Jams Encyclopedia of Boneless Beasts
Jams Types of Jam There are Two kinds of Jam: Chromatic Jam/Fruit Jam are the free-flowing Exoderms that seek out anything they can to consume and add to their bodymass. They come in a range of colours and varying sizes. The defining characteristic of this type is the insatiable hunger they display. Preserves are contained Jams. Normally caging a creature would not warrant seperate classification, however in the case of Jams this modifies them significantly. James that have been trapped or contained in a vessel will cease their attempts to grow and instead find themselves content to fill their new bounderies. Digestion Less clear-bodied than other Katharzoa, Jams have a slow digestive system that works in stages. Stage one attacks surface matter of living creatures such as skin and hair. Stage one is quite quick and seems designed to cause shock to the target in order to render them incapacitated. Stage two is slower and breaks down muscle fibre and organs over a few hours. This give the Jam the appearance of lumps substance. Stage three is far slower, finally breaking down the blood cells in their meal. Depending on the needs of the Jam this process can take anything up to a year to perform. Something within the Jam preserves the blood cells far beyond their natural life cycle. Ordinarily blood cells can remain intact for up to about a hundred days, although far shorter if outside the body. Blood is not the primary source of nutrients for Jams, however colour saturation appears directly tied to the health of Jams. Uncontained Growth It seems strange to think that there are creatures in nature that will continue to grow simply because they are not contained. In the world of mycology, there are many examples of organisms that will continue to grow due to their lack of confinement. The best example of this is the Honey Fungus. This fungus is a member of the Armillaria genus, which contains over one hundred different species. The Honey Fungus is one of the most well-known species in this genus due to its ability to spread rapidly and its destructive nature. In a similar manner to the Honey Fungus, Jams will continue to spread and grow if allowed. Uncontained Chromatic Jams have been seen to grow to Gigantic proportions, overwhelming entire cities until finally being contained. Unironic methods Perhaps it was obtuse of me to judge the methods of capturing these monsters so harshly when first hearing of them. It certainly seems perfectly obvious after the fact. 2
Chromatic Jams These Jams are wild and free, living by their nature without regard for the terror they cause. This covers red, purple, green, yellow, orange, and even white Jams. Red Jams The colouring of these Jams is caused by their ability to preserve blood drained from prey for long amounts of time. Blood Jam This creature fills a niche between a Jelly and a leech. It is a ferocious predator that drains the blood of its hapless prey. Unlike Physical description The Blood Jam is a medium, semi-translucent, amorphous creature that typically measures about 6 feet in diameter and weighs 100 pounds. Its surface is scarlet in colour, and shiny. Life cycle The Blood Jam is a lone creature, splitting when it needs to reproduce. Diet The Blood Jam feeds on the blood of its victims, leaving everything else undigested. Phase two of the Jam digestion is absent in this breed as it is able to simply drain the blood without breaking down tissue. Behaviour The Blood Jam is an aggressive predator that will attack anything that moves. It is attracted to the sound of screams and will often follow victims until they are too weak to fight back. Slow to digest but quick enough to strike. Habitat The Blood Jam is found in dark, damp places where there is little light. It is commonly found in caves and sewers, though it prefers to be close to civilisation where there are dense populations to prey upon. Relationship with humanoids The Blood Jam is a dangerous creature that will attack humanoids on sight. They show interest primarily on any creature that contains blood. They will almost completely ignore anything without blood. 3
Blood Tide When the Blood jam has gained enough mass it becomes a Blood Tide. Essentially the same creature but much faster and far harder to kill. Physical description The Blood tide is a like-for-like duplicate of its smaller Blood Jam form except for the saturation of red in its body. These creatures are far more deep red than previously described. Blood Tides can also raise themselves up from the ground for longer periods of time, owed to the newfound strength of their bodies. Relationship with humanoids Being larger than other red jams it is perceived as more of a threat to humanoids, which it is undoubtedly is. However relationships with this Jam are fundamentally the same as the Blood Jam. 4
The Red Sacrament The final stage of Blood Jam. As it reaches its ideal size it can now ravage entire kingdoms with utter abandon. Physical description The sheer size difference alone is enough of a distinguishing feature, although The Red Sacrament is much faster again, belaying its huge mass. Behaviour The Red Sacrament makes its goals very clear in the complete annihilation of towns and cities it leaves behind. While it has no desire for inorganic matter its utter indifference to walls and buildings is evidenced by their total obliteration as it moves entirely as the crow flies to its targets. The monstrous strength of the Jam's body is most frightening. Relationship with Humanoids Perhaps it is pure madness that drives them but this Jam has gathered a following of rather devout worshipers willing to scupper any attempt to contain the Jam. "Beware! If you do not show proper reverence to the holy mass of living ooze, it will consume you with its insatiable hunger for blood. The only way to appease the Red Sacrament is through regular and devout sacrificial offerings of blood. So beware, and be pious, or else the Red Sacrament will consume you. "" - Father Dominic of the Order of the Red Sacrament 5
