Need some tips on creating memorable yet threatening encounters using ochre jellies in DnD?
Yellowish ooze that can slide through narrow cracks, devour adventurers, and split into several other pieces. Of course, this is the ochre jelly of Dungeons & Dragons. However, creatures like this can be difficult for both new and veteran dungeon masters as it offers a bit of a stranger playstyle and takes more to control than just a simple goblin.
These creatures can be split into more pieces after being struck by a sharp blade or zapped with lightning damage, and these new pieces are smaller and have less health, but can still be incredibly deadly, especially for a new party.
What Is An Ochre Jelly?
Not to be confused with the Gelatinous Cube, your players don’t have to worry about getting engulfed by an ochre jelly, and it won’t be transparent. Instead, it’s a disgusting-looking ooze that can slide under doors and hang upside down on ceilings.
They mostly reside deep within dungeons, lurking on the floors and ceilings waiting for their victims to walk by before reaching out for them. The beauty of these monsters is they can be a multitude of different sizes, allowing for the DM to place them nearly anywhere.
Stack a few of these on the wall, in a small cubby, or sliding through stone cracks on the wall. Anywhere that is at least one inch wide, these monsters could be lurking. However, by starting large, you can really get more bang for your buck in combat, and it may just gross your party out!
How To Run An Ochre Jelly In Combat
Initially, these monsters may seem pretty docile and a bit boring to use in your campaign. However, they can definitely be interesting with how many different ways you can use them.
First and foremost is their ability to separate, creating more creatures for your party to fight. If they are slashed by a blade or struck with lightning, they can separate into another ochre jelly one size smaller than they began. Now, your party has two of these things chasing them and they have to worry about twice the damage. Not to mention, probably finding a new way to damage it.
Along with strong condition immunities, it makes it much tougher for your players to successfully crowd control these in a fight, making them a constant, slow-moving threat. A good way to keep your players on their toes is to stuff these jellies into a small desk drawer, cabinet, or chest. They will not be expecting it when the furniture blows their nose on them.
Utilize some of the following encounters to your advantage and surprise your party with a new monster fight. From dark, wet dungeons and open-world environments, these jellies can be lurking anywhere.
- Ambush in a small corridor: Imagine a dungeon's small hallway, its view restricted by its twists and turns. The players come to find an ochre jelly that is waiting for them as they make their way along the hallway. They are forced into quarters due to the limited area, and the jelly's corrosive attacks provide a serious risk. As players figure out how to navigate the confined area and deal with the jelly's caustic properties, you can encourage innovative problem-solving.
- Environment: Create environmental dangers in your dungeon by using ochre jellies. There may be a room with pools of acid and ochre jellyfish hiding under the surface that the players have to navigate.The tricky part is having to cope with the jellies that come out to assault while avoiding the corrosive pools. Environmental awareness and martial skills are put to the test in this encounter.
- Puzzle Pieces: Add ochre jellies to traps or puzzles in your dungeon. One room that players may come upon contains pressure plates that cause ochre jellies to burst from secret alcoves, or even from the pressure plates themselves. Players need to figure out the riddle and avoid setting off the traps in order to go forward securely. This kind of encounter gives the games a more strategic and problem-solving aspect.
Roleplaying As An Ochre Jelly
Fortunately for you as a DM, you won’t need to worry about small talk with these monsters as they can’t speak. So there are no last-minute names you need to think of or deep conversations that you need to improvise.
Because they are not intelligent, ochre jellies cannot plan ahead or communicate like other sentient beings. Play out their instinctive, primal actions, such as running for food, hiding when threatened, or laying in wait.
Describe how the ochre jelly splits into tiny jellies if it is impacted by sharp weapons. Explain how each of them shares the same mindless urge to eat, but if the circumstances call for it, they can work together to launch coordinated attacks.
With these tips, ochre jellies make for threatening and memorable encounters.
