Mindflayers - Mindblast

[Quasqueton]

How often can a mindflayer use its mindblast? At will?

Quasqueton

 

[allenw]

Once per round as a standard action. Mind Blast is a spell-like ability, and thus provokes an AoO when used while threatened, unless used defensively (using the "casting a spell defensively" rules), but has no V, S or M components.
In 3.5, Mind Blast is the equivalent of a 4th-level spell for purposes of Concentration checks, Globes of Invulnerability, etc., and your average Mind Flayer has Concentration +11 *and* Combat Casting, so to Mind Blast defensively it needs to roll 19 (15 + 4) or better on 1d20+15. To Mind Blast while grappling or pinned, it needs to roll 24 (20 +4) or better on 1d20+15. (Note that the Concentration skill table puts the cast-while-grappling DC at a flat 20, but the Grappling rules say 20 + spell level. Text generally supersedes tables.)

 

[reiella]

(Note that the Concentration skill table puts the cast-while-grappling DC at a flat 20, but the Grappling rules say 20 + spell level. Text generally supersedes tables.)

Correct, except, you missed a footnote on the Concentrate table that makes them in agreement . At least that's in the srd table.

1 If you are trying to cast, concentrate on, or direct a spell when the distraction occurs, add the level of the spell to the indicated DC.