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Swarm of Insects

Medium · Beast · CR 1/2 · Unaligned

Source. 5e 2024 Rules

11 (natural armor)

19 (3d8 + 6)

1/2

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

-4

DEX

CON

INT

-5

WIS

-2

CHA

-5

Overview

Category Animals

Size Medium

Type Beast

Alignment Unaligned

XP 100

Initiative Bonus +1

Movement

Walk 20 ft (6.1 m)

Fly 20 ft (6.1 m)

Swim 10 ft (3 m)

Climb 10 ft (3 m)

Crawl 10 ft (3 m)

Senses

Blindsight 30 ft (9.1 m)

Passive Perception 8

Saving Throws

Strength -4 Dexterity +1 Constitution +2 Intelligence -5 Wisdom -2 Charisma -5

Traits

Spider Climb

If the swarm has a Climb Speed, the swarm can climb difficult surfaces, including along ceilings, without needing to make an ability check.

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

Actions

Bites

Cost 1

+3 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d4+1 poison damage.

Melee Attack Roll: +3, reach 5 ft. 6 (2d4 + 1) Poison damage, or 3 (1d4 + 1) 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 unaligned alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 11 and possesses 19 hit points (derived from 3d8 + 6).

GM Tips: Using Swarm of Insects

1 tips available

When using Swarm of Insects 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 Insects

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 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.