Slimes Encyclopedia of Boneless Beasts
Slimes T hrough my travels I have encountered uncountable creatures of all shapes and sizes, most notable and indeed curious of these creatures is the humble Slime. They are mostly interested in small insects and shiny objects, though this does not make them harmless. Slimes vary from the smaller Copper types that collect minerals from mines and caverns, adding to their bodies to either decorate or feed, to the much larger and far more intimidating of the ancient Gold Slimes that sweep the tunnels beneath great ruins. If pressed to choose, I would say that this Genus of the Phylum Exo are indeed my favourite. Their variety and temperament make them an excellent subject to study. My name is Willhelm Coldcup and I am the author of this Encyclopedia of Boneless Beasts. Through the study of these creatures I have unravelled their secrets and provided knowledge that I hope could be the difference between your life or death, should you have the misfortune of stumbling across one of these oddities of the world. 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 have bones, creatures belonging to the Exos taxonomy also commonly have no solid form, perceptible skin, or organs. An Exoderm reproduces asexually (With rare exceptions) and regenerates its body with ease, transforming most organic matter into healthy ‘flesh’. Types of Slime Slimes can be categorised into five types; Burning Slimes, Cold Slimes, Metal Slimes, Armour Slimes, and Time Slimes. Burning Slimes are typically resistant to heat and live exclusively within hot climates or areas of natural thermal activity. They often utilise fire or heat as a form of defence. Cold Slimes are the polar opposite in terms of preferences of habitat to Burning Slimes. Cold regions are best for their bodies to survive, including high-altitude areas such as mountain ranges. Metallic Slimes are a very interesting breed, notably their cohabitation with some humanoids make them a delightful subject to research. Armour Slimes are far more sinister a breed than I initially gave them credit. The development of their monstrous and ghoulish forms that animate their hosts beyond death is a sickening revelation. Finally, Time Slimes are the rarest and least understood of the Slime breeds. They primarily interact with time, whether that is feeding on it or controlling it in some way. Dangers It is important to note the dangers of working so closely with such creatures as Exos. They are, at their core, creatures of hunger. Where most obscure beasts of this world are driven by numerous basic drives such as hunger they are also bound by the need for survival, mating, protection of young and a herd instinct. Slimes and other Exoderms are by and large solely motivated by the need to feed. This can present a problem when observing them. More than once I have come far too close to being the object of that hunger. When exploring habitats infested by these creatures ensure you do so with sufficient protective equipment and plenty of medical support. If such caution is not enough, let the scarring and loss of my own nose be sufficient warning. 2
Burning Slimes The Burning Slime is a species typified by its thermal output and relative temperature resistances. Volcanic caverns and desert ruins make great lairs for a Burning Slime. Fire Slime This breed of burning slime is extremely hot to touch, as with the rest of the species, and increases in temperature when threatened. They’re more stable than other Burning Slimes and longer-lived. Diet Fire slimes consume living matter just as other slimes do, though most of this matter is burned off. Dense pockets of colouring highlight protected nutrient-rich areas within the slime’s body. These ‘veins’ prevent the slime from simply burning off stores of prized minerals, to consume during times of scarce prey. Behaviour While these slimes are somewhat more aggressive than most, they are the primary prey for other breeds of burning slime that share their territory. Burning Alive Oddly, inside the Fire Slime the temperature is much lower. This means that once engulfed by the slime you would not need to fear being burned alive. Unfortunately, you would need to fear both suffocation and being digested, which I suppose would be chemically burned alive. "Slimes are like tourists, they're everywhere and they're a pain in the neck." - Jackdor Soupbane 3
