Black Pudding
Large Ooze, Unaligned AC 7 Initiative -3 (7) HP 68 (8d10 + 24) Speed 20 ft, Climb 20 ft .
| MOD SAVE | MOD SAVE | MOD SAVE | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| STR | 16 | +3 | +3 | Dex 5 | -3 | -3 | Con 16 | +3 |
| INT | 1 | -5 | -5 | Wis 6 | -2 | -2 | CHA | 1 |
Immunities Acid, Cold, Lightning, Slashing; Charmed, Deafened, Exhaustion, Frightened, Grappled, Prone, Restrained Senses Blindsight 60 ft .; Passive Perception 8 Languages None CR 4 (XP 1,100; PB +2 )
Traits
Amorphous. The pudding can move through a space as narrow as 1 inch without expending extra movement to do so.
Corrosive Form. A creature that hits the pudding with a melee attack roll takes 4 (1d8) Acid damage. Nonmagical ammunition is destroyed immediately after hitting the pudding and dealing any damage. Any nonmagical weapon takes a cumulative -1 penalty to attack rolls immediately after dealing damage to the pudding and coming into contact with it. The weapon is destroyed if the penalty reaches -5 . The penalty can be removed by casting the Mending spell on the weapon. In 1 minute, the pudding can eat through 2 feet of nonmagical wood or metal. Spider Climb. The pudding can climb difficult surfaces, including along ceilings, without needing to make an ability check.
Actions
Dissolving Pseudopod. Melee Attack Roll: +5 , reach 10 ft. Hit: 17 (4d6 + 3) Acid damage. Nonmagical armor worn by the target takes a -1 penalty to the AC it offers. The armor is destroyed if the penalty reduces its AC to 10 . The penalty can be removed by casting the Mending spell on the armor.
Reactions
Split. Trigger: While the pudding is Large or Medium and has 10+ Hit Points, it becomes Bloodied or is subjected to Lightning or Slashing damage. Response: The pudding splits into two new Black Puddings. Each new pudding is one size smaller than the original pudding and acts on its Initiative. The original pudding's Hit
Points are divided evenly between the new puddings (round down).
Lore & Background
Black puddings are among the most feared of all oozes, representing the pinnacle of acidic destruction and mindless consumption. These creatures are essentially living pools of corrosive acid that move with surprising speed and intelligence. They are the result of magical experiments gone wrong, exposure to powerful acids, or the natural evolution of lesser oozes in highly acidic environments.
Unlike other oozes that might have some form of rudimentary intelligence, black puddings operate on pure instinct - the drive to consume and dissolve anything organic or metallic they encounter. They have no society, no culture, and no goals beyond feeding and reproduction through division when damaged.
These creatures are often found in the deepest parts of dungeons, ancient ruins, or underground complexes where they serve as the ultimate guardians - not by design, but simply because they have consumed everything else in their vicinity. Their presence is usually discovered too late, when adventurers find equipment dissolved and companions missing.
Combat Tactics
Black puddings are relentless predators that rely on their acidic nature and ability to divide when damaged. They move toward the nearest source of food (any living creature) and attempt to engulf and dissolve it. Their attacks are devastating to both flesh and equipment, making them particularly dangerous to well-equipped adventurers.
When struck by slashing or lightning attacks, black puddings split into smaller, equally dangerous copies of themselves. This makes them incredibly difficult to defeat through conventional combat, as each successful attack potentially doubles the threat. Wise opponents use fire, cold, or other damage types that don't trigger division.
Black puddings can squeeze through incredibly small spaces, allowing them to appear in unexpected locations and making containment nearly impossible. They can climb walls and ceilings with ease, often dropping on unsuspecting victims from above.
Encounter Ideas
The Abandoned Laboratory: Alchemical experiments have created a black pudding that now inhabits the ruins of a research facility, slowly dissolving everything within and threatening to escape into the surrounding area.
The Treasure Guardian: A black pudding has taken residence in a treasure chamber, accidentally becoming the ultimate guardian by dissolving any thieves who attempt to claim the riches.
The Sewer Terror: Urban sewers have become home to a black pudding that feeds on waste and unfortunate sewer workers, growing larger and more dangerous with each meal.
The Archaeological Nightmare: An excavation has uncovered a black pudding that has been dormant for centuries, now awakened and hungry after its long slumber.
Environmental Effects
Black pudding presence creates lasting environmental changes:
- Acid Damage: Surfaces and structures show signs of acid corrosion, with metal objects pitted and organic materials partially dissolved
- Foul Odors: The acrid smell of acid and decomposition permeates the area
- Dangerous Surfaces: Floors and walls may be weakened by acid damage, creating unstable terrain
- Missing Objects: Conspicuous absence of metal items, weapons, and armor in areas the pudding has inhabited
Treasure
Acid-Resistant Items: Only treasures that can withstand the pudding's acid survive in its presence, making any found items particularly valuable.
Dissolved Remnants: Partially dissolved coins and jewelry might retain some value despite the damage, creating unique if disturbing treasures.
Magical Residue: The pudding's digestive processes sometimes create unique alchemical components or crystallized acids useful for enchanting.
Hidden Caches: Treasures sealed in acid-proof containers or stored in areas the pudding cannot reach may remain intact.
Plot Hooks
The Spreading Menace: A black pudding has begun dividing and spreading through an underground complex, threatening to emerge into populated areas unless stopped.
The Alchemist's Revenge: A mad alchemist has created multiple black puddings as weapons of revenge against those who wronged them, turning the creatures loose in strategic locations.
The Ancient Prison: Characters discover that a black pudding was deliberately placed to guard something important, and they must find a way to bypass or destroy it without damaging what it protects.
The Cleanup Crew: The party is hired to clear out a black pudding infestation from an important location, but they must do so without destroying valuable equipment or structures in the process.