Swarm of Bats

Monster Manual - 5e, D&D Basic Rules

Basic Information

Anatomy

The swarm is made up of many individual bats that act together as a single entity. Their bites occur simultaneously when the swarm attacks.^[1]

The bats in the swarm have wings and can fly. ^[1][2]

Additional Information

Social Structure

The swarm forms as a result of some sinister or unwholesome influence. ^[1]

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

The swarm has blindsight to a range of 60 ft, echolocation, and keen hearing.^[1][2]

References

1. ^Monster Manual (5e) (2014), p.337.
2. ^D&D Basic Rules (November, 2018), p.154.

Contents

Parent Article

• Miscellaneous Creatures

The Nature of Swarms

The swarms presented here aren’t ordinary or benign assemblies of little creatures. They form as a result of some sinister or unwholesome influence. A vampire can summon swarms of bats and rats from the darkest corners of the night, while the very presence of a mummy lord can cause scarab beetles to boil up from the sand-filled depths of its tomb. A hag might have the power to turn swarms of ravens against her enemies, while a yuan-ti abomination might have swarms of poisonous snakes slithering in its wake. Even druids can’t charm these swarms, and their aggressiveness is borderline unnatural.

Stat Block

See below ^{[1] [2]}

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 Resistances bludgeoning, piercing, slashing

Condition Immunities charmed, frightened, grappled, paralyzed, petrified, prone, restrained, stunned

Senses blindsight 60 ft., passive Perception 11

Languages —

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.

Actions

Bites. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 0 ft., one creature in the swarm's space. Hit: 5 ( 2d4 ) piercing damage, or 2 ( 1d4 ) piercing damage if the swarm has half of its hit points or fewer.

Suggested Terrain hills, mountains, Underdark, urban

Sources Monster Manual, D&D Basic Rules