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Swarm of Prismatic Beetles

Medium · Beast · CR 3 · Unaligned

Source. Tome of Beasts 1 (2023 Edition)

60 (11d8 + 11)

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 700

Initiative Bonus +3

Movement

Walk 30 ft (9.1 m)

Fly 5 ft (1.5 m)

Swim 15 ft (4.6 m)

Climb 15 ft (4.6 m)

Burrow 20 ft (6.1 m)

Crawl 15 ft (4.6 m)

Senses

Darkvision 30 ft (9.1 m)

Blindsight 10 ft (3 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

Glittering Carapace

When a creature that can see the swarm starts its turn within 30 feet of the swarm and the swarm is in bright or dim light, the swarm can force the creature to make a DC 13 Wisdom saving throw if the swarm isn’t incapacitated and can see the creature. If the saving throw fails by 5 or more, the creature falls unconscious. Otherwise, a creature that fails the save is incapacitated and its speed is reduced to 0 until the start of its next turn, as it remains transfixed in place by the glitter of the swarm. A creature has advantage on the saving throw if the swarm is in dim light.

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: 4d6 poison damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 0 ft., one creature in the swarm's space. Hit: 14 (4d6) piercing damage, or 7 (2d6) piercing damage if the swarm has half of its hp or fewer. The target must make a DC 13 Constitution saving throw. On a failure, a creature takes 10 (4d4) poison damage and is euphoric for 1 minute. On a success, a creature takes half the damage and isn't euphoric. A euphoric creature has disadvantage on saving throws. The creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success.

About Swarm of Prismatic Beetles

Swarm of Prismatic Beetles is a medium beast with a Challenge Rating of 3. It has a unaligned alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 13 and possesses 60 hit points (derived from 11d8 + 11).

GM Tips: Using Swarm of Prismatic Beetles

2 tips available

When using Swarm of Prismatic Beetles 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 Prismatic Beetles

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 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 Prismatic Beetles?: Swarm of Prismatic Beetles has a Challenge Rating of 3, making it appropriate for parties of level 3.0.
What type of creature is Swarm of Prismatic Beetles?: Swarm of Prismatic Beetles is a Medium Beast, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.