Doomslugs

Doomslugs are a fictional species of large terrestrial gastropods that appear in fantasy and science fiction settings. They are typically described as slow-moving, hardy mollusks with a thick mantle, no true shell, and a ring of hardened tissue around the body. The defining feature is an acidified slime produced by specialized glands. The slime may corrode metal, irritate tissue, or deter predators, depending on the depiction.

Doomslugs inhabit damp, shadowy places in imagined worlds, such as caves, forests with high humidity, and geothermal valleys. They are usually solitary and largely nocturnal, feeding on decaying plant matter, fungi, and occasionally small invertebrates. Reproduction and development vary by work, but common elements include gelatinous egg masses laid in sheltered locations and direct development into juvenile slugs that reach maturity after a variable period.

Ecology and behavior: Doomslugs move by muscular contractions and leave slime trails that other creatures may use for navigation or nourishment. Their slime can be an emergency defense, and some depictions portray predation on small animals or detritivory on decomposing matter. They are often portrayed as hazardous to adventurers, requiring protective gear or careful routing to avoid contact.

In culture: Doomslugs frequently function as environmental hazards, puzzle mechanics, or boss enemies in games and tabletop settings, where players must manage slime exposure or exploit weaknesses in the creature’s physiology.