Spiders, Swarm of

In the shadowed corners of ancient tombs, abandoned crypts, or overgrown forests, the Swarm of Spiders emerges as a creeping and unsettling entity. Composed of numerous arachnids moving in unison, the Swarm embodies the collective force, skittering horror, and unsettling nature of a multitude of crawling creatures.

The Swarm of Spiders appears as a writhing mass of numerous spiders, their many legs scuttling in synchronized motion. Individually, each spider is inconspicuous and relatively harmless, but when united as a swarm, they form a chilling and foreboding sight.

These swarms are often found in dark and secluded places, such as deep caverns, forgotten catacombs, or tangled thickets. They are drawn to locations where prey is plentiful, where darkness provides cover, or where they can find refuge and safety in numbers. Swarms of Spiders are most active during the night or in dimly lit environments, ready to ensnare any creatures that unwittingly cross their path.

The Swarm of Spiders attacks by overwhelming its prey through sheer numbers and the venomous bites of its constituent spiders. The swarm engulfs its target, crawling over them in a writhing carpet of spiders, each delivering bites that inject venom or cause psychological distress. While individually small, the combined force of the swarm can cause significant discomfort, paralysis, or even induce panic and fear.

Due to their collective nature, Swarms of Spiders are resistant to many forms of conventional weaponry and can crawl through small gaps and crevices. 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 spiders.

Encountering a Swarm of Spiders is to face an unsettling and creeping force of nature. Its presence exudes an aura of arachnid horror and the overwhelming nature of a multitude of crawling creatures. Engaging with a Swarm of Spiders requires caution, as their venomous bites and ability to cause psychological distress can be disorienting. Area-of-effect attacks, the use of fire, or spells that create barriers can be effective strategies when dealing with the swarm.

Swarms of Spiders bring a touch of creeping dread and the eerie allure of arachnids to the tapestry of the world. They serve as reminders of the hidden dangers lurking in dark places and the primal fear of spiders. Whether encountered as harbingers of web-laden terror, obstacles in tangled landscapes, or as guardians of forbidden chambers, Swarms of Spiders add a sense of relentless movement, skittering sounds, and the unsettling presence of a multitude of crawling creatures 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.

Spider Climb

The swarm can climb difficult surfaces, including upside down on ceilings, without needing to make an ability check.

Web Sense

While in contact with a web, the swarm knows the exact location of any other creature in contact with the same web.

Web Walker

The swarm ignores movement restrictions caused by webbing.

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.