Medium swarm of tiny beasts, unaligned
Armor Class 12
Hit Points 22 (5d8)
Speed 0 ft., fly 30 ft.
Proficiency Bonus +2
Proficiency Bonus +3 (5th Edition Advanced Mode)
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 (-3) | 15 (+2) | 10 (+0) | 2 (-4) | 12 (+1) | 4 (-3) |
Damage Resistance Bludgeoning, Piercing, Slashing
Condition Immunities Charmed, Frightened, Grappled, Paralyzed, Petrified, Prone, Restrained, Stunned
Senses Blindsight 60 Ft., passive Perception 11
Challenge 1/4 (50 XP)
Echolocation. The swarm can’t use its blindsight while deafened.
Keen Hearing. The swarm has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on hearing.
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 bat. The swarm can’t regain hit points or gain temporary hit points.
ACTIONS
- Bites (swarm has more than half HP). Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 0 ft., one creature in the swarm’s space. Hit: (2d4) piercing damage.
- Bites (swarm has half HP or less). Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 0 ft., one creature in the swarm’s space. Hit: (1d4) piercing damage.
DESCRIPTION
A swarm of bats is a mass of flying, nocturnal mammals that hunt in groups. Bats are small, furry creatures with leathery wings and sharp teeth. They use echolocation to navigate and locate prey in the dark. A swarm of bats can consist of hundreds or even thousands of individuals, forming a dense cloud that fills the air with their squeaks and flaps.
COMBAT
A swarm of bats attacks any warm-blooded creature that enters its territory, seeking to surround and bite it with their tiny fangs. The swarm is resistant to physical attacks, as most weapons only hit a few bats at a time. The swarm is also immune to mind-affecting effects, such as charm or fear, as it has no collective intelligence or will. However, the swarm is vulnerable to area effects, such as fire or cold, that can harm many bats at once. The swarm also relies on its hearing to sense its surroundings, and can be deafened by loud noises or sonic attacks.
HABITAT / SOCIETY
A swarm of bats can be found in dark and secluded places, such as caves, ruins, dungeons, or forests. They are most active at night, when they emerge to feed on insects, rodents, or other small animals. They avoid sunlight and bright lights, as they can harm their sensitive eyes. A swarm of bats has no social structure or hierarchy, as it is simply a group of animals acting on instinct. However, some swarms may follow a larger or more powerful bat, such as a vampire bat or a dire bat, that can offer them protection or guidance.
ECOLOGY
A swarm of bats plays an important role in the ecosystem, as it helps control the population of pests and provides food for other predators. Bats also pollinate plants and disperse seeds, contributing to the diversity and health of the flora. A swarm of bats can also carry diseases or parasites, such as rabies or fleas, that can infect other creatures. Some swarms may also have a supernatural origin or influence, such as being summoned by a spellcaster or being cursed by a dark power.