All versions of Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) feature illusions. Some monsters, such as lamias and djinn, and spellcasters—primarily illusionists and, to a lesser degree, magic-users—have the power to create illusions. Illusions often appear in dungeons to conceal something or discourage investigation, such as an illusory wall. They can be used for subterfuge or distraction. Some traps can produce illusory monsters that attack like real ones or simulate magical effects, such as dr

Spell-casting and spell-like abilities grant monsters in Advanced Dungeons & Dragons (AD&D) a significant advantage over those without such powers. However, these powers are only as effective as the Dungeon Master’s (DM) ability to employ them properly. In practice, many such abilities go unused. There is a natural tendency to expend a monster’s most powerful damage-causing spells first and then resort to physical attacks.