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Shard Swarm

Medium · Construct · CR 1/2 · Unaligned

Source. Creature Codex
Armor Class
13 (natural armor)
Hit Points and Hit Dice
22 (5d8)
Challenge Rating CR
1/2

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR
3
-4
DEX
13
+1
CON
11
+0
INT
1
-5
WIS
5
-3
CHA
1
-5

Overview

Category Monsters
Size Medium
Type Construct
Alignment Unaligned
XP 100
Initiative Bonus +1

Movement

Fly 30 ft (9.1 m)

Senses

Blindsight 60 ft (18.3 m)
Passive Perception 7

Languages

-

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities
poison, psychic
Damage Resistances
bludgeoning, piercing, slashing
Condition Immunities
blinded, charmed, deafened, exhaustion, frightened, paralyzed, petrified, poisoned, prone

Traits

Antimagic Susceptibility

The swarm is incapacitated while in the area of an antimagic field. If targeted by the dispel magic spell, the swarm must succeed on a Constitution saving throw against the caster's spell save DC or fall unconscious for 1 minute.

Come Together (3/Day)

If the shard swarm has at least 1 hit point and all of its pieces are within 30 feet of each other, the pieces can re-form as a bonus action in any space containing at least one of its pieces.

False Appearance

While the swarm remains motionless and isn't flying, it is indistinguishable from a normal pile of junk.

Swarm

The swarm can occupy another creature's space and vice versa, and the swarm can move through any opening large enough for a pebble. The swarm can't regain hp or gain temporary hp.

Actions

Contain

Recharge 5–6

The shard swarm envelopes one Medium or smaller creature in its space. The target must succeed on a DC 13 Dexterity saving throw or be restrained inside the swarm for 1 minute. The target has disadvantage on this saving throw if the shard swarm used Come Together to form in the target's space. While restrained, the target doesn't take damage from the swarm's Shards action, but it takes 5 (2d4) slashing damage if it takes an action that requires movement, such as attacking or casting a spell with somatic components. A creature within 5 feet of the swarm can take an action to pull a restrained creature out of the swarm. Doing so requires a successful DC 13 Strength check, and the creature making the attempt takes 5 (2d4) slashing damage.

Shards

+3 to hit. Hit: 2d4 slashing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 0 ft., one creature in the swarm's space. Hit: 5 (2d4) slashing damage or 2 (1d4) slashing damage if the swarm has half of its hp or less.

Shrapnel

+3 to hit, range 30 ft (9.1 m). Hit: 1d6 piercing damage.

Ranged Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, range 30 ft., one target. Hit: 3 (1d6) piercing damage. A piece of the swarm breaks off, falling into the target's space.

About Shard Swarm

Shard Swarm is a medium construct with a Challenge Rating of 1/2. It has a unaligned alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 13 and possesses 22 hit points (derived from 5d8).

Shard Swarm has communication capabilities including -. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Shard Swarm

1 tips available

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

  • Flight Control Strategy: Target flying creatures with spells like 'Hold Person', 'Web', or 'Grease' to ground them. Without flight restriction, they can escape melee range easily. Consider area denial spells below their flight altitude to force them into disadvantageous positions.

Player Guide: Facing Shard Swarm

1 strategies available

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

  • Counter Flight Advantage: This creature can fly! Use ranged attacks, reach weapons, or spells like 'Thunderwave' to push it away. Consider 'Gust of Wind' or 'Earthbind' to ground it. Melee characters need fly speed or flight magic to engage.

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 Shard Swarm?
Shard Swarm has a Challenge Rating of 1/2, making it appropriate for parties of level 0.5.
What type of creature is Shard Swarm?
Shard Swarm is a Medium Construct, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Shard Swarm speak?
Shard Swarm can communicate in -.

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