Skip to main content

Swarm of Poisonous Snakes

Medium Beast (Swarm), unaligned

CR 2

450 XP

AC: 14
HP: 36 (8d8)
Speed: walk 30 ft. , swim 30 ft.
Senses: blindsight 10 ft., passive Perception 10
Languages:
STR
8
-1
DEX
18
+4
CON
11
+0
INT
1
-5
WIS
10
+0
CHA
3
-4

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 snake. The swarm can't regain hit points or gain temporary hit points.

Actions

Bites

Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 0 ft., one creature in the swarm's space. Hit: 7 (2d6) piercing damage, or 3 (1d6) piercing damage if the swarm has half of its hit points or fewer. The target must make a DC 10 Constitution saving throw, taking 14 (4d6) poison damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

Quick Reference

Challenge: CR 2
Type: Beast
Size: Medium
Alignment: unaligned
Best for party of 4 at level 3-4

Running This Encounter

The swarm moves as a writhing mass, attacking all creatures in its space. On its turn, it moves up to 40 feet and makes a single bite attack against each creature in its space. Remember the swarm can occupy another creature's space and vice versa. Use the terrain to create difficult movement areas where the swarm has advantage.

Combat Tactics

The swarm pursues prey relentlessly, attempting to surround and corner targets in confined spaces like narrow corridors or dense vegetation. It prioritizes isolated party members and uses its mobility to cut off retreat routes.

Environment & Setting

Dense forests, swamps, underground caverns with scattered rocks, or abandoned ruins covered in overgrowth provide ideal hunting grounds. The swarm is particularly dangerous in tight quarters where escape is limited.