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Swarm of Fire Dancers

Medium · Elemental · CR 7 · Neutral Evil

Source. Tome of Beasts 1 (2023 Edition)

90 (12d8 + 36)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

-2

WIS

CHA

-2

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Medium

Type Elemental

Alignment Neutral Evil

XP 2900

Initiative Bonus +5

Movement

Walk 30 ft (9.1 m)

Fly 30 ft (9.1 m)

Swim 15 ft (4.6 m)

Climb 15 ft (4.6 m)

Crawl 15 ft (4.6 m)

Senses

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 10

Languages

Ignan

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

fire, poison

Damage Resistances

bludgeoning, piercing, slashing

Condition Immunities

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

Traits

Elemental Nature

The swarm of fire dancers doesn't require air, food, drink, or sleep.

Fire Form

A creature that touches the swarm or hits it with a melee attack while within 5 feet of it takes 5 (1d10) fire damage. In addition, the first time the swarm enters a creature’s space on a turn, that creature takes 5 (1d10) fire damage and catches fire. Until a creature, which can include the target, uses an action to douse the fire, the creature takes 5 (1d10) fire damage at the start of each of its turns.

Illumination

The swarm sheds bright light in a 30-foot radius and dim light to an additional 30 feet.

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 Elemental. The swarm can’t regain hp or gain temporary hp.

Water Susceptibility

For every 5 feet the swarm moves in water, or for every gallon of water splashed on it, it takes 1 cold damage.

Actions

Frightening Visage

Recharge 5–6

The swarm rearranges itself into the shape of a giant, blue, flaming Humanoid skull. Each Humanoid within 30 feet of the swarm that can see it must succeed on a DC 16 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened for 1 minute. A frightened creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success.

Multiattack

The swarm of fire dancers can use its Frightening Visage, if available. It then makes two Singe attacks.

Singe

+8 to hit. Hit: 4d10 fire damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 0 ft., one target in the swarm's space. Hit: 22 (4d10) fire damage, or 11 (2d10) fire damage if the swarm has half its hp or fewer.

About Swarm of Fire Dancers

Swarm of Fire Dancers is a medium elemental with a Challenge Rating of 7. It has a neutral evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 15 and possesses 90 hit points (derived from 12d8 + 36).

Swarm of Fire Dancers has communication capabilities including Ignan. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Swarm of Fire Dancers

2 tips available

When using Swarm of Fire Dancers 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.
Fire Damage Mitigation: This creature deals fire damage. Advise players to have fire resistance ready or use water-based tactics. Consider environmental fire hazards that could backfire on the creature.

Player Guide: Facing Swarm of Fire Dancers

2 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.
Fire Damage Protection: This creature deals fire damage! Get fire resistance from spells like 'Resistance' or potions. Avoid fighting near flammable objects. Water spells can counter fire attacks.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 7.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 10 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 5,600 XP
Hard: 8,400 XP
Deadly: 11,200 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 Fire Dancers?: Swarm of Fire Dancers has a Challenge Rating of 7, making it appropriate for parties of level 7.0.
What type of creature is Swarm of Fire Dancers?: Swarm of Fire Dancers is a Medium Elemental, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Swarm of Fire Dancers speak?: Swarm of Fire Dancers can communicate in Ignan.