Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Manabane Scarab Swarm

Medium · Beast · CR 4 · Unaligned

Source. Tome of Beasts

15 (natural armor)

75 (10d8+30)

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 20 ft (6.1 m)

Swim 10 ft (3 m)

Climb 20 ft (6.1 m)

Burrow 5 ft (1.5 m)

Crawl 10 ft (3 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

Languages

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Resistances

bludgeoning, piercing, slashing

Condition Immunities

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

Environments

Desert

Traits

Magic Immunity

The manabane scarab swarm is immune to spells and other magical effects.

Mana Erosion

The manabane scarab swarm consumes magic. Unattended magic items in the swarm's space at the end of the swarm's turn have their effects suppressed for 1 minute. Additionally, charged items in the swarm's space lose 1d6 charges at the start of each of the swarm's turns; items with limited uses per day lose one daily use instead, and single-use items such as potions or scrolls are destroyed. Magical effects in the swarm's space are dispelled (as if affected by dispel magic cast with +5 spellcasting ability).

Scent Magic

The manabane scarab swarm can detect the presence of magical creatures, active spells or spell effects, and magical items within 120 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 insect. The swarm can't regain hit points or gain temporary hit points.

Actions

Bites

+5 to hit. Hit: 4d6 piercing 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 hit points or fewer. The target must succeed on a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw or one randomly determined magic item in its possession is immediately affected by the Mana Erosion trait. A spellcaster hit by this attack must succeed on a DC 15 Charisma saving throw or one of its lowest-level, unused spell slots is expended.

About Manabane Scarab Swarm

Manabane Scarab Swarm 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 75 hit points (derived from 10d8+30).

Manabane Scarab Swarm has communication capabilities including -. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Manabane Scarab Swarm

2 tips available

When using Manabane Scarab Swarm in your D&D 5e campaign, consider these tactical approaches:

Burrowing Tactics: This creature can burrow at 5 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.
Climbing Advantage: This creature can climb at 20 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 Manabane Scarab Swarm

2 strategies available

When your party encounters this creature, keep these strategies in mind:

Burrowing Defense: This creature can burrow at 5 ft! It can ambush from underground. Use 'Earthbind', create difficult terrain, or fight on hard surfaces. 'Stone Shape' can seal burrows.
Climbing Defense: This creature can climb at 20 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 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 Manabane Scarab Swarm?: Manabane Scarab Swarm has a Challenge Rating of 4, making it appropriate for parties of level 4.0.
What type of creature is Manabane Scarab Swarm?: Manabane Scarab Swarm is a Medium Beast, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Manabane Scarab Swarm speak?: Manabane Scarab Swarm can communicate in -.