Coal Slimes Coal slimes, or Aestus Petrum, eat up pockets of coal and other flammable debris from caverns. These lumps of rock get pushed together and protrude through the skin of the slime. When burned for fuel these lumps make the slime glow. Diet As well as seeking out flammable materials Aestus Petrum also hunts creatures with heat resistance. This includes other Burning Slimes but can extend to small Elementals. Behaviour Coal slimes rarely leave their territory except when seeking out a place to produce offspring. This rare occurrence often leads to massive fires out in forests or open fields where there’s plenty of flammable material. This extra heat fuels the Slime’s reproductive process. Sticky Bombs Sticky Bombs are notoriously difficult to study due to their unpredictable nature. They have very few predators thanks to an explosive defence mechanism that injures any creature too close while also propelling them out of danger. Behaviour While not apex hunters the Sticky Bomb has few natural enemies. The slime super-heats itself when threatened and draws all vital cells into a shell near the base of its mass. The charged cells then detonate, causing significant heat damage to the immediate surroundings. The shell protects the core of the slime so that it can regrow once out of danger. The Sticky Bomb is one usually cool enough to touch and consume algae, moss, and insects. Relationship with humans Sticky Bombs are sometimes considered pests because of their propensity to explode near manmade structures and persistence in attempting to go through things rather than around. Miners have been known to trap Sticky Bombs and use them in digging through the tougher ground. Sticky Bombs have a keen sense of smell, detecting rich deposits of Iron, Silver, and sometimes Gold. Once they’ve noticed a supply they will do everything they can to reach that source and consume it. The Shell The Shell of the Slime is reinforced with metals it finds underground. These are a good indicator of the kind of metals you might find in a tunnel. It is also the reason so many adventurers end up with missing limbs. A glittering Gold shell is a tempting reward. Albinos and White Ash Slimes Rarely an adventurer may come across an Albino or White Ash. These variations on the Sticky Bomb not only differ in appearance but in temperament too. The slime is more aggressive and the usual tactic of allowing itself to be flung out of harm's reach is entirely lacking. Instead, they seem to cling to the ground when triggering their defence mechanism, focussing their full force on any would-be looter. One theory for the change in temperament and colour is that repeated explosions have altered them in some way. Another possibility is that they’ve accrued too much damage and are in fact nearing the end of their life cycle. 4
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Cold Slimes Frost Slime Behavior The Frost Slime is a hyper carnivorous Slime whose native range lay in the northernmost regions of the world. Its diet is a result of its habitat being somewhat scarce of other sources of food and so it requires a diet of more than 70% meat. This need to hunt has promoted aggressive traits in these slimes, resulting in territorial competitiveness. Distribution In the coldest parts of the world, the Frost Slimes gather out at sea, freezing the water as a means of floatation. They synchronize their movements, moving counterclockwise with one another. With enough Frost Slimes taking part in this dance the ocean freezes, producing a series of concentric circles of ice. This huge construct becomes the new home to the slimes, regularly spanning upwards of a kilometre. Biology It weighs in at around six hundred pounds. Within the body of this breed are clusters of cells that perform thermoregulation functions. This allows the slimes to function above freezing while the atmosphere is far below livable conditions. It was once thought that these slimes used some form of magic to control temperature, while this may be true of other breeds there is evidence to suggest that these use modified cell clusters near their epidermis to lower external temperature. 7
Mountain Slime Rarely spotted, the Mountain Slime leaves a trail of decaying matter in its wake. It travels to the base of many mountains consuming plant matter before returning to the preferred heights of the rocky habitat it ties itself to. Mountain slimes are a good source of food if ever a traveller is lost, owing to the slow digestion of the plants it consumes. Some folk have even praised the alcoholic content of parts of the slime as its body processes fruits and vegetables over long periods of hibernation. Behavior The polar opposite to Frost Slimes, these chilly cousins are primarily vegetarian, with some exceptions. Consuming lichen and leafy matter, they have had no need to develop predatory traits and happily share most territory with one another. Mountain slimes will often ignore travellers unless provoked. Distribution As their name suggests, they make their homes high up on mountain peaks. They will commute to the lower regions when foraging for food and return to the colder peaks to sleep or breed. Biology The slow digestion of the Mountain Slime allows for much of the vegetation they consume to remain in and around the slime for many hours after collecting. This lends a certain level of camouflage. Hibernation Mountain slimes hibernate for up to six months every year. During this time they will divide their mass to reproduce. The process is slow and heavily draining on their resources. To prepare they will undergo a rapid change in persona where they will be driven to hunt any source of food, including animals. This only lasts for roughly one week before they are driven to burrow or seek dark enclosed spaces for the remainder of their hibernation period. loot The corpse of a Mountain Slime carries an aroma of alcohol. Players can scavenge 1D6 vials of this Mountain Wine. 8
