Shambling Mound

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Shambling Mound Introduction

In the heart of the ancient, untamed wilderness, where the sun's rays struggle to pierce the dense canopy above, there lurks a creature of primordial mystery and silent menace—the Shambling Mound. This hulking mass of animated vegetation is a testament to nature's uncanny ability to reclaim and repurpose, a living embodiment of the forest's relentless will.

As you venture deeper into the shadowy depths of the swamp, the air grows thick with the scent of damp earth and decaying foliage. The ground beneath your feet is a spongy carpet of moss and mud, and the only sounds are the distant calls of unseen creatures and the gentle rustle of leaves. It is here, in this forgotten realm, that the Shambling Mound makes its home. A creature born of the swamp's darkest secrets, it moves with a slow, deliberate grace, its form a tangled mass of vines, leaves, and rotting plant matter.

The Shambling Mound is a sight to behold, a towering figure that seems to blend seamlessly with its surroundings. Its body is a chaotic jumble of verdant growth, with tendrils that writhe and twist as if possessed by a life of their own. From within this living tapestry, two faintly glowing eyes peer out, betraying an intelligence that belies its monstrous appearance. As it lumbers forward, the ground trembles beneath its weight, and the very air seems to hold its breath in anticipation.

Legends speak of the Shambling Mound as a guardian of the wild, a creature born from the wrath of nature itself. It is said that those who dare to despoil the forest or disturb the delicate balance of the swamp will find themselves at the mercy of this relentless behemoth. Many a tale has been told of travelers who vanished without a trace, their only legacy a whispered warning carried on the wind.

In the presence of the Shambling Mound, time seems to slow, and the world narrows to the rhythmic pulse of its ponderous advance. It is a creature of patience and persistence, content to wait in the shadows until the moment is right to strike. For those who would challenge the wild, the Shambling Mound stands as a reminder of nature's enduring power and the mysteries that lie hidden within its depths.

Shambling Mound Skills & Traits

Skills

• Stealth: +2

Senses

• Blindsight: 60 ft.
• Passive Perception: 10

Languages

• Understands Common but can't speak

Abilities

• Amphibious: The shambling mound can breathe air and water.
• Lightning Absorption: Whenever the shambling mound is subjected to lightning damage, it takes no damage and regains a number of hit points equal to the lightning damage dealt.

Actions

• Multiattack: The shambling mound makes two slam attacks. If both attacks hit a Medium or smaller target, the target is grappled (escape DC 14), and the shambling mound uses its Engulf on it.
• Slam: Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 13 (2d8 + 4) bludgeoning damage.
• Engulf: The shambling mound engulfs a Medium or smaller creature grappled by it. The engulfed target is blinded, restrained, and unable to breathe, and it must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw at the start of each of the mound's turns or take 13 (2d8 + 4) bludgeoning damage. If the mound moves, the engulfed target moves with it. The mound can have only one creature engulfed at a time.

Shambling Mound Battle Tips

Shambling Mounds are formidable plant creatures that can provide a unique and challenging encounter for your players. As a dungeon master, using Shambling Mounds effectively can create memorable and intense battles. Here are some tips on how to use Shambling Mounds in battle:

Using Shambling Mounds in Battle

• Ambush Tactics: Shambling Mounds excel in environments where they can blend in with the natural surroundings. Use them in dense forests, swamps, or overgrown ruins to surprise players with sudden attacks.
• Absorb and Constrict: Take advantage of the Shambling Mound's ability to engulf and restrain players. Target key party members, such as spellcasters or healers, to disrupt the group's strategy.
• Resilience: Shambling Mounds have high hit points and resistances to many types of damage. Use them to soak up damage while other creatures or environmental hazards wear down the players.

Coordinating with Other Creatures

• Supportive Allies: Pair Shambling Mounds with creatures that can exploit the chaos they create, such as ranged attackers or spellcasters who can target restrained players.
• Divide and Conquer: Use Shambling Mounds to separate the party by blocking paths or creating barriers, making it difficult for players to regroup or support each other.
• Environmental Synergy: Combine Shambling Mounds with environmental hazards like quicksand or poisonous plants to increase the danger and complexity of the encounter.

Fleeing and Retreating

• Strategic Retreat: If the battle turns against them, Shambling Mounds can retreat into dense foliage or water, using their natural camouflage to escape and regroup.
• Regenerative Threat: Shambling Mounds can regenerate health over time. Use this to your advantage by having them retreat and return later, fully healed and ready to fight again.
• Persistent Menace: Even if they retreat, Shambling Mounds can remain a lurking threat, stalking the party and attacking when they are vulnerable or distracted.

By using these tips, you can create engaging and challenging encounters with Shambling Mounds that will keep your players on their toes and enhance the overall experience of your campaign.