Illithid Arcanist

Illithid Arcanist is a type of hostile Mind Flayer character in Baldur's Gate 3

Involvement

Many Illthid Arcanists will appear during several combat encounters at the High Hall and Atop the Netherbrain. Illithid Arcanists have 2 variants: one with  Fire Shield: Chill and Fire resistance, and another with  Fire Shield: Warm and Cold resistance. Their version of  Magic Missile deals more damage, fires more missiles, and has a significantly longer range. This makes them dangerous if not dealt with quickly. If pushed or thrown off the top of the Netherbrain during the final battle, Illithid Arcanists will simply teleport back to their former position.

Combat

Attacks and abilities

 Counterspell ()

Try to stop a spell being cast.

If it is higher level than the spell slot you used to Counterspell, you must make a check using your spellcasting ability^{[See Notes]} to prevent it. The check's difficulty is equal to 10 plus the level of the spell you are trying to counter.

 Levitate (Illithid Power) ()

Float effortlessly to a destination.

 Range: 18 m / 60 ft

Recharge: Per Turn

 Magic Missile ()

1d4 + 1 (2~5) Force

Create three darts of magical force, each dealing 1d4 + 1Force damage to its target.

The darts always hit their target, and can each be targeted individually.

 Range: 18 m / 60 ft

 Mind Blast ()

4d8 (4~32) + Spellcasting modifier Psychic

Spew forth a conical wave of psychic energy and possibly  Stun targets within.

INT Save

AoE: 14 m / 47 ft (Cone)

Recharge: Long rest

 Mind Flayer Domination ()

Dominate a nearby humanoid. Allies are unaffected. Each time the dominated creature takes damage, it may repeat the Saving throw against your domination.

INT Save

 Range: 18 m / 60 ft

 Shield ()

When you are about to be hit by an enemy, use your Reaction to increase your  Armour Class by 5. You also take no damage from  Magic Missile. These effects last until the start of your next turn.

 Range: Self

 Tentacle Whip ()

2d10 + 4 (6~24) Psychic

Lash out with your tentacles and possibly Stun your target.

INT Save

 Melee: 1.5 m / 5  ft

Notable loot

• Random gemstone or alchemy ingredient