Skyst Swarm (3.5e Creature)
Whenever you explore old, forgotten ruins of civilizations past, it's only a matter of time before these glowing purveyors of doom crawl out of every hole.
| Skyst Swarm | |
|---|---|
| Size/Type: | Tiny Vermin (Swarm) |
| Hit Dice: | 3d8+3 (16 hp) |
| Initiative: | +1 |
| Speed: | 20 ft., fly 40 ft. (poor) |
| Armor Class: | 13 (+2 size, +1 Dex), touch 13, flat-footed 12 |
| Base Attack/Grapple: | +2/— |
| Attack: | Swarm (1d6) |
| Full Attack: | Swarm (1d6) |
| Space/Reach: | 10 ft./0 ft. |
| Special Attacks: | Distraction, flying leap |
| Special Qualities: | Darkvision 60 ft., vermin traits |
| Saves: | Fort +4, Ref +2, Will +1 |
| Abilities: | Str 4, Dex 13, Con 12, Int —, Wis 10, Cha 2 |
| Skills: | Hide +7, Listen +4, Spot +4 |
| Feats: | — |
| Environment: | Dark crevasses and caves, ruined structures and wastelands |
| Organization: | Solitary, clout (2-7 swarms) or infestation (11-20 swarms) |
| Challenge Rating: | 1 |
| Treasure: | None |
| Alignment: | Always neutral |
| Advancement: | None |
| Level Adjustment: | — |
Skysts are large insectoids that look to be a cross between a locust and a cockroach. They come in sizes roughly from 9 to 15 inches long and weigh 1 to 4 pounds. Despite their size, they are relatively easy to spot as they possess a unique bioluminescence, causing them to be outlined in a mild green glow. Despite their intimidating appearance, they are however not poisonous and generally carry no disease. Skysts are affected by the Corruption and possess a resistance to it.
Combat
Skysts usually swarm together and overwhelm any threats to their lairs with a mindless efficiency. Although they have wings, they cannot fly for extended periods of time. A skyst swarm takes only half damage from slashing and piercing attacks.
Distraction (Ex): Any creature vulnerable to a skyst swarm's damage that begins its turn with the swarm in its square is nauseated for 1 round unless he succeeds on a DC 12 Fortitude save. Spellcasting or concentrating on spells within the area of a swarm requires a Concentration check (DC 20 + spell level). Using skills that involve patience and concentration requires a DC 20 Concentration check.
Flying Leap (Ex): Skysts have the ability of flight, but only in short bursts. Whenever a skyst swarm has access to sufficient open space (such as a field or a hallway at least 10 feet wide and 10 feet tall), it can leap forward in flight. A skyst's movement speed in flight is 40 feet and given sufficient space is available, they may move up to double their speed in a single leap as a charge. A skyst can only move in a straight line when it performs a flying leap. This same holds for a swarm of skysts.
Skills: A skyst swarm has a +4 racial bonus to Listen and Spot checks, as well as a -4 racial penalty to Hide checks due to the skysts' bioluminescence.
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