Jag Slime Jag Slimes, or Pill Slimes, are a breed of Cold Slime that have evolved some similar methods as the Sticky Bomb. Behavior Jag Slimes are able to form their bodies into a ball shape, in a process known as conglobation. It shares this ability with numerous other organisms such as armadillos and pill bugs. The effect of this is a noticeable increase in their defences as well as improved internal temperature control. Males of the species seem to perform this conglobation far more often than females, possibly due to size differences between the two sexes. For this reason alone males are referred to as Pill Slimes and Females as Jag Slimes. Distribution This species is widespread in cold climates in both the north and the southern hemispheres. Southern hemisphere breeds are far larger than northern. Biology Jag Slimes can reach a weight between five hundred to eight hundred pounds. This breed is rare in that there are both males and females. The females almost always outsize the males, though there is little difference in aggression. Breeding Male and female sexes exist within this breed, driving migrations during winter to the coldest parts of the world. Once a female has chosen a mate they will dig into the ground to nest. This process produces an enormous change in temperature and visibility, making it difficult to know what exactly occurs. Weeks later anything up to a dozen young Jagged slimes will emerge, followed by their mother. There is usually no sign of the male counterpart, leading experts to believe that they are either consumed or the male’s body is divided to provide new bodies for the young. The female’s body could be what provides the male with the necessary environment to divide itself, though this is purely conjecture. 9
Metallic Slimes This species distinguishes itself by its specialised diet of particular metals. These diets have altered the appearance of the slimes of time and left them with physical features more unique than simple colouring. Gold Slime The commonly called Gold Slimes, Mollis Coronum, are a breed of Metallic slime found in deep caves. The name refers to the nodes of gold found in their epidermis. Description Gold slimes are one of the smaller breeds of Exos, with adults reaching no bigger than a foot across. Though they are small they have been known to weigh up to a hundred lbs or more. Distinguishing features This breed has a series of plate-like layers that overlap like a crustacean’s. Despite the hardened appearance the layers are not solid or used to protect the slime. In fact, the formation of this structure is how Gold Slimes manage to transport themselves with such a dense body mass. Life cycle The segments of a Gold slime detach themselves, burrowing deep into the earth. After several weeks of digesting the gold they separated from the mother slime, they emerge. These young slimes will begin their search for gold and will be the lightest they will ever weigh. At this size and weight, they can move much faster than other slimes. Ancient Gold Slime Gold Slimes that reach maturity and are not killed for their gold can continue to grow to huge sizes. These larger slimes fill entire mines with their mass and can carry entire hoards of wealth within their bodies. It is said they are filled with the kind of feverish need for gold that rivals even dragons. Relationship with humanoids Given the high value of the gold slime’s primary food, these slimes are viewed as a high prize when discovered in the wild. Other than this metal there is little else of value to the civilised world. loot Players can scavenge 4D6 gold from the slime. Ancient Gold Slime Loot Players can loot an additional 10D10 Gold from the corpse of an Ancient Gold Slime. 10
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Silver Slime Silver slimes, or sometimes slivers, are a breed of metallic slime that primarily seeks out silver nodes for food. Description Silver slimes are aggressive and persistent hunters. Often they will pursue prey long after they’ve left their natural environment. Life cycle Silver slimes insert a silver-tipped barb into live prey to begin the process of reproduction. The barb is hooked and not easily removed. A thin coat of Silver slime’s cells works its way inside the creature until it finds the stomach. It will settle here and consume all food that enters, along with the digestive acid. Eventually, the Slime will grow too large for its host and make its way out through the mouth. The host is often too weak to defend itself at this point but silver slimes will leave the victim in favour of silver deposits as they’re regularly born from the host fully fed. Relationship with humanoids Much like their close cousins, these slimes seek out silver as a food source. While not as highly prized as Gold Slimes they do still reward those brave enough to hunt them a small reward. The silver in their bodies is not much of a reward for the increased risk when compared to Gold slimes. Silver Slimes can more commonly be found near ruins