[RPG] Can an Intellect Devourer mentally detect a Flumph

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This is a follow-up to Would Truesight detect an Intellect Devourer?. Basically, one of my NPCs in the adventure I'm writing is secretly occupied by an Intellect Devourer, and I'm sorting out what her capabilities and limitations should be. I'm considering having a Flumph dwelling in her abode, who might be able to aid the party. Now I'm trying to figure out if the Flumph would survive for very long there.

The Intellect Devourer's Detect Sentience ability is only thwarted by a Mind Blank spell, while the Flumph's Telepathic Shroud is kind of a subset of the Mind Blank spell description. By the "letter of the law" she should know exactly where the Flumph is within 300', which in all likelihood means a dead or driven-off flumph.

I'm leaning towards an interpretation that the Intellect Devourer's ability only partially works- (she knows the Flumph is around, but not precisely where), but if there's any guidance or rules clarifications out there, I'd love to hear it.

Best Answer

Detect Sentience. The intellect devourer can sense the presence and location of any creature within 300 feet of it that has an Intelligence of 3 or higher, regardless of interposing barriers, unless the creature is protected by a mind blank spell. (MM 191)

Telepathic Shroud. The flumph is immune to any effect that would sense its emotions or read its thoughts, as well as all divination spells. (MM 135)

(all emphasis mine)

Looking at the abilities in question the intellect devourer should have no problem sensing the flumph. Neither location or position is an emotion or thought and the ability is not (nor does it replicate) a divination spell.

However as the GM you are free to decide otherwise. Looking at the flavor of the abilities a case can be made that the flumph is protected. Or you can just make it an elder flumph that has improved telepathic shroud.

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