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Black Pudding

Large · Ooze · CR 4 · Unaligned

Source. 5e 2024 Rules

7 (natural armor)

68 (8d10 + 24)

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 Unaligned

XP 1100

Initiative Bonus -3

Movement

Walk 20 ft (6.1 m)

Swim 10 ft (3 m)

Climb 20 ft (6.1 m)

Crawl 10 ft (3 m)

Senses

Blindsight 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 8

Saving Throws

Strength +3 Dexterity -3 Constitution +3 Intelligence -5 Wisdom -2 Charisma -5

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

acid, cold, lightning

Condition Immunities

charmed, deafened, exhaustion, frightened, grappled, prone, restrained

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

Cost 1

+5 to hit, reach 10 ft (3 m). Hit: 4d6+3 acid damage.

Melee Attack Roll: +5, reach 10 ft. 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

Parry

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).

About Black Pudding

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

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 7 and possesses 68 hit points (derived from 8d10 + 24).

GM Tips: Using Black Pudding

3 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.
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

3 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.
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.