where constructs remain on guard. Constructs are the prefered food source for these slimes as they tend to ignore the slime and can defend themselves from predators. Some goblinoid species have been seen to play host to this breed, some successfully managing the infection they bring as a way of holding status amongst their tribes. Co-evolution with humanoid species Silver Slimes are specialized argentivores (silver eaters) and are tied to the silver deposits and constructs upon which they feed. This coevolution implies that morphological traits of Silver Slimes, such as barbprojectiles, susceptibility to host willpower, and size are correlated with morphological traits of humanoids, for example, goblinoid intelligence, and body mass. Some species, especially those using much larger goblinoid hosts such as the bugbear, are co-evolved to produce larger barbs, require greater willpower to overcome, and take a bigger toll on the body. Removal of infection The barb is relatively simple to remove with medicine (DC 14) and numerous spells can cure the infection with immediate effect as it counts as a disease. loot Players can scavenge 4D6 silver from the slime. 12
Ancient Silver Slimes Much like the Ancient Gold Slimes that are allowed to flourish, the few Silver Slimes that reach maturity and remain unchecked will grow into the Ancient Silver Slime. Though their title as 'Ancient' is more of a misnomer, they are very distinct from their younger forms in demeanour and size. Not as large as Ancient gold Slimes, they can be found frequenting smaller tunnels. Ancient Silver Slimes do not limit themselves to hunting for silver to feed upon. Something in the way they behave suggests that they have adapted to transforming random metals directly into silver, which can be seen by the colouring of their flesh. The downside to this ability is that there is often waste matter that is left in their wake and sometimes they need to stop a while to purify what they have ingested, leaving them vulnerable to larger, more dangerous predators. A note on silver infections Under no circumstances should you allow such an infection to propagate within your body. While it may seem to some like an interesting decoration to one's body, be assured that the danger you present to innocent people is very real. The untold damage just one silver slime could do in an urban area would be astronomical! Ancient Silver Slime Loot Players can scavenge 5D10 silver from the slime in addition to any other loot they may find. Ancient Silver Slimes quite often carry numerous weapons and armours upon them in varying states of digestion. 13
Copper Slime Copper Slimes distinguish themselves with numerous pointed spines along their skin and a deep orange colouring. Description Skittish by nature, Copper Slimes retreat into shadow at the first hint of danger. They live off slow-moving animals and vegetation. The spines help grip the surrounding earth and rocks, allowing for increased speed and manoeuvrability. Copper Slimes can generate an electrical charge on command, which they use to stun solitary prey. It is uncommon for them to confront more than one creature at a time. Life cycle From the moment of their birth Copper Slimes are seeking out copper deposits. They do not feed often and grow very slowly. Habitat The perfect habitat for these slimes is wet and hot. Humid climates like jungles may help facilitate their stun defence. Though the most common sightings are near places with geothermal activity. loot Players can scavenge 6D6 Copper from the slime. 14
Tin Slime Tin Slimes have a grey-blue colouring and two pitted mounds near the front of their mass. Description Their opposing nature to copper slimes gets this breed into more trouble than they can often handle. There are many similarities with slugs that often have them mistaken as giant slugs. Distinguishing features Tins appear to have two linked nerve nests within protruding mounds on their body. These mounds display a small pit within each one that leads to a lattice of slime flesh grown over lumps of tin. Leading theories on the use of these pits is that they assist in pinpointing vibrational tracking. Echolocation seems unlikely as Tin slimes make no sound. Life cycle Tin slimes start life wrapped around tin deposits underground. They grow quickly and seek out vibrations. They do not seem overly aggressive and do not attack on sight. In some instances, they simply enjoy the vibrations given off by larger animals. Habitat The perfect habitat for these slimes is wet and hot. They gravitate towards other metallic slimes. 15
