Gelatinous Cube

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Gelatinous Cube Introduction

In the dim, echoing corridors of forgotten dungeons, where the air is thick with the scent of mildew and the shadows seem to dance with a life of their own, there lurks a creature as silent as it is deadly. The Gelatinous Cube, a near-invisible predator, glides with an eerie grace through these ancient halls, its translucent form blending seamlessly with the gloom. As you venture deeper into the labyrinthine passages, a faint shimmer might catch your eye—a subtle distortion in the air that hints at the presence of this amorphous menace.

The Gelatinous Cube is a massive, quivering block of semi-transparent ooze, perfectly square and unnaturally smooth. Its gelatinous body is a pale, sickly green, though it often takes on the hues of its surroundings, making it a master of camouflage. Within its depths, you might glimpse the faint outlines of its last victims—bones, armor, and other remnants suspended in its viscous interior, slowly dissolving in its corrosive embrace. This creature is a relentless scavenger, consuming all organic matter in its path, leaving behind only the barest traces of its passing.

Legends speak of the Gelatinous Cube as the silent custodians of the underworld, tirelessly patrolling the corridors of ancient ruins and abandoned fortresses. Some say they were created by long-forgotten wizards to keep their lairs free of intruders and debris, while others believe they are the remnants of a primordial ooze, a relic of a time when the world was young and untamed. Whatever their origin, these creatures are a testament to the relentless, uncaring nature of the dungeon itself—a place where even the walls seem to conspire against the unwary.

As you stand at the threshold of this shadowy realm, the air grows still, and a chill runs down your spine. The Gelatinous Cube is near, its presence felt more than seen, a lurking threat that demands caution and respect. Will you brave the depths of this ancient dungeon, knowing that at any moment, you might find yourself ensnared in the clutches of this silent, inexorable predator?

Gelatinous Cube Skills & Traits

Skills

• Stealth +2

Senses

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

Languages

• --

Abilities

• Ooze Cube: The gelatinous cube is an ooze, a type of amorphous creature that can change its shape and form.
• Transparent: Even when the cube is in plain sight, it takes a successful DC 15 Wisdom (Perception) check to spot a cube that has neither moved nor attacked. A creature that tries to enter the cube's space while unaware of the cube is surprised by the cube.

Actions

• Pseudopod: Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (3d6) acid damage.
• Engulf: The cube moves up to its speed. While doing so, it can enter Large or smaller creatures' spaces. Whenever the cube enters a creature's space, the creature must make a DC 12 Dexterity saving throw. On a successful save, the creature can choose to be pushed 5 feet back or to the side of the cube. A creature that chooses not to be pushed suffers the consequences of a failed saving throw. On a failed save, the cube enters the creature's space, and the creature takes 10 (3d6) acid damage and is engulfed. The engulfed creature can't breathe, is restrained, and takes 21 (6d6) acid damage at the start of each of the cube's turns. When the cube moves, the engulfed creature moves with it. An engulfed creature can try to escape by taking an action to make a DC 12 Strength check. On a success, the creature escapes and enters a space of its choice within 5 feet of the cube.

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Battle Tips for Gelatinous Cube

The Gelatinous Cube is a classic dungeon-dwelling creature that can provide a unique challenge for adventurers. Here are some tips for Dungeon Masters on how to effectively use this creature in battle:

• Ambush Tactics: Place the Gelatinous Cube in narrow corridors or dimly lit areas where it can remain unnoticed until the party is close. Its transparent nature makes it perfect for surprise attacks.
• Environmental Hazards: Use the environment to the cube's advantage. Position it near traps or other hazards that can distract or corral adventurers into its path.
• Multiple Cubes: If using multiple Gelatinous Cubes, have them work together to corner the party. They can block exits or push adventurers into each other, creating a chaotic battlefield.
• Divide and Conquer: Use the cube's ability to engulf and paralyze adventurers to split the party. This can create tension and force players to make strategic decisions about who to save first.
• Retreat and Regroup: If the battle turns against the cubes, they can retreat into narrow passages where they can regroup and prepare for another ambush. Their slow movement can be an advantage in tight spaces.
• Psychological Warfare: Use the cube's ability to dissolve equipment and items to instill fear in the players. The threat of losing valuable gear can add an extra layer of tension to the encounter.

By utilizing these strategies, Dungeon Masters can create memorable and challenging encounters with Gelatinous Cubes that will test the ingenuity and teamwork of any adventuring party.