Bats, Cauldron of

In the nocturnal realm, where darkness reigns and creatures of the night roam, the Cauldron of Bats emerges as a chaotic and unsettling entity. Composed of countless bats moving in unison, the Swarm embodies the collective force, confusion, and overwhelming nature of a multitude of flying creatures.

The Cauldron of Bats appears as a swirling mass of tiny winged creatures, coalescing into a living cloud of fluttering wings and piercing screeches. Individually, each bat is inconsequential, but when united as a swarm, their combined presence creates a chilling and disorienting spectacle.

These swarms are often found in dimly lit places such as caves, abandoned structures, or mist-covered forests. They are drawn to locations where prey is plentiful, such as areas teeming with insects or the presence of warm-blooded creatures. Swarms of bats are most active at night, when they take to the skies in search of sustenance.

The Cauldron of Bats attacks by overwhelming its prey with sheer numbers and confusion. It engulfs its targets, using its tiny fangs to bite and tear at exposed flesh. While individually weak, the combined force of the swarm can be overwhelming, disorienting and distracting foes while draining their vitality.

Due to their collective nature, swarms of bats are resistant to many forms of conventional weaponry and are capable of squeezing through small openings. Spells or abilities that target specific individuals or larger creatures may prove less effective against the swarm. Fire and other sources of intense heat can disperse the swarm and provide temporary reprieve.

Encountering a Cauldron of Bats is to face a relentless and chaotic force of nature. Its presence exudes an aura of disorientation and the overwhelming nature of a multitude of flying creatures. Engaging with a Cauldron of Bats requires swift action and area-of-effect attacks, as their small size and erratic movements make them difficult to target individually.

Swarms of bats bring a touch of unsettling chaos and the eerie allure of nocturnal creatures to the tapestry of the world. They serve as reminders of the hidden dangers lurking in the darkness and the natural balance of predator and prey. Whether encountered as harbingers of the night, obstacles in cavernous landscapes, or as guardians of hidden lairs, swarms of bats add a sense of chaotic movement, piercing screeches, and the unsettling presence of a multitude of winged creatures to the realms of adventure and exploration.

Special Abilities

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: Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 0 ft., one creature in the swarm’s space. Hit: 5 (2d4) piercing damage, or 2 (1d4) piercing damage if the swarm has half of its hit points or fewer.