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Black Pudding

Large · Ooze · CR 4 · Chaotic Evil

Source. Monstrous Menagerie

85 (10d10+30)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

-3

CON

INT

-5

WIS

-2

CHA

-5

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Large

Type Ooze

Alignment Chaotic Evil

XP 1100

Initiative Bonus -3

Movement

Walk 20 ft (6.1 m)

Swim 20 ft (6.1 m)

Climb 20 ft (6.1 m)

Crawl 10 ft (3 m)

Senses

Blindsight 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 8

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

acid, cold, lightning, slashing

Condition Immunities

blinded, charmed, deafened, fatigue, frightened, prone

Traits

Amorphous

The pudding can pass through an opening as narrow as 1 inch wide without squeezing.

Corrosive Body

A creature that touches the pudding or hits it with a melee attack while within 5 feet takes 9 (2d8) acid damage. A nonmagical weapon made of metal or wood that hits the black pudding corrodes after dealing damage, taking a permanent -1 penalty to damage rolls per hit. If this penalty reaches -5, the weapon is destroyed. Wooden or metal nonmagical ammunition is destroyed after dealing damage. Any other metal or organic object that touches it takes 9 (2d8) acid damage.

Ooze Nature

An ooze doesnt require air or sleep.

Spider Climb

The pudding can use its climb speed even on difficult surfaces and upside down on ceilings.

Sunlight Sensitivity

While in sunlight, the pudding has disadvantage on attack rolls.

Actions

Pseudopod

+5 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d6+3 plus 2d8 acid damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) bludgeoning damage plus 9 (2d8) acid damage. Nonmagical armor worn by the target corrodes taking a permanent -1 penalty to its AC protection per hit. If the penalty reduces the armors AC protection to 10 the armor is destroyed.

Reactions

Split

When a Medium or larger pudding with at least 10 hit points is subjected to lightning or slashing damage, it splits into two puddings that are each one size smaller. Each new pudding has half the originals hit points (rounded down).

About Black Pudding

Black Pudding is a large ooze with a Challenge Rating of 4. It has a chaotic evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 7 and possesses 85 hit points (derived from 10d10+30).

GM Tips: Using Black Pudding

4 tips available

When using Black Pudding in your D&D 5e campaign, consider these tactical approaches:

Climbing Advantage: This creature can climb at 20 ft. It can use walls and ceilings for tactical positioning. Consider using 'Spider Climb' negation or fighting in open areas without vertical surfaces.
Aquatic Combat: This creature can swim at 20 ft. It has advantage in water environments. Consider fighting on land or using water-based spells against it.
Lightning Damage Awareness: Lightning attacks often have long range and high speed. Advise players to use cover and avoid metal armor/weapons. Water surfaces amplify lightning damage - avoid fighting near water.
Amorphous Movement: This creature can squeeze through spaces as small as 1 inch! Traditional barriers are ineffective. Use 'Wall of Force', 'Forcecage', or magical barriers to contain it.

Player Guide: Facing Black Pudding

4 strategies available

When your party encounters this creature, keep these strategies in mind:

Climbing Defense: This creature can climb at 20 ft! It can use walls and ceilings for surprise attacks. Fight in open areas without vertical surfaces. 'Spider Climb' negation spells can help.
Aquatic Combat Defense: This creature can swim at 20 ft! It has advantage in water. Fight on land if possible. Use 'Control Water' or drain water sources to limit its mobility.
Lightning Damage Protection: This creature deals lightning damage! Avoid metal armor and weapons. Use cover and avoid water surfaces. 'Iron Skin' or 'Protection from Energy' can help.
Contain Amorphous Creature: This creature can squeeze through tiny spaces! Traditional barriers won't work. Use 'Wall of Force', 'Forcecage', or magical barriers. 'Create Bonfire' can block movement.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 4.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 6 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 2,000 XP
Hard: 3,000 XP
Deadly: 4,000 XP

Based on D&D 5e Dungeon Master's Guide encounter building guidelines. CR roughly equals party level for medium encounters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the challenge rating of Black Pudding?: Black Pudding has a Challenge Rating of 4, making it appropriate for parties of level 4.0.
What type of creature is Black Pudding?: Black Pudding is a Large Ooze, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.