Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Radiant Spark Swarm

Medium · Elemental · CR 3 · Neutral

Source. Tome of Beasts 2

16 (natural armor)

38 (7d8+7)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

-1

DEX

CON

INT

-4

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Medium

Type Elemental

Alignment Neutral

XP 700

Initiative Bonus +3

Movement

Fly 60 ft (18.3 m)

Hover Yes

Senses

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 11

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

fire, poison, radiant

Damage Resistances

bludgeoning, piercing, slashing

Condition Immunities

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

Traits

Burning Radiance

A creature that touches the radiant spark swarm, starts its turn in the swarm’s space, or hits the swarm with a melee attack while within 5 feet of it takes 2 (1d4) radiant damage and 2 (1d4) fire damage.

Drawn to Magic

The radiant spark swarm can pinpoint the location of magical items within 60 feet of it. If the swarm starts its turn within 60 feet of a magic item, it moves to that magic item and hovers around it. If the item is being worn or carried by a creature, the swarm attacks that creature. If multiple magic items are within 60 feet of the swarm, it moves to the item that is most rare. If more than one item is most rare, choose randomly among them.

Illumination

The radiant spark swarm sheds bright light in a 10-foot radius and dim light for an additional 10 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.

Actions

Radiant Sparks

+5 to hit. Hit: 2d8 plus 2d8 fire damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 0 ft., one target in the swarm's space. Hit: 9 (2d8) radiant damage plus 9 (2d8) fire damage, or 4 (1d8) radiant damage plus 4 (1d8) fire damage if the swarm has half of its hp or fewer.

About Radiant Spark Swarm

Radiant Spark Swarm is a medium elemental with a Challenge Rating of 3. It has a neutral alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 16 and possesses 38 hit points (derived from 7d8+7).

GM Tips: Using Radiant Spark Swarm

2 tips available

When using Radiant Spark Swarm 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 Radiant Spark Swarm

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