mechanics, I was just wondering how they do it.
Talisman 12-07-05, 04:23 PM	I believe they simply tear your head apart with their tentacles. I don't think it's ever been explicitly explained...not in The Illithiad (2nd Ed) or Lords of Madness.
savant_warlord13 12-07-05, 05:21 PM	it just seems like it would be hard to get fleshy tentcles through the skull
Radijs 12-07-05, 05:28 PM	They do it the zombie way. Inbetween the 4 tentacles a mind flayer has a powerful set of crunching jaws. They bite the skull apart and then they SUCK.
sandskimmer 12-07-05, 05:55 PM	Very similiar to an octopus. They have a powerful beak that punches a hole in the skull and then they suck. Just find some film showing an octopus eating a crab and you'll get the idea.
General_Ridley 12-07-05, 06:19 PM	IIRC, LoM says that they secrete a solution through their tentacles that punches through the bones of the victims skull, and they simply pull the brain through the holes. It fits, seeing as how the Voidmind template doesn't mention the top of the skull being removed too.
Raymond_Luxury_Yacht 12-07-05, 06:48 PM	Prior to LoM, 'thids ate brain in one of two ways. Nonpsionic flayers had rasping jaws that ground the top of the skull away. Psionic flayers had beaks, which were used as mentioned above.
BigDumb 12-08-05, 02:03 AM	Ever notice in the pictures of a mindflayer with a trophy skull that a nice hole is at the top rear of the skull. BEAK TO MAKE NICE HOLE FOR SUCKING ACTION. Octopus, cuttlefish, and squid all have the hard beak to chomp with, so do their evolved cousins the illithid.
Sarlax 12-08-05, 11:32 PM	The Illithiad does explicitly say how flayers extract brains. The tentacles contain fluid ducts connected to unique glands. When the tentacles touch the target's skull, the ducts rapidly release an extremely potent acid (think [i]Alien[/b]) the dissolves anything except brain tissue. The acid rapidly becomes inert upon its release, however, making it only useful for eating. Essentially, the tentacles emit supersaliva that dissolves the scalp and skull, allowing the head to be pulled apart like an eggshell. This is why neothelids breathe acid; they are mutated illithid tadpoles. Their breath weapon is actually a hyperpotent form of normal illithid acid enzymes. In 2E, the neothelid's breath weapon dissolved everything except brains.
Karasuko 12-09-05, 02:43 PM	I've always imagined it like this: 1. Illithid wraps tentacles around helpless victim's head. 2. Powerful, acidic saliva dissolves flesh, hair, and weakens the skull. 3. The illithid's sharp beak cracks open the skull like a nutcracker. 4. Illithid sucks out whole brain and ingests it. It all happens quickly. Grusome, isn't it? :coolcthul
(Psi)SeveredHead 12-09-05, 04:16 PM	I've always imagined it like this: 1. Illithid wraps tentacles around helpless victim's head. 2. Powerful, acidic saliva dissolves flesh, hair, and weakens the skull. 3. The illithid's sharp beak cracks open the skull like a nutcracker. 4. Illithid sucks out whole brain and ingests it. It all happens quickly. Grusome, isn't it? :coolcthul I'm thinking in a non-combat situation, the mind flayer will want to take their time and enjoy the meal. Worse, what if they sense link with the victim and force them to taste their own brain being devoured?
savant_warlord13 12-09-05, 04:48 PM	wait, if it used acid, then how would it affect creatures with acid immunity? So that can't be it
Radijs 12-09-05, 05:27 PM	Gnittihsllub mode on: Well its not actually an acid but a base. You know the opposite. Its just as potent in destroying organic matter but isn't stopped by acid resistance or immunity.
