Monsterology: The Gelatinous Cube
Today we take a closer look at the Gelatinous Cube, perhaps one of the most iconic monsters Dungeons & Dragons has to offer. While the cube will never be the mastermind of a deadly plot against the party, there are some great ways to incorporate it into an adventure.
Now as per the usual here at Monsterology, we are not going to be discussing the creature from a combat perspective, rather, we want to look at the best way to fit the monster into your adventure. That said, here are somethings you must know about the Gelatinous Cube.
It is nearly transparent, though you’ll see indigestible bits floating about in it once it has consumed something.
It can move at a speed of 15, so while you can outrun it, it’s not moving at a snail’s pace.
It’s made of acid which tends to melt flesh well before it dissolves objects.
If you touch it, it will try to absorb you, where you will suffocate while being dissolved.
It has an Intelligence of 1.
So clearly, with an Intelligence of 1, the cube acts in the most animalistic way possible. Generally it tends to move towards anything it can consume, and it avoids fire whenever possible. For this reason, you should be as creative as possible when putting one to use. Here are some suggestions:
Place the cube in a perfectly square hole in the floor. Place an illusionary floor (or a very thin rug) over it, and wait for someone to step on it.
Place the cube in a ceiling compartment in a hallway that leads to a dead end. When the party reaches the end of the hall the cube drops into the passage, perfectly filling the space. It then moves slowly towards the party, until it is killed or the party has no choice but to pass through it.
Place it in a doorway, fixed in place by a spell. Players who don’t notice the faint shimmer of its body will walk directly into it.
Place the cube in a treasure vault, chained in place. Inside the cube is an acid proof chest that holds an item the party must acquire.
Place it in a catapult and fire it at the players, or allow the players to lure it into a catapult so it can be flung at something that must be dissolved.
Have a lich, now reduced to a clothed skeleton, live within the cube and telepathically control it.
Have the cube contain valuable loot, and be placed in a room with a grate on the floor. players must use themselves as bait to move the cube towards them, or fire to move it away from them. Should the cube move over the grate, it slides through, leaving behind the treasure.
Place the cube in a large cauldron above a castle gate. When the player’s try to enter, pour it on them like it’s boiling oil.
Put the cube in a decorative pond, with fish and plants made of gemstones suspended inside. Do not tell the player’s that what is inside the pond is not water.
A cube has oozed it’s way into a suit of plate mail worn by a giant. The giant has died and been dissolved into a skeleton. The cube can now crudely animate the armored skeleton as bits of jelly drip from it’s joints. The cube will try to pick the players up and stuff them into the visor of it’s helmet so it can consume them. Destroying the joints of the armor will cause the ooze to burst out of it. The giant wears a ring the players must retrieve.
As you can see, there are some really interesting ways you can utilize the cube that doesn’t involve stumbling across one just wandering around. Often they can be the centerpiece of a devious trap, or as the guardian of any treasure that cant be dissolved. You can also pour some into bottles labeled “healing potion” and see what happens. The possibilities are endless.
Have fun with your cube and remember,
Happy roleplaying, and may the dice be ever in your favor.
Gelatinous Cube
By Akreon
https://www.deviantart.com/akreon/art/Gelatinous-Cube-888599578
