Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Swarm of Insects

Medium · Beast · CR 1/2 · Chaotic Evil

Armor Class
12
Hit Points and Hit Dice
22 (5d8)
Challenge Rating CR
1/2

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR
2
-4
DEX
14
+2
CON
10
+0
INT
1
-5
WIS
6
-2
CHA
4
-3

Overview

Category Monsters
Size Medium
Type Beast
Alignment Chaotic Evil
XP 100
Initiative Bonus +2

Movement

Walk 20 ft (6.1 m)
Swim 10 ft (3 m)
Climb 20 ft (6.1 m)
Crawl 10 ft (3 m)

Senses

Blindsight 10 ft (3 m)
Passive Perception 8

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Resistances
bludgeoning, piercing, slashing
Condition Immunities
charmed, frightened, grappled, paralyzed, petrified, prone, restrained, stunned, unconscious

Traits

Swarm

The swarm can occupy another creatures space and move through any opening large enough for a Tiny creature. It can't gain hit points or temporary hit points.

Actions

Bites

+4 to hit. Hit: 2d10 piercing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 0 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d10) piercing damage or 5 (1d10) piercing damage if the swarm is bloodied.

Venom

+4 to hit. Hit: 2d4 plus 2d6 poison damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 0 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (2d4) piercing damage plus 7 (2d6) poison damage or 2 (1d4) piercing damage plus 3 (1d6) poison damage if the swarm is bloodied.

About Swarm of Insects

Swarm of Insects is a medium beast with a Challenge Rating of 1/2. It has a chaotic evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 12 and possesses 22 hit points (derived from 5d8).

GM Tips: Using Swarm of Insects

1 tips available

When using Swarm of Insects in your D&D 5e campaign, consider these tactical approaches:

  • Climbing Advantage: This creature can climb at 20 ft. It can use walls and ceilings for tactical positioning. Consider using 'Spider Climb' negation or fighting in open areas without vertical surfaces.

Player Guide: Facing Swarm of Insects

1 strategies available

When your party encounters this creature, keep these strategies in mind:

  • Climbing Defense: This creature can climb at 20 ft! It can use walls and ceilings for surprise attacks. Fight in open areas without vertical surfaces. 'Spider Climb' negation spells can help.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 1.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 2 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

  • Medium: 75 XP
  • Hard: 112 XP
  • Deadly: 150 XP

Based on D&D 5e Dungeon Master's Guide encounter building guidelines. CR roughly equals party level for medium encounters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the challenge rating of Swarm of Insects?
Swarm of Insects has a Challenge Rating of 1/2, making it appropriate for parties of level 0.5.
What type of creature is Swarm of Insects?
Swarm of Insects is a Medium Beast, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.

Related D&D 5e Content

Related Creatures