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Swarm of Rats

Medium · Beast · CR 1/4 · Unaligned

Source. 5e 2024 Rules

10 (natural armor)

14 (4d8 - 4)

1/4

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

-1

DEX

CON

-1

INT

-4

WIS

CHA

-4

Overview

Category Animals

Size Medium

Type Beast

Alignment Unaligned

XP 50

Initiative Bonus +0

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

Darkvision 30 ft (9.1 m)

Passive Perception 10

Saving Throws

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

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

Actions

Bites

Cost 1

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

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

About Swarm of Rats

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

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 10 and possesses 14 hit points (derived from 4d8 - 4).

GM Tips: Using Swarm of Rats

1 tips available

When using Swarm of Rats 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 Rats

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 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 Rats?: Swarm of Rats has a Challenge Rating of 1/4, making it appropriate for parties of level 0.25.
What type of creature is Swarm of Rats?: Swarm of Rats is a Medium Beast, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.