Medium swarm of Tiny beasts, unaligned
Armor Class 10
Hit Points 24 (7d8 – 7)
Speed 30 ft.
Proficiency Bonus +2
Proficiency Bonus +4 (5th Edition Advanced Mode)
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 (-1) | 11 (+0) | 9 (-1) | 2 (-4) | 10 (+0) | 3 (-4) |
Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing, slashing
Condition Immunities charmed, frightened, grappled, paralyzed, petrified, prone, restrained, stunned
Senses darkvision 30 ft., passive Perception 10
Languages –
Challenge 1/4 (50 XP)
Keen Smell. The swarm has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on smell.
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 rat. The swarm can’t regain hit points or gain temporary hit points.
ACTIONS
- Bites. Melee Weapon Attack: +2 to hit, reach 0 ft., one target 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.
DESCRIPTION
A swarm of rats is a horde of hundreds of tiny rodents that scurry and gnaw at anything in their path. They have brown or black fur, beady eyes, and sharp teeth. They are usually found in dark and filthy places, such as sewers, dungeons, or garbage dumps. They are attracted to the smell of blood and food, and will attack any warm-blooded creature they encounter.
COMBAT
A swarm of rats is not a single creature, but a collective of many. They can move through any opening large enough for a single rat, and can occupy the same space as another creature. They are resistant to attacks that target a single creature, such as weapons or spells, but are vulnerable to attacks that affect an area, such as fire or acid. A swarm of rats can surround and bite their prey, dealing piercing damage and possibly transmitting diseases. They have a keen sense of smell, and can detect hidden or invisible creatures nearby.
HABITAT / SOCIETY
A swarm of rats has no leader or hierarchy, but acts as a mindless mob driven by hunger and fear. They are scavengers and opportunists, feeding on whatever they can find. They are not loyal to each other, and will flee if they face a stronger foe or a threat to their survival. They have no culture or language, but can communicate with simple squeaks and hisses. They are usually hostile to other creatures, unless they are too large or dangerous to attack.
ECOLOGY
A swarm of rats is a menace to any environment they infest. They consume and contaminate food and water sources, spread diseases and parasites, and damage structures and equipment. They breed rapidly and can adapt to almost any condition. They have few natural predators, as most animals avoid them or are overwhelmed by their numbers. They are sometimes used by evil creatures or cults as minions or sacrifices, or by unscrupulous adventurers as distractions or traps.