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Purple Jams Jams of this kind tend to consume more fruit and sugar-sources than other Jams. This leaves their colouring a little different but also gives them more energy, resulting in slightly higher activity levels. Stickle Jam The smallest of the purple jams and offspring of the Blackberry Jam, this minor Jam is generally overlooked due to its size and fairly unagressive temperament. Habitat These creatures can be found near fruit producing trees. Any source of sugar is a draw for these creatures, for this reason they can also be found in towns with businesses that sell high sugar foodstuffs. Defensive mechanism Stickle Jams make use of cells that have hardened on their surface, forming them into sharp needle-like structures. Below these spines they build internal pressure until they can force these spines out of their body as dangerous projectiles. Larger incarnations of this Jam make use of this very same method of protection but on a far larger scale. Sensory Spines The spines grown and used as projectiles also double as a sensory organ. With these they can defect subtle changes in the air around them, aiding in finding fruit and other sources of sugar. 7
Blackberry Jam Description A medium purple-black Jam Exoderm. Its surface is sticky and usually wrapped in long, thin tendrils. Behaviour Blackberry Jams are very loyal to their owners (where they have one) and will do anything to protect them. They are not very intelligent and can understand a few commands. Lifecycle Blackberry Jams reproduce by splitting in two. The new Blackberry Jam will be a copy of the original, with the same loyalty and intelligence. However, each Blackberry Jam has its own unique personality. Diet Blackberry Jams consume living matter just as other Jams do. However, they prefer to eat fruit or anything with high sugar, as it gives them more energy for hunting. Organic matter degrades a little quicker within these Purple Jams, possibly a side effect of the higher sugar diet. Relationship with humans Blackberry Jams are often used by humans as weapons in battle. They are also used as personal guards by some people of high status. This is only made possible by its lack of interest in consuming humanoid flesh. It appears that anything more intelligent than a cow or goat is distasteful to the Exoderm. Habitat Blackberry Jams can be found anywhere in the world, but they are most commonly found near anywhere fruit might grow. 8
Bramble Description A large purple Jam often covered with hardened spines that dart out of its body when it explodes defensively. Behaviour brambles are as concerned with their own safety as other purple jams, opting to avoid encounters where possible. They have been seen to take much longer routes through open fields and mountain ranges, rather than to test the patience of humanoids by moving through towns. This attitude does appear to change when the Jam reaches full maturity and it almost exclusively roams large populations in towns and cities. Relationship with humans I have observed the use of Brambles in combat and as such understand the desire for people to hunt and capture samples of these creatures. Beyond this utility, the Bramble is simply a dangerous and mostly mindless monstrosity to be avoided if you do not know what you are doing. They consume living matter as other Jams, that includes people. 9
The Liturgy of Barbs Description The Liturgy of Barbs is a massive, Purple Jam covered in spikes. It is constantly seeking out sources of sugar for food, and will often strip entire fields or forests of all plant life in its search. Behaviour The Liturgy of Barbs is an aggressive and territorial creature, and will often attack any humanoids it encounters. Often these creatures will seek out towns and villages where there are stores of fruit and sugar to gain access and feed. Sensory Spines With the extra mass of this creature, there are also additional spines with which to aid in seeking out food sources. It is believed that these additional sensory organs, along with their individually increased size, are what allow them to pinpoint food stores in humanoid inhabited lands. Relationship with humanoids The Liturgy of Barbs is a dangerous and destructive creature and is not to be trusted. It will often attack and kill any humanoids it encounters, and should be avoided at all costs. 10
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Orange Jams Orange Jams are very distinct in their appearance, owing to their bright orange colours. This pigment is caused by the breaking down of metals they have consumed. Marmalade The Marmalade is the smallest of these creatures. They can be found underground in old labyrinths and castle dungeons where humanoids have died wearing armour or carrying weapons. Description Small, bright orange and somewhat aggressive. The surface is somewhat translucent and on close inspection, you can see the grains of oxidised metal held below the epidermal cells. Relationship with humanoids Relatively unthreatening and will not attempt to strike prey larger than themselves. They are seen as a nuisance to adventurers seeking out any treasure left behind in ruins or dungeons as they can find their way into otherwise sealedoff rooms where valuables may be hidden. 12
