Shoggoth

. . . multicellular protoplasmic masses capable of molding their tissues into all sorts of temporary organs under hypnotic influence . . . thereby forming ideal slaves to perform heavy work. These viscous masses were without doubt what Abdul Al-hazred whispered about as the “Shoggoths” in his frightful Necronomicon . . .

— H. P. Lovecraft

A Shoggoth is a huge, oozing, multi-cellular mass, typically black in color. As it needs or wills, it produces or dissolves temporary eyes, vocal apparatus, or other organs within its form. It commonly communicates by whistling and piping noises, imitating the speech of former masters, the Elder Things.

It can be enthralled by a trance resembling hypnosis, leaving it completely under the sway of the entrancer. The Shoggoth may not enjoy this experience, as testified by the great revolt against the Elder Things.

A Shoggoth typically attacks by engulfing a foe and sucking apart the victim. Its loathsome power and near-immunity to most types of physical attack give this creature a deservedly fearsome reputation.

Habitat : primarily undersea on Earth, though capable of living on land.

Distribution : the Shoggoth is not widely found, fortunately. Even Abdul Al-hazrad (properly, Abd Alazrad) in his Necronomicon did not admit that any were found on Earth. Sadly he appears to have been quite wrong. These useful slaves are found on any planet ruled or once ruled by Elder Things; other intelligent species may also find Shoggoths of value. Life and Habits : a Shoggoth reproduces by budding, and feeds on any organic matter it absorbs or engulfs. It can live almost anywhere, though on Earth the species primarily persists in the deep sea, where a few have been tamed by Deep Ones for mysterious schemes against humankind.

A Shoggoth is extremely tough: it is cold-resistant, not especially afraid of fire, nor is it flammable, unlike many fabled monsters in Hollywood movies. Deal with an aggressive Shoggoth by headlong flight.

Distinguishing Shoggoths :

• Azathoth does not reform eyes and odder organs from its mass.

• Flying Polyps fly, and often become invisible.

• Formless Spawn are, overall, pitch-black and form characteristically vertebrate-like organs, such as heads and legs from their body mass.

Comparative height chart

Free-Floating The Shoggoth naturally assumes a spheroid shape about 15’ in diameter.

Fig. 21—Shoggoth in water.