Name: Metal Slime
Habitat: Outskirts of civilization, junkyards
Rarity: Uncommon
Threat: Moderate
Description:
Metal Slimes are an interesting manifestation of the complex interactions between the natural and the artificial. These sentient, semi-solid entities subsist entirely on metallic substances, finding sustenance in a myriad of sources ranging from spent shell casings to discarded vehicle parts. It’s said that these slimes evolved from other varieties of slimes.
They are intelligent enough to avoid dangers such as moving vehicles and high-traffic areas. They also tend not to consume structures where mortals tend to frequent as that tends to lead to being hunted.
Unlike other slimes, they do not have the ability to split off into separate entities. So, if they get too big they start to become a nuisance. They start taking more risks and become less fearful of mortal races, going as far as to attack them for whatever metals they might have on their person. The largest of them will actively hunt vehicles driving on the road or attach themselves to metallic structures. They are usually killed off before getting to this point though.
Biome Role:
Metal slimes can absorb metals, rust, etc. from the ground which improves soil quality if it’s been contaminated with metals. They tend to pop up after large battles and can restore nature to its original condition. They can also be a boon in a mechanic’s shop or junkyards where they consume and compress waste metal.
Diet: Metal
Aging & Reproduction: They are born in the presence of high concentrations of metal.
Size: Smallest ones are about the size of a fist. There is no upper limit, though the largest ones seen alive can be as big as a land vehicle.
Abilities and Features:
Metal consumption: The most obvious and well known ability they have is to absorb metal into their bodies. Most any metal will be liquified and added to its amorphous body given enough time.
Unibodied: Their body can be cut through like a typical green slime, although it’s much more ‘liquid’ than ‘gelatenous’. So, even if is cut through, it typically stays in one piece. However, chunks that are removed from the main body quickly harden and “die”.
Tendrils: It can form tendrils out of its body that can be hardened. These are deceptively strong and can be made quite pointy which it can use to kill if threatened.
Cultural Significance (If applicable): Most people tend not to care or notice these creatures because they keep to themselves. The average person inside a city might not even know that these creatures exist.
Reasons to interact:
Crafters might want one around to handle scraps
If one is able to starve one of metal for long enough, it will die. This death is much different from a sudden death from being destroyed. Over time its amorphous body will harden and compress. This can take weeks to months for the larger varieties. However, given enough time all that will be left is a small ore called “Talic”. This metal serves as a good material to use with world magic. Runeforgers/Scriveners can use it to make things that can handle electricity, earth, and metal magical properties. Alchemists can use it to make potions that can liquify metal.
Recommended Stats:
It is generally unadvised to try hurting it with conventional weaponry. Even the medium sized ones can survive a car crash unscathed and a simple swing of the sword will do next to nothing but pass through its body.
It is fairly easy to kill one by exposing it to extreme heat or cold and then hitting it if simply seeking to destroy it.
Apprentice+ magic to kill
