Mold, Slime

ECOLOGY

Environment any
Organization solitary, pair, or swarm (3–6)
Treasure incidental

Slime molds are naturally occurring organisms rarely larger than a few dozen centimeters in size. However, a few touched by cosmic energy become far larger creatures that spread slowly between star systems via spores that travel through space. They are sometimes brought to other worlds by the mi-go or other starfaring entities.

Slime molds can be controlled via bio-mechanical devices or druidic rituals, which make them potentially useful. Their preferred habitat is oxygen-free frozen worlds, but the adaptable creatures can survive for prolonged periods elsewhere. Since other environments are unhealthy for slime molds, they are under constant stress when forced to inhabit such locales. They respond with heightened metabolism and determined attempts to reproduce. As a result, instead of storing energy, as soon as a slime mold absorbs food in a terrestrial setting, it begins repeatedly undergoing mitosis. This is a losing battle, and eventually the slime mold dies, having exhausted its reserves.

Like their terrestrial namesakes, slime molds are functionally vast single-celled organisms. They are often quite brightly colored. Slime molds can swell up to around 6-8 feet tall and typically weigh a ton or so.

Their fluidity allows them to easily squeeze through small cracks or ooze up walls.