PF2E: Best Substitude Monster for Mind Flayer.

[Asmotherion]

As title says, what is the best possible substitute monster for a Mind Flayer in pf2e?

I'm running a 5e campaign (Dragon Heist), but since I don't like that system, I run it in pf2e.

My first thought was to substitute it with a Fleshwarp Psychic built at the HD of a Mind Flayer. Otherwise, I was thinking Intellect Devourer who has a Host.

Visually it will be a Mind Flayer, but I want it to also have some of the mechanics.

Thanks in advance for your input.

[Rynjin]

Why not just port a Mindflayer over to PF2?

[Beelzebub1111]

I am not sure what eats brains but Segauthi are similar in origin and ability to mindflayer.

Denizens of Leng are kind of Mindflayer-y under their robes and veils.

[Sloanzilla]

Wasn't Pathfinder's answer to this the aboleth?

[LibraryOgre]

The Mod Ogre: Moved to correct subforum.

[Eldonauran]

Wasn't Pathfinder's answer to this the aboleth?No. The aboleth predated pathfinder and was a monster that existed in D&D before 3rd edition. The Mi-go (https://www.aonprd.com/MonsterDisplay.aspx?ItemName=Mi-go) were something ... close-ish? Aliens that liked to mess with brains and stuff. But, instead of abberrations, they are plants. They appear in the Iron Gods adventure path (book 4 i think) among other places.

[Sloanzilla]

I'm aware that the Aboleth existed prior to Pathfinder. What I meant was that, within the boundaries of Pathfinder's history and lore, the Aboleth generally replaced the mind flayer in terms of the role in plays within the meta story. I agree that many of the Lovecraft creations would also suffice as well.

[Eldonauran]

Hmm, maybe? Mindflayers are described as alien beings in the D&D universe that found their way into the material realm from somewhere 'out beyond' and are not native to this existence. Aboleths in the Pathfinder lore are native dwellers of the material realm that were pushed aside by the arrival of the deities and because of that, hate them and their creations with unparalleled animosity.

They could be a decent replacement. Or you could use the Deep Ones (https://www.aonprd.com/MonsterDisplay.aspx?ItemName=Deep%20One) who worship and give homage to some of the Great Old Ones.

[Chronos]

From what I remember of the adventure, the players were unlikely to find themselves in direct combat with the mindflayer (a level 1-5 party wouldn't have any chance against an intelligently-played mindflayer, anyway). Its presence was mostly just to get the party to go "Oh bleep, this thing is serious!". So the most important thing is that whatever you slot in instead should be friggin' scary.

[Arutema]

You need a brain-stealing horror from beyond the stars (https://2e.aonprd.com/Monsters.aspx?ID=57)?

[Eldonauran]

You need a brain-stealing horror from beyond the stars (https://2e.aonprd.com/Monsters.aspx?ID=57)?Oh, right! The neh-thalggus. They are in the same book as the Mi-go in Iron Gods. I couldn't remember their name for the life of me. Good job.