Black Pudding
Large Ooze, unaligned
1,100 XP
Special 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. In addition, nonmagical armor worn by the target is partly dissolved and takes a permanent and cumulative -1 penalty to the AC it offers. The armor is destroyed if the penalty reduces its AC to 10.
Quick Reference
Running This Encounter
The Black Pudding is a mindless ooze that engulfs prey rather than attacks with precision. Position it in a confined space like a dungeon corridor or cavern to maximize its threat, as it can split into two puddings when reduced below half HP. Emphasize environmental hazards—the pudding leaves acidic trails and can dissolve organic material, creating dynamic obstacles. Consider using ambient slime and acidic pools to enhance the horror of facing this corrosive threat.
Combat Tactics
The Black Pudding moves slowly but relentlessly toward threats, engulfing creatures in its path and dealing automatic acid damage. It has no tactical awareness, so it attacks the nearest target with single-minded persistence, making it predictable but dangerous in close quarters. When damaged by melee weapons, it splits into two smaller puddings, potentially overwhelming the party if not managed carefully.
Environment & Setting
Black Puddings thrive in damp dungeons, sewers, or underdark caverns where moisture allows them to move freely and acidic stone provides natural habitat. Place one in a narrow passage or chamber with multiple alcoves to limit escape routes and increase the sense of claustrophobic danger.