Lamprey Swarm

A black cloud of eel-like fish swims rapidly forward.

Lamprey Swarm (CR 5)

Tiny Animal (Aquatic, Swarm)
Alignment: Neutral
Initiative: +6
Senses: Low-Light Vision; Perception +8

Speed: 5 feet, Swim 30 feet
Space: 10 feet

Defense

Armor Class: 14, touch 14, flat-footed 12 (+2 Dex, +2 size)
Hit Points: 52 (8d8+16)
Saving Throws: Fort +8, Ref +10, Will +5
swarm traits
Immunity: weapon damage

Offense

Melee: swarm (2d6 plus distraction and blood drain)
Reach: 0 feet

Special Attacks: Distraction (DC 16)

Statistics

Str	Dex	Con	Int	Wis	Cha
5 (-3)	15 (+2)	14 (+2)	1 (-5)	12 (+1)	2 (-4)

Base Attack Bonus: +6
CMB -
CMD -

Feats: Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Lightning Reflexes, Skill Focus (Swim)

Skills: Escape Artist +10, Perception +8, Swim +15

• Racial Modifiers: +8 Escape Artist

Languages:

Special Qualities: Amphibious, swarm traits

Special Abilities

Blood Drain (Ex)

Any living creature that takes damage from a lamprey swarm must succeed on a DC 16 Reflex save. On a failed save, several lampreys have attached themselves to the target and the creature takes 1d3 points of Constitution damage each round as the lampreys drain blood. This effect continues as long as the victim remains in the swarm and for 1d6 rounds after it leaves the swarm. The attached lampreys can be killed instantly by dealing at least 6 points of damage to the victim (any weapon or energy-based attacks work), ending the effect prematurely. A successful DC 16 Heal check reduces the duration by 1d6 rounds, ending the effect prematurely. The save DC and check DC are both Constitution-based.

Ecology

Environment: Temperate or Warm Aquatic
Organization: solitary, pair, cluster (3-6 swarms)
Treasure: none


A lamprey swarm is a mass of lampreys numbering in the hundreds, possibly thousands. These creatures are attracted to living creatures in the water and quickly attach themselves to their targeted prey.

Lamprey swarms attack any living prey encountered in their paths, swimming over the creature and draining as much blood as possible. When their prey is dead, they move on, seeking out a new source of nourishment.