Mercury Slime Description The body forms of Mercury Slimes vary greatly but unlike most other slimes they are bilaterally symmetrical (though this is often hard to tell). The senses are just as underdeveloped as other slimes though they can detect mercury deposits in ore with great accuracy. This breed has cephalic tentacles that contain tighter-knit nerve nests than the rest of the body. This affords them a faster touchsensory response. Mercury Slimes can grow up to seven feet in length, weighing up to three hundred pounds. Lifecycle Mercury Slimes reaching maturity will leave their territory in search of water. Once they find somewhere cool enough they wrap themselves into a cocoon form underwater for several hours before a firm spiral of mercury and silver emerges from their body. Over the course of several days, this spiral will break apart, revealing offspring within. Habitat Mercury Slimes can be found near areas of geothermal activity. They are often seen sharing their territory with Silver Slimes. This cohabitation is thought to be due to the birthing process for Mercury Slimes which sees the emergence of silver from the body of the slime. This does seem unlikely as Silver slimes do not feed on the birthing spirals. 16
Iron Slime Description Light grey colour with iron spikes protruding from the surface. Small in size but large adults have been seen up to seven feet in diameter. Behaviour The only Metallic slime that does not go out of its way to consume metals from ore deposits. The Iron Slime accumulates Iron from its food (Dirt, Plants, Animals) and builds a store of the material within itself, growing the ironlike crystals until it protrudes from the surface of its body. Relationship with humans The breed can be an easy source of iron and the idea of farming these creatures for iron is not a new one. Lifecycle The Iron Slime has a gestation period of three months, one of the longest for slimes. They leave the mother’s core body mass and are guided by her onto her back where iron spikes are more visible and accessible. The young will cling to these spikes absorbing small amounts of the metal. Typically the slime gives birth to up to twenty young, most of which will not survive the first few days and are absorbed back into their mother. Habitat Iron slimes are nocturnal and adapted to the desert. They produce several layers of wax on their surface that help maintain their temperature and help seal in moisture. The iron that extends from their body also acts as a heatsink. When they remain still during the day they can bury these spikes deep into the ground beneath them, channelling their excess heat into the cool earth or sand. 17
Armour slimes This section describes breeds of slime that appear and function as forms of protective gear. Leather Slime Description The Leather slime is a breed of armour slime that prefers to mimic light armour worn by adventurers. It resembles armour that has been nearby the slime and can in fact be worn, providing similar protection (Albeit with noticeable downsides…) Behaviour Leather slimes have implemented an insidious method of feeding by absorbing nutrients through direct contact with adventurers foolish enough to wear them. They provide minimal protection in exchange for a steady supply of food. Relationship with humanoids As expected their reliance on humanoids is fundamental to their survival. Unlike mimics, they cannot drastically alter their appearance and so have tempered their hunting instincts enough to be somewhat useful to humanoids that make use of them. Some goblinoid species use them exclusively due to the ease of reproducing the Species. If ever a creature wearing a Leather Slime dies they are reanimated within hours and will seek out a new life form to feed on. These monstrosities are known as Leatherporters. Lifecycle The Leather Slime generally births within the dry season, requiring no partner to do so. The Slime requires only a moderate increase in nutrition, often provided for it by the humanoid attempting to aid the birthing process. This is usually viewed as a sacrificial ritual by such creatures, with them offering beasts and captured humanoids as food. Leather slimes tend to recognise humanoids however and will not feed at an increased rate to aid their reproduction. Habitat They tend to be picked up in underground ruins and tunnels, though the origin of such a species is still a mystery. Use as protective gear While being worn the slime provides equivalent protection to +2 leather armour. If the slime has bonded to a creature already wearing armour the bonuses do not stack, the greater of the two armours will be dominant. loot Players can scavenge LeatherArmour from the slime. Whether or not they should risk wearing it is entirely up to them! 18
Plated Slime A heavier cousin to the Leather Slime, this breed has evolved to resemble heavy plate armour. This focus works well as those who usually don heavier armour are usually a better source of food for these slimes. Description The Plated Slime appears as a set of plate armour. The surface is usually somewhat sticky to touch and a little warm. When worn as a set of armour the plates will adjust to accommodate the wearer better. Behaviour In the same fashion as their lighter cousins, Plated Slimes feed on the body of those that make use of them as armour. The slime feeds through surface contact initially, over time cementing its bond with a network of interconnected tissues and nerves. If its host ever dies it can reanimate it in a more complete way than the Leather Slime through its deeper bond. Relationship with humanoids Most smaller humanoid species avoid this Slime as the toll it