Swarm of Insects
Medium Beast (Swarm), unaligned
100 XP
Special Abilities
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
Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 0 ft., one target in the swarm's space. Hit: 10 (4d4) piercing damage, or 5 (2d4) piercing damage if the swarm has half of its hit points or fewer.
Quick Reference
Running This Encounter
Swarms are best used as environmental hazards or minion encounters rather than primary threats. Position them to emerge from terrain or swarm around other enemies, forcing the party to deal with them while managing bigger threats. Use their low AC and hit points to make them feel dangerous through numbers and mobility rather than individual power. Remember the swarm can occupy multiple 5-foot spaces and moves as one unit.
Combat Tactics
The swarm uses hit-and-run tactics, swarming around enemies to maximize their ability to occupy space and force concentration checks. They attempt to surround isolated party members, using their mobility to stay away from area-of-effect spells while pressing melee attacks.
Environment & Setting
Ideal in outdoor settings like forests, grasslands, or caves with organic debris where insects naturally congregate. Works well near corpses, dung heaps, or diseased areas that attract vermin.