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Swarm of Crawling Claws

Medium · Undead · CR 3 · Neutral Evil

Source. 5e 2024 Rules

12 (natural armor)

49 (11d8)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

-3

WIS

CHA

-3

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Medium

Type Undead

Alignment Neutral Evil

XP 700

Initiative Bonus +2

Movement

Walk 30 ft (9.1 m)

Swim 15 ft (4.6 m)

Climb 30 ft (9.1 m)

Crawl 15 ft (4.6 m)

Senses

Blindsight 30 ft (9.1 m)

Passive Perception 10

Saving Throws

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

Languages

Understands Common but can't speak

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

necrotic, poison

Condition Immunities

charmed, exhaustion, frightened, grappled, incapacitated, paralyzed, petrified, poisoned, prone, restrained, stunned

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 creature. The swarm can't regain Hit Points or gain Temporary Hit Points.

Actions

Swarm of Grasping Hands

Cost 1

+4 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 4d8+2 necrotic damage.

Melee Attack Roll: +4, reach 5 ft. 20 (4d8 + 2) Necrotic damage, or 11 (2d8 + 2) Necrotic damage if the swarm is Bloodied. If the target is a Medium or smaller creature, it has the Prone condition.

About Swarm of Crawling Claws

Swarm of Crawling Claws is a medium undead with a Challenge Rating of 3. It has a neutral evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 12 and possesses 49 hit points (derived from 11d8).

Swarm of Crawling Claws has communication capabilities including Understands Common but can't speak. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Swarm of Crawling Claws

1 tips available

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

Climbing Advantage: This creature can climb at 30 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 Crawling Claws

1 strategies available

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

Climbing Defense: This creature can climb at 30 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 3.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 5 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 1,200 XP
Hard: 1,800 XP
Deadly: 2,400 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 Crawling Claws?: Swarm of Crawling Claws has a Challenge Rating of 3, making it appropriate for parties of level 3.0.
What type of creature is Swarm of Crawling Claws?: Swarm of Crawling Claws is a Medium Undead, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Swarm of Crawling Claws speak?: Swarm of Crawling Claws can communicate in Understands Common but can't speak.