Brain in a Jar (Dungeons & Dragons)
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(For the thought experiment, see: Brain in a Vat) (For other uses of this or very similar concepts, see: media featuring brains in jars)
In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, the Brain in a Jar is an undead. It is, simply put, a brain in a jar of preservative fluid. It is influenced strongly by such sci-fi and horror as They Saved Hitler's Brain and Doctor Who. It was introduced in Libris Mortis, a D&D supplement book that dealt specifically with undead.
[edit] Physical Description
There is little to say about the physical form of the brain in a jar. It is very self explanatory. It is a live brain in a grimy jar filled with preservation fluid with powerful psionic abilities.
[edit] Society/History
The brain in a jar is a masterpiece of preservation -- but where alchemical preservatives leave off, necromancy picks up. An animated brain in a jar is, in truth, an undead creature. Additionally, possibly because it is free of the need to worry about controlling and animating an entire body, a brain in a jar possesses potent mental powers (psionics).
Of course, merely removing the brain of a zombie or some other undead creature and storing it in alchemical preservatives is not enough to create an undead brain with psionic ability. The ritual of extraction, the spells of formulation, and the alchemical recipes of preservation are closely guarded secrets held by only a few master necromancers.
The creation of a brain in a jar is difficult and fraught with danger, because once its mental powers are fully developed, this undead creature is adept at controlling the thoughts and minds of other creatures, especially living creatures. It is not unknown for a brain in a jar to take control over the necromancer who created it.
A Brain in a Jar is usually neutral evil in alignment.
[edit] Combat
Due to the lack of a body and the fragility of being just an organ in a glass jar, the Brain in a Jar moves itself, manipulates objects and the environment, and wards off attackers almost exclusively with psionic abilities. When attacked, the Brain's favorite method of offense/defense is Mind Thrust, an assault upon the mind of another creature. In addition to this, it can also drive mad anyone who magically or psionically detects it, and it can control and rebuke other undead.
