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Swarm of Bats

Large · Beast · CR 1/4 · Unaligned

Source. 5e 2024 Rules

12 (natural armor)

11 (2d10)

1/4

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

-3

DEX

CON

INT

-4

WIS

CHA

-3

Overview

Category Animals

Size Large

Type Beast

Alignment Unaligned

XP 50

Initiative Bonus +2

Movement

Walk 5 ft (1.5 m)

Fly 30 ft (9.1 m)

Swim 2 ft (0.6 m)

Climb 2 ft (0.6 m)

Crawl 2 ft (0.6 m)

Senses

Blindsight 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 11

Saving Throws

Strength -3 Dexterity +2 Constitution +0 Intelligence -4 Wisdom +1 Charisma -3

Traits

Swarm

The swarm can occupy another creature's space and vice versa, and the swarm can move through any opening large enough for a Tiny bat. The swarm can't regain Hit Points or gain Temporary Hit Points.

Actions

Bites

Cost 1

+4 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d4 piercing damage.

Melee Attack Roll: +4, reach 5 ft. 5 (2d4) Piercing damage, or 2 (1d4) Piercing damage if the swarm is Bloodied.

About Swarm of Bats

Swarm of Bats is a large beast with a Challenge Rating of 1/4. It has a unaligned alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 12 and possesses 11 hit points (derived from 2d10).

GM Tips: Using Swarm of Bats

1 tips available

When using Swarm of Bats 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 Swarm of Bats

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: 31 XP
Hard: 46 XP
Deadly: 62 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 Bats?: Swarm of Bats has a Challenge Rating of 1/4, making it appropriate for parties of level 0.25.
What type of creature is Swarm of Bats?: Swarm of Bats is a Large Beast, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.