Forgeblight All mankind should fear this monster and what it might become if left unchecked. Description This is the matured version of the Marmalade. At some point in the former's lifecycle they retreat to cover and undergo a massive surge in growth. The resulting Jam is the Forgeblight, a creature filled with uncontrollable hunger for steel. The creature is huge and carries that same bright orange colouring. Relationship with humanoids These Exos are more than a simple nuisance to many humanoids across the world as their hunger means that many technologies that make day to day life sustainable are compromised as the Forgeblight renders them inoperable. This is primarily a problem when farmland tools such as ploughs are torn apart by the screws or silos are rent open locks and bolts being consumed. 13
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White Jams This collection of Jams appear white in most cases. Under closer inspection they do seem to be light grey or faded yellow. This yellow comes from bilirubin produced from the breakdown of blood cells. The bilirubin is stored within the White Jam and held for later use as a defensive mechanism. It's this storage function that colours the Jams. Pearl The pearl is one of the smaller White Jams. Description This small Jam is a pale cream-white colour, with a pearlike shape. If disturbed it will enlarge itself and expel an acidic fluid. Eye protection "Word to the wise; while inspecting these creatures, while alive or even dead, it is recommended that you do not allow them to get too close to your face. much like the larger Nyctalam these creatures seem to have an uncanny ability to get in your eyes." - Jackdor Soupbane, Alchemist 15
Nyctalam Description A medium white Jam. It is mostly blind, but can sense its surroundings through vibrations in the ground. Behaviour Nyctalams are not very intelligent and will often attack anything that comes near them. They are also very territorial and will not hesitate to defend their territory from intruders. Relationship with humanoids Those who can afford to will use Nyctalams to guard their valuables, as their spray can be very useful. However, their ability to squeeze into small spaces is invaluable when used in traps which can lead to them being hunted and sold to trap-makers Lifecycle Nyctalams reproduce by splitting off two smaller hardened lumps of white Jam. The Jams will be copies of the original, with the same aggression. 16
Butter A slightly less sinister medium-sized White Jam. Description This Jam is much darker in hue than the Nyctalam or Pearl. The saturation of yellow is caused by additional bilirubin and animal fat stores within the Jam's body. Relationship with humanoids The Butter is a more versatile creature when it comes to protecting your valuables, it seems. More controllable, this creature can keep intruders occupied for a long time while other traps can work their magic or your personal guards can gain ground on them. Non-aggression Butter Jams are lacking in the instinctive drive to hunt. They will do so but only when the stores of animal fat run low in their system, causing their colouring to desaturate. This is a boon to those who keep them as pets or as a counter-intrusion method, as it means the Butter is unlikely to change drastically. Granted the resulting growth transforms the butter into the much larger and more territorial Custardian. 17
The Custardian The last step in the lifecycle of the White Jam. Description A smooth body and deeply yellow colouring. This creature is rare thanks to its lack of desire to feed. Once it has enough animal fat and processed enough blood it transforms into this much larger Jam with even less desire to feed. Territorial Nature Something that seems to be bred into them is the need to protect their territory. As long as they remain within any room with four walls and a ceiling they will do what they can to protect that room. This has little bearing on their desire to feed. A possible connection could be drawn here between the containment of this Jam and the methods that work when containing samples within jars as Preserves. 18
Preserves This section contains information about jams that have been contained. The easiest method of containment in these cases are in fact glass jars. There is a simple ritual performed to ensure that the jar is not easily broken by the monster within but in essence any jar can and will do the job. You will note that there are also methods for weaponising such contained creatures and numerous different effects can be produced when combining methods of capture. Red jars Blood Jams contained within these jars retain their longing for blood. Breaking this jar against an enemy will unleash the pent up energies within and focus them all at your target. Blood Jar adventuring gear (consumable) The Jam within this jar is eager to feed, so very very eager... As an Action, you can throw this jar up to 20 feet, shattering it on impact. Make a ranged Attack against a creature or object, treating the Red Jar as an Improvised Weapon. On a hit, the target takes 2d4 piercing damage at the start of each of its turns. Each time the creature takes this damage the person who threw the jar gains 2D8 temporary hit points. A creature can end this damage by using its Action to make a DC 10 Dexterity check to remove the Jam from their body. Bone Cleaner adventuring gear (consumable) "Careful with that, it'll pick your bones clean." As an Action, you can throw this jar up to 20 feet, shattering it on impact. Make a ranged Attack against a creature or object, treating the Red Jar as an Improvised Weapon. On a hit, the target takes 2d8 piercing damage at the start of each of its turns. A creature can end this damage by using its Action to make a DC 10 Dexterity check to remove the Jam from their body. 19
