Shambling Mound
Large Plant, unaligned
1,800 XP
Special Abilities
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 14 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.
Quick Reference
Running This Encounter
The Shambling Mound is a slow but relentless combatant that excels in swampy or overgrown terrain. Use its Engulfing ability to split the party's attention, forcing melee characters to make difficult choice about attacking while restrained. Its regeneration in water makes it especially dangerous near rivers, ponds, or marshes—consider having it retreat toward water if losing the fight. Surprise the party by having it animate from seemingly natural terrain rather than as an obvious threat.
Combat Tactics
The Shambling Mound prioritizes using Engulfing Attack on spellcasters or ranged characters to disable them, then uses its multiattack on the remaining threats. It should position itself between the party and escape routes or water sources. If damaged significantly while away from water, it will attempt to move toward liquid terrain to benefit from regeneration rather than commit to a losing fight.
Environment & Setting
Swamps, marshes, dense forests, or overgrown ruins where water is nearby. The creature's regeneration ability becomes a critical feature when it can reach water, making aquatic or semi-aquatic environments ideal.