Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Black Pudding

Large · Ooze · CR 4 · Unaligned

Source. 5e 2014 Rules

85 (10d10+30)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

-3

CON

INT

-5

WIS

-2

CHA

-5

Overview

Category Monsters

Subcategory Oozes

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

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

acid, cold, lightning, slashing

Condition Immunities

blinded, charmed, deafened, exhaustion, frightened, prone

Environments

Caves Ocean Ruins Sewer Underworld

Traits

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

Cost 1

+5 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d6 thunder damage.

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.

Reactions

Split

When a pudding that is Medium or larger is subjected to lightning or slashing damage, it splits into two new puddings if it has at least 10 hit points. Each new pudding has hit points equal to half the original pudding's, rounded down. New puddings are one size smaller than the original pudding.

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 85 hit points (derived from 10d10+30).

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.