But this is ridiculous. I know, magic and other shenanigans, but still this world has some rules. And these rules doesn't allow illithids, even as powerful as Emperor, to create living creatures with full gear out of thin air. Especially when he admitted at least twice they were just an illusion. And no explanation, no nothing, only one of the companions comments something like "oh, so they are not an illusion??" and that's it.