meholder

The Meholder is a fictional creature appearing in the role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons. It is a beholder-like monster, characterized by a central eye and multiple eyestalks. Unlike the standard beholder, the Meholder possesses a more humanoid torso and arms, though it retains the signature floating ability and magical eye rays. Its overall appearance combines the serpentine, eyeless head of a beholder with a bipedal, humanoid form, often depicted as gaunt or emaciated.

Meholders are typically found in underground environments or arcane ruins, places where their innate magical abilities and predatory nature allow them to thrive. They are known for their cunning and manipulative personalities, often employing traps and illusions to ensure their prey is vulnerable before engaging in direct combat. Their eye rays can manifest a variety of magical effects, including disintegration, charm, fear, and paralyzing effects, making them formidable opponents.

The lore surrounding Meholders suggests they are either a rare mutation of beholders, a distinct species with a shared ancestry, or perhaps even a magically created aberration. Their motivations are often centered around hoarding magical artifacts or accumulating power. While not as iconic as the standard beholder, the Meholder serves as a challenging and distinct enemy within the Dungeons & Dragons bestiary, offering a unique blend of familiar beholder traits with a more humanoid presentation.