ECOLOGY

Environment underground
Organization solitary
Treasure standard

The ebon ooze is a cousin of the black pudding. It has an affinity for negative energy, and tends to dwell in locations near undead and evil priests. Unlike most oozes, an ebon ooze is intelligent, and takes great pleasure in stalking and devouring living creatures. Although it is not harmed by sunlight, the ebon ooze finds it painful, and usually takes shelter in a dark, shady location if outdoors during the day.

Ebon oozes are ambush predators, using terrain to their advantage to conceal itself until prey draws near. If it feels it clearly outmatches its prey, an ebon ooze may choose to forego grabbing and killing it outright, instead stalking and toying with it. However, when facing a clearly superior opponent, the ebon ooze is not afraid to retreat, and generally tries to have some means of escape should a fight go against it, such as a deep, narrow crevice or the bottom of a deep pool.