Swarm of Poisonous Snakes

Monster Manual - 5e, D&D Basic Rules

Basic Information

Anatomy

The swarm is made up of many individual poisonous snakes that act together as a single entity. Their bites occur simultaneously when the swarm attacks and inject poison.^[1][2]

Ecology and Habitats

The snakes in the swarm can swim.^[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 10 ft.^[1][2]

References

1. ^Monster Manual (5e) (2014), p.338.
2. ^D&D Basic Rules (November, 2018), p.155.

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 Poisonous Snakes

Medium swarm of Tiny beasts, unaligned

Armor Class 14

Hit Points 36 ( 8d8 )

Speed 30 ft., swim 30 ft.

STR

8 -1

DEX

18 +4

CON

11 +0

INT

1 -5

WIS

10 +0

CHA

3 -4

Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing, slashing

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

Senses blindsight 10 ft., passive Perception 10

Languages —

Challenge 2 (450 XP)

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 snake. The swarm can’t regain hit points or gain temporary hit points.

Actions

Bites. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 0 ft., one creature in the swarm's space. Hit: 7 ( 2d6 ) piercing damage, or 3 ( 1d6 ) piercing damage if the swarm has half of its hit points or fewer. The target must make a DC 10 Constitution saving throw, taking 14 ( 4d4 ) poison damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

Suggested Terrain forest, swamp

Sources Monster Manual, D&D Basic Rules