takes is far heavier than other breeds. Some Dwarves have made use of them as a right of passage but for the most part, Plated Slimes are avoided. Normally only unsuspecting adventurers have made the mistake of wearing them by choice and some others simply fell victim to the resultant 'Ironcorpse' left behind after the aforementioned adventurers have succumbed to the slime's needs. Habitat Again this breed is found in ruins or wandering the caverns nearby as an 'Ironcorpse'. Iron corpse When the body of the Plated Slime's host dies there is not much left over. The remaining flesh and bone are reanimated by the slime's invasive network of cells and every aspect of that life form is controlled by the Plated Slime. Elements that are usually alien to a slime are assimilated, including some of that creature's intellect and memories. There have even been instances of Ironcorpse sorcerers. Leogan The Leogan is a version of the Iron Corpse where the host is still alive but unconscious. These creatures develop when a host shows no resistance and also has some sort of arcane affinity. Head injuries are the most common cause of this state and the Plated Slime takes full advantage of this. The Leogan knits its own cells ever deeper into the host, fully adopting the persona of the host, gaining all of their skills and memories. Leogans only manifest when their host is talented in the arcane, allowing the innate magic of the Plated Slime to flourish. Iron Leogans look near identical to their host humanoid, showing only spots of their protective armour through their host's skin. Lorica A Lorica is similar to the Leogan in that the host is brain dead but still very much alive. The slime connects all vital organs and supplements all vital signals the brain would normally handle. Lorica hosts have no magical talent or affinity and so do not benefit from any arcane power. This usually goes hand in hand with the host being far more physically skilled and so the Plated Slime will make the most of this information, growing itself over the host's body, driven by the humanoid's protective instincts. It uses the physical skills of the humanoid it controls while increasing its defences. 19
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Slick Shield This slime envelops any shield it can find and replaces the cracks and scratches with its own semi-clear form. Description Similar to other armour slimes these creatures link themselves to a host and feed only while the host is not exerting itself. The shield it contains itself within will often bear a noticeable sheen where the surface is coated with slime. This additional layer of protective cells ensure most blows to the metal end up only glancing strikes as they slide across the surface. Behaviour Shields with a Slick Shield attached to them act as they normally would, though with the added effect of the shield itself being more difficult to penetrate. This advantage is usually offset by the fact that the shield is permanently attached to the host and cannot be removed without killing the slime. Relationship with Humanoids Slick Shields are usually avoided by most intelligent creatures (as long as they know the signs to look for) as the price of wearing them is too great. Occasionally one may find a shield with a Slime attached to it in the possession of a creature that is unaware of the slime's presence. Slick Shield Armour (Shield), rare (requires attunement) A shield oozing with the power of slime While holding this shield, you have a bonus +1 to AC. This bonus is in addition to the shield’s normal bonus to AC. The user also has resistance to acid damage. At the end of every long rest the Slime deals 1d6 damage to the user. Glove Slime This slime replaces the padding in gloves and improves their grip, among other things... Description This slime is found in the cracks and crevices of all sorts of gloves. It often manifests as a greenish-black substance that seeps out of the gloves and covers the user's hands. Behaviour The slime is attracted to the warmth of hands and the salt in sweat. It will often ooze out of gloves to cover the hands of its host. Lifecycle The slime reproduces by releasing spores into the air which settle on gloves and begin to grow. Habitat The slime is found in all sorts of gloves, from work gloves to boxing gloves. Glove Slime Wondrous Item, rare (requires attunement) A glove filled with a sticky substance While wearing this glove, you can use an action to release a 20-foot-long line of slime from the glove at a point within 20 feet of you. The slime adheres to anything it hits. A creature adhered to the slime is restrained until it or another creature takes an action to pull it free. The slime pulls the restrained creature up to 20 feet closer to you each round. A creature restrained by the slime can use its action to make a DC 15 Strength check. On a success, it frees itself or another creature restrained by the slime. If you are wearing the glove, the slime doesn't adhere to you. 21
