Swarms, skill points and BAB

[Jubelo]

I was recently trying to add some swarm subtype creatures to my etools database and came across an interesting problem. The monsters in question are the wasp swarms from both the Fiend Folio and Creature Collection 3.

The swarms from CC3 seemed to be using skill points, even though the swarms had Intelligence as a nonability.

The swarm from Fiend Folio had a higher BAB than I expected.

Do swarms get their skill and BAB adjustments from the swarm size (which I assume would be Medium) or from the size of their component creatures (Fine, in this case)?

Has anyone here tried to enter these creatures into etools? How did you resolve the difference between source and what etools calculated?

Thanks,
Jon

 

[Shade]

Looking at the most recent swarms in the Monster Manual III, base attack bonus is based off the type of the component creatures and their HD. Thus, a 10 HD swarm of Outsiders would have a BAB of +10. Since swarms don't make attack rolls, BAB isn't too important except for qualifying for feats and other things.

Skills are determined in the same manner, and the skill modifiers should be based off the size of the component creatures. Thus, a swarm of small creatures should gain a +4 size bonus on Hide checks.

 

[BOZ]

yeah, swarms were way simplified and streamlined with 3.5

 

[Jubelo]

OK, thanks for the fast answers

I assume AC is based off size of component creatures too, then.

Thanks again,
Jon

 

[Gez]

Yep, and bonus hit points from size, too, for construct. (I kinda regret they ditched them for oozes.)

 

[BOZ]

yeah, swarms work much like every other creature for most stats.

things that work differently are the Attack lines, and Space/Reach.