FREQUENCY: Rare
FREQUENCY: Rare ([Dungeon Level VI])


NO. APPEARING: 1
ARMOR CLASS: 2
MOVE: 9"
HIT DICE: 6 to 8
% IN LAIR: 50%
TREASURE TYPE: [D]
NO. OF ATTACKS: Variable
DAMAGE/ATTACK: 6-36 or by weapon type
SPECIAL ATTACKS: [SB]
SPECIAL DEFENSES: Nil
MAGIC RESISTANCE: Standard
INTELLIGENCE: Average
ALIGNMENT: Chaotic neutral
SIZE: L
LEVEL/X.P. VALUE:
    6HD: V | 400 + 6
    7HD: VI | 575 + 8
    8HD: VI | 925 + 10

Protein polymorphs are intelligent cellular colonies with the ability to
assume any form they choose. They may take the form of inanimate
objects or animate creatures of 8 or fewer HD (depending on the
size of the protein polymorph - 6, 7 or 8 HD). The form assumed
may actually be that of several forms connected by a near-invisible
(10% chance of detection) cord or film of protoplasm. The cells of
the protein polymorph may specialise or de-specialise at will, taking
on different textures and colours, changing completely in only one
round.

These 'creatures' are extremely versatile. They may imitate anything
from a pile of treasure to a small-sized room, to a party of half a
dozen humans or a dozen kobolds. They will, in general, assume any
form likely to draw prey, for they feed on humans and animals with
little regard for type and size. They may even mix inanimate objects
within their structure to add authenticity - a room or a corridor may,
for instance, be part-stone and part protein polymorph. Imitated
creatures may wear real clothing and wield real weapons (often
acquired from previous victims).

There are limits to the protein polymorph's degree of cellular control
- it cannot accurately copy facial expressions, nor, can it effectively
duplicate the sound of speech. These limitations may lead to the exposure
of the imposture as animate creatures. Similarly, if a protein
polymorph disguises itself as an inanimate object, there is a base
chance of detecting the imposture from a distance of 10' away, but
upon touch the animate nature of the cells is instantly revealed.

The normal attack of a protein polymorph is to bludgeon its prey and
then enfold and crush it, inflicting 6-36 hit points of damage per
round. When in the form of weapon-wielding creatures, multiple or
single, it will attack as the creatures themselves would normally
attack, doing damage by weapon-type as appropriate.

Protein polymorphs possess the normal strengths of imitated creatures
but not those creatures' special abilities.
 

by Tom Moldvay