Purple Jars The Purple Jam jars contain samples of Blackberry Jams at varying stages of their growth. Other purple jars afford the user more control over the battlefield, altering the terrain to best suit their needs or providing make-shift cover from pesky arrows. Bramble Bomb One of the most deadly Purple Preserves is the Bramble Bomb, utilising the explosive mechanisms of the Jam to create the perfect opening to any conflict where numbers play a big part. Bramble bomb adventuring gear (consumable) The Jam within this jar is eager to feed, so very very eager... As an Action, you can throw this jar up to 20 feet, shattering it on impact. Make a ranged Attack against a creature or object, treating the Red Jar as an Improvised Weapon. On a hit, the target takes 2d4 piercing damage. Each creature within 10 feet of the target must succeed a DC 15 Dexterity check to avoid also taking this damage. 20
Prickpot This jar is primed with a sample of a Bramble and very particular poisons. This selection is chosen so as to not harm the Jam inside and as a result has a very specific effect on those who come into contact once the Jam is released. Prickpot adventuring gear (consumable) The jam-spikes within this purple jar cause excruciating pain As an action, you can fling this jar up to 20 feet, shattering it on impact. Make a ranged attack against a creature or object, treating the purple jar as an improvised weapon. On a hit, the target takes 2d4 piercing damage. The target must also make a DC 15 Constitution check. On a failure, the target suffers 1 level of exhaustion. 21
Orange Jar Samples of the Orange Jams work to consume metals they come into contact with. Rust bomb This is a contained sample of the Marmalade Jam. The process for capturing such a sample requires some metal scraps be placed within the jar in order to lure it in to feed. This leaves scraps of metal in the jar along with the orange jam. The scraps usually remain for a long time as the Jam attempts to pace itself, using the metal as food. When the Rust Bomb is unleashed it immediately sets to work looking to digest as much metal as it can. It spreads out to cover as much ground as possible before setting to work. Rust Bomb adventuring gear (consumable) A Jar of clinking metal scraps and bright pulsing orange goop As an action, you can fling this jar up to 20 feet, shattering it on impact. Make a ranged attack against a creature or object, treating the jar as an improvised weapon. On a hit, the target takes 1d6 acid damage. The target must also make a DC 15 Dexterity check. On a failure, the target's armour takes -1 cumulative penalty to AC per turn for 1D6 turns if it is non-magical. At -5 penalty the armour is destroyed. The target can spend an action removing the orange Jam and negate the effect but not to remove the penalty (this requires time and money at a smithy). Varieties There are other types of Orange Jar but I have yet to see them first hand. The Rust Bomb, however, was responsible for ruining my entire collection of travel cooking equipment, leaving me to cook and then eat my meals on a stick for three full weeks of travel. 22
Yellow Jar Easier to label as Yellow jars than White (Jams) as samples collected require high bilirubin content. Skiddy Simultaneously the silliest and yet most versatile uses of an Exoderm i have ever seen. This Jar, the Skiddy, is used to essentially grease up the floor. When used at the right time it can play utter hell in a combat situation. Not difficult to produce, White Jams, once owned, are fairly easy to collect from. Skiddy adventuring gear (consumable) The churning yellow liquid inside this jar seems to be smiling, if that's possible As a bonus action, you can throw this jar up to 20 feet or simply open it at your location. For 15 feet around the location it breaks or is opened the floor becomes difficult terrain. Anyone beginning their turn in one of these squares must succeed a DC 15 Dexterity save or fall prone. 23
Exos Description An Exoderm is any member of the Phylum Exos (Meaning boneless). Exos are largely ageless and adults normally distinguish themselves by their size. The younger an Exoderm the smaller it generally is. While many animals do not in fact have bones, creatures belonging to the Exos taxonomy also commonly have no solid form, perceptible skin, or organs. An Exoderm reproduces asexually (Rare exceptions) and regenerates its body with ease, transforming most organic matter into healthy ‘flesh’. Habitats Exoderms are found in all climates, though rarer in extremely hot and cold parts of the world. The vast majority exist in ruins, caverns and other underground areas. Wet, damp, and dark are a favourite. Body wall The body wall is composed of cells that have flattened themselves out into the epidermis of a single layer or more. The cells are