Beetles, Swarm of

In the depths of forgotten tombs, decaying forests, or ancient ruins, the Swarm of Beetles emerges as a writhing and relentless entity. Comprised of countless beetles moving in unison, the Swarm embodies the collective force, persistence, and eerie nature of an overwhelming number of crawling creatures.

The Swarm of Beetles appears as a seething mass of small, chitinous creatures, their exoskeletons gleaming in the dim light. The individual beetles, inconspicuous on their own, become a haunting spectacle when united as a swarm, moving together in a synchronized dance of insectile chaos.

These swarms are often found in areas rich in decaying matter, such as graveyards, forests with fallen logs, or ancient crypts. They are drawn to locations where they can scavenge for food or uncover hidden organic matter. Swarms of Beetles are most active during the night or in dark, undisturbed places.

The Swarm of Beetles attacks by overwhelming its prey with sheer numbers and their relentless, biting mandibles. The swarm engulfs its target, covering them in a writhing blanket of crawling insects, each seeking to tear at flesh or devour any organic matter. While individually weak, the combined force of the swarm can cause significant harm and inflict debilitating wounds.

Due to their collective nature, Swarms of Beetles 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, cold, or other sources of extreme temperature can disrupt the swarm’s cohesion and temporarily scatter the insects.

Encountering a Swarm of Beetles is to face an unsettling and relentless force of nature. Its presence exudes an aura of crawling unease and the overwhelming nature of a multitude of creeping creatures. Engaging with a Swarm of Beetles requires swift action and area-of-effect attacks, as their small size and ceaseless movements make them difficult to target individually.

Swarms of Beetles bring a touch of unsettling chaos and the eerie allure of crawling creatures to the tapestry of the world. They serve as reminders of the hidden dangers within decaying environments and the natural cycle of life and death. Whether encountered as harbingers of decay, obstacles in forgotten chambers, or as guardians of ancient secrets, Swarms of Beetles add a sense of relentless movement, chittering sounds, and the unsettling presence of a multitude of crawling insects to the realms of adventure and exploration.

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.