Black Pudding

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Black Pudding Introduction

In the dim, echoing corridors of forgotten dungeons and the shadowy recesses of ancient ruins, there lurks a creature as insidious as it is enigmatic. The Black Pudding, a living mass of inky darkness, slithers silently through the gloom, its presence heralded only by the faint, acidic sizzle of its corrosive touch. This amorphous horror is a nightmare given form, a creature that defies the natural order with its formless, ever-shifting body.

As you venture deeper into the labyrinthine depths, the air grows thick with a cloying dampness, and the walls glisten with a slick, oily sheen. It is here, in these dank and desolate places, that the Black Pudding makes its lair. Its body, a quivering mass of jet-black ooze, seems to absorb the very light around it, casting an unnatural shadow that dances and flickers with every movement. The creature's surface is a roiling sea of darkness, constantly shifting and reforming, as if it were a living shadow torn from the fabric of night itself.

Legends speak of the Black Pudding as a remnant of some ancient, forgotten magic, a creature born from the chaos of creation itself. It is said that those who encounter this malevolent entity are often left with little more than a memory of its terrible, consuming hunger. For the Black Pudding is a relentless predator, driven by an insatiable appetite for organic matter. It moves with a silent, predatory grace, flowing over obstacles and through narrow passages with ease, leaving behind only the corroded remnants of its passing.

Beware, for the Black Pudding is not merely a mindless beast. It is a cunning adversary, capable of splitting its form to outflank and overwhelm its prey. Its touch is death, dissolving flesh and metal alike with a caustic fervor that few can withstand. In the tales of old, it is whispered that the Black Pudding is a test of courage and wit, a challenge for those who dare to delve into the darkest corners of the world. To face it is to confront the very essence of fear, a trial that only the bravest—or the most foolhardy—would dare to undertake.

Black Pudding Skills & Traits

Skills

• Stealth +5

Senses

• Blindsight 60 ft. (blind beyond this radius)
• Passive Perception 8

Languages

• —

Abilities

• Amorphous: The pudding can move through a space as narrow as 1 inch wide without squeezing.
• Corrosive Form: A creature that touches the pudding or hits it with a melee attack while within 5 feet of it takes 4 (1d8) acid damage. Any nonmagical weapon made of metal or wood that hits the pudding corrodes. After dealing damage, the weapon takes a permanent and cumulative -1 penalty to damage rolls. If its penalty drops to -5, the weapon is destroyed. Nonmagical ammunition made of metal or wood that hits the pudding is destroyed after dealing damage. The pudding can eat through 2-inch-thick, nonmagical wood or metal in 1 round.
• Spider Climb: The pudding can climb difficult surfaces, including upside down on ceilings, without needing to make an ability check.

Actions

• Pseudopod: Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) bludgeoning damage plus 18 (4d8) acid damage.

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Battle Tips for Black Pudding

The Black Pudding is a formidable ooze that can pose a significant threat to adventurers. As a Dungeon Master, utilizing this creature effectively can create memorable and challenging encounters. Here are some tips on how to use Black Pudding in battle:

Using Black Pudding in Battle

• Ambush Tactics: Black Puddings are excellent at hiding in dark, damp environments. Use them in areas with poor lighting or in places where they can drop from above, such as ceilings or ledges, to surprise unsuspecting adventurers.
• Divide and Conquer: When a Black Pudding takes slashing or lightning damage, it splits into two smaller puddings. Use this to your advantage by having the pudding split strategically, overwhelming players with multiple targets.
• Environmental Hazards: Place Black Puddings in areas with narrow corridors or near valuable items. This forces players to engage with the pudding or risk losing access to important resources.

Coordinating Multiple Black Puddings

• Surround and Isolate: Use multiple Black Puddings to surround players, cutting off escape routes and isolating party members. This can create panic and force players to make difficult decisions.
• Divide the Party: Position Black Puddings in such a way that they split the party, making it difficult for players to support each other. This can be particularly effective in large, open spaces or mazes.
• Layered Defense: Use Black Puddings in conjunction with other creatures that can withstand their corrosive nature. This can create a layered defense where players must deal with multiple threats simultaneously.

Fleeing and Retreat Tactics

• Retreat to Darkness: If the battle turns against the Black Pudding, have it retreat into dark, inaccessible areas where players are less likely to follow. This can allow it to regroup and strike again later.
• Use the Environment: Black Puddings can move through small spaces and cracks. Use this ability to escape through narrow passages or under doors, making it difficult for players to pursue.
• Regroup and Reassess: If multiple Black Puddings are involved, have them retreat and regroup in a more advantageous location, ready to ambush the players again when they least expect it.

By using these tactics, you can create a dynamic and challenging encounter with Black Puddings that will test the strategic thinking and adaptability of your players.