the same type found throughout but temporarily taken on the responsibility of forming a tougher layer of connective tissues. Some Exos will form a lattice from these connections while others will incorporate parts of their environment into the dermis. Movement Exoderms appear to have a sense of up and down in that they will keep their upper mass at the same height relative to their base. The base of an Exoderm extrudes small tubelike feet that pull them across the floor in a similar method to molluscs. They are not confined to this method of locomotion, in some species there have been cases of snake-like movement and in rare species ‘rolling’ has been observed. Feeding The one constant with each species of Exos is the method with which they feed. Exos move onto their food, scilla surrounding their cells draw the target up and into their body where any living creature is unable to find purchase to escape. The cells exude either acid or digestive enzymes that begin liquidising the soft matter. As digestion is completed the cells feed on the nutrients, beginning to divide and spread out into the rest of the body. This makes room for empty cells to move in and continue to feed until nothing is left. Sensory and nervous system Exoderms are without their own sense organs but each cell transfers information to neighbouring cells regarding temperature, light, damage, vibrations, and odour. It is also possible for some species to ‘hijack’ sensory organs from their food sources. Transferring information from an eye through their cellular network has been witnessed but this is by no means common. Exos lack a centralised brain but their nervous system more than makes up for this. Within the body, there are three nerve nests that function independently of one another. One transfers heat information, another transmits vibrations, the third sends odours. These nerve nests work faster than standard cellular information transfer. This is why Oozes and slimes are slow to react to damage and changes in light. Classes Amorphozoa The Amorphozoa is the most often talked about Class of Exos. They breed much easier and can be found in all walks of life. These are your standard jellies, Oozes, and slimes. Akomazoa Far harder to spot and oftentimes more deadly. The Class Akomazoa moves so slow as to be imperceptible to the human eye. These creatures simply lay in wait for prey to walk over them. This Class covers Puddles and Sludges. 24
Orders Katharzoa Katharzoa of the class Amorphozoa. Exos that are freely moving and clear enough to see through are found within this Order. Laspizoa Of the Class Amorphozoa, these are Exos that are not clear or see-through. Often Oozes and Slimes are lumped into this Order. Adizoa Of the Class Akomazoa. Adizoa are patient Exoderms that expand themselves to cover their prey, leaving themselves mostly empty and retracting in on their target with an everthickening and poisonous skin. Kratontazoa Of the Akomazoa Class. These animals lay in wait but once alerted will wrap themselves around their prey, either crushing the life from them or simply waiting until they die from dehydration. Kaigontazoa Of the Akomazoas. The surface of this Exoderm goes to work so quickly on organic matter that it appears to onlookers that any creature stepping on it has stepped into a deep puddle. In fact, the Kaigontazoa order of Exoderms is usually spread very thin. Genus Slimes - Laspizoa Species of this genus are distinguished by their Opaque bodies that lay low to the ground. These tend to feed mostly on plants and small insects. Jam - Katharzoa Jams are somewhat less clear-bodied than other Katharzoa but this is due to a slower digestion and plasma storage method used by their cells. Jellies - Katharzoa This Genus sets itself apart with a firmer body than many other Exos. They tend to hold to a specific physical shape and can vary widely in their preferred prey. Goo - Katharzoa Where many other Exoderms camouflage themselves or copy the appearance of creatures or items, these Katharzoa emulate the other aspects of life. Many can appear as the thing they mimic but the effect can go much deeper. Oozes - Laspizoa Opaque bodies, slow-moving, and a strong digestive system. Oil - Kratontazoa Stationary and solitary, this Genus of Kratontazoa lives primarily in dark crevices and empty burrows. Oils lay in wait and attach themselves to living creatures, slowing their movement and pulling them to a stop. Tentacle - Kratontazoa Tentacles are thick appendage-like masses that ambush passers-by, reaching out to constrict them. Bubble - Adizoa Bubbles are the definitive Genus of Adizoa. They react to prey stepping on them by throwing their mass up around them as a surrounding barrier. This takes the appearance of a ball or bubble. Puddle - Kaigontazoa The Puddle Genus of Kaigontazoa has specialised to expend as little energy as possible moving and focus utterly on digesting prey at blindingly fast speeds. 25
Jam pact with jarring monsters! The not-so-sweet boneless horrors of the world have been studied in-depth by the brave and fool-hardy scholars that troll the depths of the world for the things that go glomp in the night. This document was inspired by a desire to create an easy-to-reference guide for all things related to the boneless horrors that lurk within the world. It is perfect for anyone who wants to learn about the different types of these creatures, as well as their habits and habitats. Content lay out: GMBinder Created by: Nick Jones WWW.GMBINDER.COM