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Swarm of Manabane Scarabs

Medium · Beast · CR 4 · Unaligned

Source. Tome of Beasts 1 (2023 Edition)

15 (natural armor)

82 (11d8 + 33)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

-4

DEX

CON

INT

-5

WIS

CHA

-4

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Medium

Type Beast

Alignment Unaligned

XP 1100

Initiative Bonus +3

Movement

Walk 10 ft (3 m)

Fly 20 ft (6.1 m)

Swim 5 ft (1.5 m)

Climb 5 ft (1.5 m)

Burrow 20 ft (6.1 m)

Crawl 5 ft (1.5 m)

Senses

Darkvision 30 ft (9.1 m)

Blindsight 10 ft (3 m)

Tremorsense 30 ft (9.1 m)

Passive Perception 13

Skills

Perception +3 Stealth +5

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Resistances

bludgeoning, piercing, slashing

Condition Immunities

charmed, frightened, grappled, paralyzed, petrified, prone, restrained, stunned

Traits

Limited Magic Immunity

The swarm of manabane scarabs can’t be affected or detected by spells of 2nd level or lower unless it wishes to be. It has advantage on saving throws against all other spells and magical effects.

Sense Magic

The swarm of manabane scarabs senses magic within 120 feet of it at will. This trait otherwise works like the detect magic spell but isn’t itself magical.

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 hp or gain temporary hp.

Actions

Bites

+5 to hit. Hit: 8d6 piercing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 0 ft., one creature in the swarm's space. Hit: 28 (8d6) piercing damage, or 14 (4d6) piercing damage if the swarm has half of its hit points or fewer, and the swarm can attempt to end one random magical effect of 2nd level or lower on the target. This effect works like the dispel magic spell, except the swarm must always make an ability check. Its ability check for this is +5.

Bonus Actions

Drain Magic Item

The swarm drains the magic from one magic item in its space that isn't being worn or carried. A magic item with charges loses 1d4 charges, an item with limited uses per day loses one daily use, and a single-use item, such as a potion or spell scroll is destroyed. All other magic items have their effects suppressed for 1 minute. A drained item regains its magic after 1 hour.

About Swarm of Manabane Scarabs

Swarm of Manabane Scarabs is a medium beast with a Challenge Rating of 4. It has a unaligned alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 15 and possesses 82 hit points (derived from 11d8 + 33).

GM Tips: Using Swarm of Manabane Scarabs

2 tips available

When using Swarm of Manabane Scarabs 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.
Burrowing Tactics: This creature can burrow at 20 ft. It can ambush from underground or escape combat by digging. Use 'Earthbind' or create difficult terrain to limit burrowing. Consider fighting in areas without soft ground.

Player Guide: Facing Swarm of Manabane Scarabs

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.
Burrowing Defense: This creature can burrow at 20 ft! It can ambush from underground. Use 'Earthbind', create difficult terrain, or fight on hard surfaces. 'Stone Shape' can seal burrows.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

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

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 6 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 2,000 XP
Hard: 3,000 XP
Deadly: 4,000 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 Manabane Scarabs?: Swarm of Manabane Scarabs has a Challenge Rating of 4, making it appropriate for parties of level 4.0.
What type of creature is Swarm of Manabane Scarabs?: Swarm of Manabane Scarabs is a Medium Beast, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.