Time Slimes A slime that has taken into itself the arcane magics that guide time itself. These slimes are the rarest of all and without exception are found within complex or enchanted apparatus. Whoever created such machinations did so without respect for the infinite potential of the slime within! Slime-piece These have the appearance of a variety of time-keeping items. Description A slime with a time-based ability. It can be any colour and is typically small. Behaviour The Slime-piece can travel forwards or backwards in time. It does this by opening a time portal, which it can enter or exit at will. The size of the portal is proportional to the size of the Slime-piece. The portals are unstable and will close after a certain amount of time, typically a few minutes. If the Slime-piece is inside the portal when it closes, it will be trapped in the past or future until another time portal opens. Relationship with humans Slime pieces are used to slow time by some spellcasters to afford them more time to complete rituals. The time portals are largely ignored due to stability issues. Lifecycle Slime pieces reproduce by splitting into two. The new Slime-piece will be a copy of the original, with the same ability to travel through time and slow down time. Habitat Slime-piece can live in any environment, though it's difficult to confirm this as their origins are a closely held secret by those who possess them. Diet Slime pieces consume living matter just as other slimes do, though most of this matter is burned off. Dense pockets of colouring highlight protected nutrient-rich areas within the slime’s body. These ‘veins’ prevent the slime from simply burning off stores of prized minerals primarily used to manipulate the fabric of time. Slime-piece adventuring gear (wondrous item, neck) A pocket watch pulsating with time magic This pocket watch is used to temporarily slow down time. It takes a bonus action to wind up the watch and you can use a bonus action to activate the watch's effect. The effect lasts for 1 minute and can be activated again after the watch takes a short or long rest. While the watch is used, creatures within 10 feet of the user must pass a DC 18 Dexterity saving throw or take 1d8 force damage. Damage taken this way also incurs disadvantage. At the beginning of each turn, the affected creature may attempt the save again. If the creature is size Large or smaller, it must also make a Strength saving throw or be pulled 10 feet closer to the user. If the user moves more than 100 feet away from the watch, the effect ends. At the end of the effect, the watch can't be used again until the next dawn. 22
Slime Dial The slime dial is a small circular gadget with a moveable dial and engraved numbers running from zero to twentyfour. They have a large, centrally-located green gem, which is used to track the time. They also have a series of ‘slimy tentacles’, which they use to grip surfaces, usually hidden. Description A slime with a time-keeping ability. It is typically small and can be any colour. Behaviour These creatures are obsessed with time-keeping. It does this by using its large central eye to focus on the numbers of its surface or any other timepiece it can see. Relationship with humans Slime Dials are often used by humans to track time. However, they can be a nuisance, as they secrete a sticky substance which can make it difficult to remove them from surfaces. Lifecycle Slime Dials reproduce by splitting into two. The new Slime Dial will be a copy of the original, with the same ability to track the time. Habitat Slime Dials are a rare creation and can usually only be found where powerful wizards and alchemists have been known to live. Diet Slime Dials consume living matter just as other slimes do, though most of this matter is burned off. Dense pockets of colouring highlight protected nutrient-rich areas within the slime’s body. These ‘veins’ prevent the slime from simply burning off stores of prized minerals, to consume during times of scarce prey. Slime Dial adventuring gear (wondrous item, neck) A small dial with a green jewel set into its centre. The dial controls the flow of time but is erratic and not always beneficial. You can use an action to attach the Slime Dial around your neck. While wearing it, you can use a reaction to force a creature to reroll. After using this property, roll a d20. On a roll of 1, the dial detaches itself and teleports to a random location on the current plane of existence. The dial has 3 charges. It regains 1d3 expended charges daily at midnight. While wearing the Slime Time Dial, you suffer 1 level of exhaustion. 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 (With 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 strong digestive systems. 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
No Slime like the present! If you're looking to learn about all the different types of jellies, oozes, and slimes out there, then this is the encyclopedia for you! In this first volume, we cover the Slimes of the world in all their sticky, icky glory! Common fire slimes to the rarer Time Slimes will pick your game right up! 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. Art: Pixray Content lay out: GMBinder Written by: Nick Jones WWW.GMBINDER.COM