Gelatinous Cube
Large Ooze · · CR 2
- Ooze
- Large
- Tier 1
Gelatinous Cube, CR 2, fills the large ooze role with unaligned disposition. Encounter regions: underground. Sourced from Monster Manual (5e 2014) and Monster Manual (5.5e 2024).
Stat Block
- Challenge Rating
- 2
- Type
- Ooze
- Size
- Large
- Alignment
- —
- Speed
- —
- Habitats
- Underground
- Sources
- Monster Manual (5e 2014), Monster Manual (5.5e 2024)
Ecology
Gelatinous cubes inhabit dungeon corridors, sewer systems, and abandoned mines where regular paths funnel them through cleaning routes. They consume any organic matter they engulf, slowly dissolving flesh while leaving metal, gems, and bones suspended. A cube grows by accretion, sliding through tunnels for decades until it reaches the maximum size its corridor allows. They split when too large, producing two smaller cubes.
Behaviour
The cube has no intelligence, only stimulus response. It moves toward warmth and motion, engulfing what it can and continuing along its path. It does not attack walls or doors, merely flowing past obstacles too large to engulf. It cannot retreat once committed to a direction, simply pressing forward until the corridor ends or it engulfs something. Its only defense is its acidic bulk.
Origin
Gelatinous cubes are believed to be a degraded form of slime evolved in dungeon environments, taking on rectangular shapes due to long residence in corridors. Some sages argue they are actually a magical creation, animated cleaning constructs whose maker forgot to deactivate them. Either way, they are now self-perpetuating, dividing and growing wherever organic refuse accumulates in regular geometric tunnels.
Related Monsters
Frequently Asked Questions about Gelatinous Cube
- What is the challenge rating of Gelatinous Cube?
- Gelatinous Cube has a challenge rating of 2. It suits an early or mid tier-1 group.
- What type of creature is Gelatinous Cube?
- By creature type, Gelatinous Cube is a ooze, large size.
- Where does Gelatinous Cube live?
- Gelatinous Cube's listed habitats include Underground.