Gibbering Mouther

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Gibbering Mouther Introduction

In the dim, echoing caverns where light dares not tread, a grotesque symphony of madness awaits. The Gibbering Mouther, a nightmarish amalgamation of eyes and mouths, slithers across the damp stone, its form a writhing mass of flesh that defies reason. As you approach, the air grows thick with an unsettling cacophony—a chorus of babbling voices that seem to claw at the edges of your sanity, each whispering secrets best left unheard.

The creature's appearance is a horror to behold. Its body is a shifting, amorphous blob, dotted with countless eyes that dart and blink in every direction, each one reflecting a glimmer of malevolent intelligence. Between these eyes are mouths of varying sizes, each filled with jagged teeth, constantly muttering, shrieking, and gnashing. The Mouther's skin is a sickly, pallid hue, glistening with a slick, mucous-like substance that leaves a trail of slime in its wake.

Gibbering Mouthers are often found in the forgotten corners of the world—abandoned ruins, subterranean tunnels, and the shadowy depths of the Underdark. These places, steeped in darkness and despair, provide the perfect hunting grounds for a creature that thrives on chaos and confusion. Legends speak of the Mouther as a manifestation of madness itself, a creature born from the nightmares of those who have lost their minds to the void.

It is said that the Gibbering Mouther was once a being of great knowledge, cursed by a vengeful deity to wander the world as a twisted parody of its former self. Now, it seeks to consume the thoughts and memories of those it encounters, adding their voices to its eternal chorus. Beware, for those who linger too long in its presence may find their own minds unraveling, drawn into the endless babble of the Mouther's insidious song.

Gibbering Mouther Skills & Traits

Skills

• Perception +2

Senses

• Darkvision 60 ft.
• Passive Perception 12

Languages

• Understands Deep Speech but can't speak

Abilities

• Aberrant Ground: The ground in a 10-foot radius around the mouther is doughlike difficult terrain. Each creature that starts its turn in that area must succeed on a DC 10 Strength saving throw or have its speed reduced to 0 until the start of its next turn.
• Gibbering: The mouther babbles incoherently while it can see any creature and isn't incapacitated. Each creature that starts its turn within 20 feet of the mouther and can hear the gibbering must succeed on a DC 10 Wisdom saving throw. On a failure, the creature can't take reactions until the start of its next turn and rolls a d8 to determine what it does during that turn. On a 1 to 4, the creature does nothing. On a 5 or 6, the creature takes no action or bonus action and uses all its movement to move in a randomly determined direction. On a 7 or 8, the creature makes a melee attack against a randomly determined creature within its reach or does nothing if it can't make such an attack.

Actions

• Multiattack: The mouther makes one bite attack and, if it can, uses its Blinding Spittle.
• Bite: Melee Weapon Attack: +2 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 17 (5d6) piercing damage. If the target is Medium or smaller, it must succeed on a DC 10 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.
• Blinding Spittle (Recharge 5-6): The mouther spits a chemical glob at a point it can see within 15 feet of it. The glob explodes in a blinding flash of light. Each creature within 5 feet of the flash must succeed on a DC 13 Dexterity saving throw or be blinded until the end of the mouther's next turn.

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Battle Tips for the Gibbering Mouther

The Gibbering Mouther is a chaotic and unsettling creature that can be a formidable opponent in any encounter. Here are some tips for Dungeon Masters on how to effectively use this creature in battle:

• Utilize its Gibbering Ability: The Gibbering Mouther's constant babbling can confuse and disorient players. Use this ability strategically to disrupt the party's coordination, making it harder for them to execute their plans.
• Leverage its Amorphous Form: The Mouther's ability to squeeze through tight spaces can be used to surprise players. Consider having it emerge from unexpected places, such as cracks in the walls or from beneath the ground, to catch the party off guard.
• Exploit its Ground Manipulation: The Mouther can turn the ground into difficult terrain. Use this to control the battlefield, slowing down player movement and forcing them into vulnerable positions.
• Pair with Other Creatures: While the Gibbering Mouther is a threat on its own, it can be even more dangerous when paired with other creatures. Consider using it alongside creatures that can capitalize on the confusion it causes, such as ambush predators or spellcasters.
• Plan for Retreat: If the battle turns against the Gibbering Mouther, it can use its amorphous nature to retreat through small openings. This can set up future encounters, as the party may have to deal with the Mouther again in a more advantageous position.

By using these strategies, a Dungeon Master can create a memorable and challenging encounter with the Gibbering Mouther, keeping players on their toes and adding depth to the battle experience.