I find swarms to be generally underpowered in their attacks. Here, for example, is the stat block for a swarm of bats:
Swarm Of Bats
Medium swarm of tiny beasts, unaligned
Armor Class 12
Hit Points 22 (5d8)
Speed 0 ft., fly 30 ft.
So I would add this additional trait:
And I would modify their actions thusly:
Thoughts? And does anyone else have ideas for enhancing swarms?
Swarm Of Bats
Medium swarm of tiny beasts, unaligned
Armor Class 12
Hit Points 22 (5d8)
Speed 0 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR: 5 (-3) DEX: 15 (+2) CON: 10 (+0)
INT: 2 (-4) WIS: 12 (+1) CHA: 4 (-3)
Damage Resistance Bludgeoning, Piercing, Slashing
INT: 2 (-4) WIS: 12 (+1) CHA: 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)
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.
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.
It seems to me that a swarm should at least have something akin to pack tactics, i.e. advantage on their attacks (because of the sheer number, the odds must be ever in their favor?!) and I would even hazard that they should have multi-attack (at least while above 50% HP).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.
So I would add this additional trait:
Overwhelming. Due to their sheer number swarms have advantage on their attacks.
And I would modify their actions thusly:
Multiattack. While swarm has more than half HP it makes two Bites attacks.
Bites. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 0 ft., one creature in the swarm's space. Hit: (1d4) piercing damage.
Thoughts? And does anyone else have ideas for enhancing swarms?