Ability Scores
Core attributes and their modifiers.
Overview
Movement
Senses
Resistances & Immunities
Traits
Amorphous
The pustulent shambler can move through a space as narrow as 1 inch wide without squeezing.
Bonerot
A creature that fails its saving throw against the pustulent shambler’s pseudopod attack becomes infected with the bonerot disease. An infected creature develops the first symptoms of general weakness and lethargy within 1 hour as its bones start to rot from the inside. At the end of each long rest, the diseased creature must succeed on a DC 18 Constitution saving throw or its Strength and Dexterity scores are each reduced by 1d4 and its walking speed is reduced by 5 feet. The reductions last until the target finishes a long rest after the disease is cured. If the disease reduces the creature’s Strength or Dexterity to 0, the creature dies. A creature that succeeds on two saving throws against the disease recovers from it. Alternatively, the disease can be removed by the lesser restoration spell or similar magic.
Bonerot Sense
The pustulent shambler can pinpoint the location of creatures infected with bonerot within 60 feet of it and can sense the general direction of such creatures within 1 mile of it.
Corrosive to Bone
A creature with exposed bones (such as a skeleton) that touches the shambler or hits it with a melee attack while within 5 feet of it takes 5 (1d10) acid damage. Any nonmagical weapon made of bone that hits the shambler 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 bone that hits the shambler is destroyed after dealing damage.
Stench
Any creature that starts its turn within 10 feet of the pustulent shambler must succeed on a DC 18 Constitution saving throw or be poisoned until the start of its next turn. On a successful saving throw, the creature is immune to the shambler’s Stench for 24 hours.
Actions
Absorb Flesh
The pustulent shambler feeds on a corpse within 5 feet of it. It regains 1d8 hp per size category of the creature it consumes. For example, the shambler regains 1d8 hp when consuming a Tiny creature's corpse or 4d8 hp when consuming a Large creature's corpse. The shambler can't use Absorb Flesh on a corpse if it or another pustulent shambler has already used Absorb Flesh on the corpse. If the corpse has intact bones, the shambler loses its Amorphous trait for 1 minute.
Multiattack
The pustulent shambler makes three pseudopod attacks.
Pseudopod
+9 to hit, reach 10 ft (3 m). Hit: 2d10+4 plus 2d10 acid damage.
Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 10 ft., one creature. Hit: 15 (2d10 + 4) bludgeoning damage plus 11 (2d10) acid damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 18 Constitution saving throw or contract the bonerot disease (see the Bonerot trait).
About Pustulent Shambler
Pustulent Shambler is a gargantuan ooze with a Challenge Rating of 13. It has a unaligned alignment.
In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 10 and possesses 232 hit points (derived from 15d20+75).
GM Tips: Using Pustulent Shambler
2 tips available
GM Tips: Using Pustulent Shambler
When using Pustulent Shambler in your D&D 5e campaign, consider these tactical approaches:
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Climbing Advantage: This creature can climb at 30 ft. It can use walls and ceilings for tactical positioning. Consider using 'Spider Climb' negation or fighting in open areas without vertical surfaces.
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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 Pustulent Shambler
2 strategies available
Player Guide: Facing Pustulent Shambler
When your party encounters this creature, keep these strategies in mind:
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Climbing Defense: This creature can climb at 30 ft! It can use walls and ceilings for surprise attacks. Fight in open areas without vertical surfaces. 'Spider Climb' negation spells can help.
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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
Encounter Building Calculator
Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):
This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 13.
Solo Encounter:
A single character of level 17 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.
Experience Point Thresholds:
- Medium: 18,200 XP
- Hard: 27,300 XP
- Deadly: 36,400 XP
Based on D&D 5e Dungeon Master's Guide encounter building guidelines. CR roughly equals party level for medium encounters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the challenge rating of Pustulent Shambler?
- Pustulent Shambler has a Challenge Rating of 13, making it appropriate for parties of level 13.0.
- What type of creature is Pustulent Shambler?
- Pustulent Shambler is a Gargantuan Ooze, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
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Related D&D 5e Content
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