"Mastermind" monsters

[rumble]

I need a list of "Mastermind" monsters, along with their sources (what book are they from?).

Essentially, these mastermind monsters would command groups or even legions of other monsters by virtue of specialized knowledge, deviousness or fearsome reputation, even if they weren't necessarily all-powerful as individuals.

Examples would include aboleths (I think), mind flayers, beholders, and some dragons. Demons and devils are too obvious, and also, they seem to rule through sheer power rather than cunning or knowledge.

A NON-undead evil creature of CR 8-14 seems appropriate for my needs. The creature should be able to retain and use the majority of its abilities without the need for external augmentation, such as magic items or money.

Any ideas? Anyone need more details?

 

[demiurge1138]

Yuan-ti are a pretty good mastermind monster. Let them start up their own industries for making items, have them use pureblood spies and reptilian guard beasts (dinosaurs, anyone?), give the bosses character levels and they're good for a thousand plots.
If you're just going by the MM, rakshasa, noble salamanders, hags, and xill would also work well.

Demiurge out.

 

[Krishnath]

A few:

Drow (MM) - Very good all purpose villains. I prefer the FRCS versions though.

Doppleganger (MM) - Excellent villains that can hide in plain sight. Also as the party gains levels there are more powerful versions of the Doppleganger in other books, the Ethereal Doppleganger (MM2), and the Greater Doppleganger (Monsters of Faerûn™).

Other Ideas would include the following:

Yakfolk (mm2) - They're intelligent and evil.
Planetouched (MM, MoF, MM2, FF) - Who would suspect an Aasimar of being a hellbent necromancer?
Ogre Mage/Oni - A shapeshifting highly intelligent Ogre?

And if you are willing to use the Far Realms, try introducing a few Kaorti (FF) Wizards/Sorcerers to your campaign.

Later, and good luck.

 

[Khisanth the Ancient]

Kraken - (MM) : A single kraken could command several giant squid, an army of ixitxachitls and sahuagin, and many normal squid.

 

[Wolf72]

evil cloud giants ... (intelligent and strong)

 

[BOZ]

sheeoot... as a matter of fact, last night we fought (i think) an evil cloud giant wizard with two frost giants and two hill giants as minions... too bad i had to leave before the fight was over. they were trying to capture us instead of kill us for some reason, and i was among the 2/3 of the party stuffed inside a giant's bag when i went home ... hope i survived.