Autonomous behaviour

Between tasks, a slime assesses its surroundings, needs and current orders. Immediate flight takes priority over combat; combat over hunting and foraging; meeting a critical need over aimless wandering. A useful journey already underway is not abandoned at every small change.

Foragers usually carry their loads to the nest before looking for a new destination. Critical hunger, thirst or exhaustion may interrupt a delivery. This can look indecisive, but it is a safety choice: a parcel helps the colony little if its carrier collapses on the way.