Karasuko 12-09-05, 05:55 PM	Worse, what if they sense link with the victim and force them to taste their own brain being devoured? Oooo!! Now THAT is sadistic!! That's awful! That's grusome!!:gah: Kinda like it.... :evillaugh :devil:
savant_warlord13 12-09-05, 06:15 PM	Gnittihsllub mode on: Well its not actually an acid but a base. You know the opposite. Its just as potent in destroying organic matter but isn't stopped by acid resistance or immunity. I would assume that the only way a creature would be immune to acid without being hurt by water would be for it to have buffers in its system, which would also protect it from bases
Ront Iron-Roar 12-09-05, 09:40 PM	Well, in addition to acid the Illithids burrow thier tentacles into the skin of the victim. The tentacles being strong enough also pry apart the seams in the skull if needed. Hints the bigger holes. I mean c'mon, I mean tentacles that deal that much damage from being so small must be as strong as hell. But, remember Illithids are from the future. I think thier evolved versions of humans. I mean Ceratomorphosis only produces a normal illithid if exposed to a human right? But, anywho perhaps they evolved the ultimate acid? But, its potencty only last for a short duration. The neothilid being a genetic mutant doesn't have such a strong acid.
savant_warlord13 12-09-05, 09:42 PM	Well, in addition to acid the Illithids burrow thier tentacles into the skin of the victim. The tentacles being strong enough also pry apart the seams in the skull if needed. Hints the bigger holes. I mean c'mon, I mean tentacles that deal that much damage from being so small must be as strong as hell. But, remember Illithids are from the future. I think thier evolved versions of humans. I mean Ceratomorphosis only produces a normal illithid if exposed to a human right? But, anywho perhaps they evolved the ultimate acid? But, its potencty only last for a short duration. The neothilid being a genetic mutant doesn't have such a strong acid. Ceremorphosis (note the spelling) affects any medium sized humanoid
Sarlax 12-10-05, 02:03 AM	wait, if it used acid, then how would it affect creatures with acid immunity? So that can't be it It is "it," according to those sources that exist, which include The Illithiad (2E) and Lords of Madness (3.5), the latter referring to it as an enzyme. Functionally, it's no different from acid in D&D, in which "acid" really means "liquid or vapor that causes damage on contact." Anyway, how many creatures out there are immune to acid? Of those, how often are they going to have their brains targetted for extraction by mind flayers? Not many and almost none. So if you like the game to have a little flavor on occasion, give acid immune creatures some protection from the attack. An illithid does not bite through the skin and skull of a victim, instead dissolving it with a powerful enzyme transmitted through ducts in the tentacles. This enzyme acts so quickly that the tentacles appear to push right through the scalp and bonze as if through soft clay.
Radijs 12-10-05, 05:39 AM	I would assume that the only way a creature would be immune to acid without being hurt by water would be for it to have buffers in its system, which would also protect it from bases Water has a PH value of 7 and is therefore neutral.
Karasuko 12-10-05, 09:55 AM	Ceremorphosis (note the spelling) affects any medium sized humanoid I'm not sure if any medium sized humanoid will do... Let me check.. :D Checks the Lords of Madness sourcebook "Only certain races are used by the mind flayers as recipents of ceremorphosis. In general, donors must be humanoid, mammalian, between 5 feet 4 inches and 6 feet 2 inches tall, andweigh from 130 to 270 pounds. Humans, elves, drow, githzerai, githyanki, grimlocks, gnolls, goblinoids (of Medium size), and orcs are sought-after donors. Races smaller or larger then these, whether in height, weight, or size catagory, are never used and neither are reptilian or amphibian races. Halflings, dwarves, derro, duergar, gnomes, centaurs and their relatives, giants, and kuo-toas might be used as thralls or as food, but they are never used as ceremorphosis subjects." I guess you were right for the most part! :w00t: I humble myself before you. :bow:
Raymond_Luxury_Yacht 12-10-05, 01:12 PM	But, remember Illithids are from the future. I think thier evolved versions of humans. Depends on whether you follow LoM or the Illithiad. The former has them being evolved something or another, probably parasites of some sort. The latter has them as human-like things that became warped into what they are now after traveling through the Far Realm as a side-effect to their time travel.
savant_warlord13 12-10-05, 01:46 PM	Water has a PH value of 7 and is therefore neutral. exactly!