Frostbite Jelly
A well-camouflaged, icy ooze that preys on warmer lifeforms. Can change between two distinct forms.
Originally thought to be two similar but distinct creatures, the frostbite jelly is a carnivorous magical slime that dwells in the coldest regions of Urvén, particularly in locations that have seen large amounts of arcane activity. They are now known for having the ability to convert their normally slushy form into a crystallised, transparent form much like ice.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Like most of their brethren, frostbite jellies are almost entirely amorphous and can make great changes to their shape. They do differ, however, in having two distinct phases that they may shift between as needs arise. By default, a frostbite jelly appears as though made from fresh snow, but they may harden into an almost perfect facsimile of pure ice. Dissection and testing of remains has revealed that the ooze has substantial control over its internal temperature and can shape and freeze portions of itself into position. Therefore, while not truly accurate, it may be simplest to view the two forms of the jelly as being like the phase changes of water.
Frostbite jellies are far less acidic than other oozes, relying on freezing prey solid and then resting upon it for the extended period of time required to absorb the nutrients.
Genetics and Reproduction
Like most other oozes, the jelly grows steadily as it consumes food. Eventually, upon reaching an upper limit on size, it splits in half. Rumours persist of particularly large specimens that have elected to not divide for an unknown reason.
Ecology and Habitats
Frostbite jellies thrive in locations that remain below freezing. Above this temperature, they may struggle to regulate their shape and may remain trapped in their slushy, snow-like form. At substantially sub-zero temperatures - particularly areas of magical cold - the jelly may elect to remain in its ice-like form for extended periods of time.
The jellies do not survive well in water due to their frigid forms naturally freezing the fluid around them. If fully encompassed, they are forced to enter an extended hibernative state which may, in unfortunate circumstances, lead to them being deposited within an iceberg to a climate unsuitable for their survival.
Dietary Needs and Habits
The jelly hunts almost exclusively using its natural camouflage and almost endless patience. By lying in wait within the snow, it can remain passive for days, only moving once a creature steps into its form. Most small creatures are completely unable to shake off the jelly once it has begun to leech the warmth from them, while large creatures fall victim to its more direct attacks.
Frostbite jellies will also take the shape of a cluster of icicles and suspend themselves from overhangs in an attempt to drop onto a victim. This is most common in places with little snowfall for the jelly to hide within.
Unlike most oozes, they are barely acidic and take substantially longer to digest their frozen prey. They will usually form a (still disguised) slushy mass around their victim for several days, only moving if an additional creature makes contact. Due to their low acidity, they usually leave behind more mess than other oozes.
These behaviours change if the frostbite jelly finds itself in an environment consistently above freezing temperature. In these cases, activity is more frenetic due to requiring unsustainable levels of sustenance.
Additional Information
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Having no visible sensory organs, the frostbite jelly relies on sensing temperature changes and movement to seek prey.
Urvén Homebrew
Frostbite Jelly CR: 1
STR
14 +2
DEX
6 -2
CON
17 +3
INT
1 -5
WIS
7 -2
CHA
2 -4
Shapechanger. The ooze can use its action to polymorph into ice form or back into its true, snow form. Its statistics, other than its resistances, are the same in each form. It reverts to its true form if it dies.
Amorphous (Snow Form Only). The ooze can move through a space as narrow as 1 inch wide without squeezing.
False Appearance. While the ooze remains motionless, it is indistinguishable from fresh snow or jagged ice.
Actions
Multiattack (Ice Form Only). The ooze makes two icicle attacks.
Pseudopod (Snow Form Only). Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) bludgeoning damage plus 7 (2d6) cold damage. If the target is a Medium or smaller creature, it is grappled (escape DC 12). The ooze may only grapple a single target, but may continue to make pseudopod attacks to any target within range. A creature grappled in this way takes 7 (2d6) cold damage at the start of its turn.
Icicle (Ice Form Only). Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (2d6 + 2) slashing damage plus 3 (1d6) cold damage. If this attack hits a target after the ooze has dropped onto them from above, it is a critical hit.
Worldember 2022
Article Links
Archfey, The Baba, Bag of Bountiful Bread, Ceaseless Slough, Classifications of Powerful Beings, Echo Pastries, The Eldest Tree, Frostbite Jelly, The Hedge, Hollowfolk, Home At The Centre Of The Maze, Languid Lake, Plane of Creation, Recurrants, The Scribes, The Toad Prince, Underbridge, Week of Shadows
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