Swarm of Ravens

"

Swarm of Ravens Introduction

In the dim light of the twilight hour, when shadows stretch long and the air grows thick with the promise of night, a peculiar and unsettling phenomenon takes flight. The Swarm of Ravens, a dark and swirling mass of ebony feathers and piercing eyes, emerges from the depths of the forest. These creatures, with their sleek, midnight plumage and sharp, inquisitive beaks, are more than mere birds; they are harbingers of mystery and omens, their presence often signaling a shift in the winds of fate.

The Swarm of Ravens is a sight to behold, a living cloud that moves with an eerie grace and a collective intelligence that belies their avian nature. Each raven within the swarm seems to move in perfect harmony with its brethren, creating a mesmerizing dance of shadows against the fading light. Their eyes, glinting like polished obsidian, seem to hold secrets of the ages, watching and waiting with an unsettling awareness.

These enigmatic creatures are most commonly found in ancient woodlands, where the trees stand tall and silent, their branches entwined like the fingers of forgotten gods. The ravens make their roosts in the highest boughs, where they can survey the land below with an unyielding gaze. It is said that they are drawn to places of power and mystery, where the veil between worlds is thin and the echoes of the past linger in the air.

Legends speak of the Swarm of Ravens as messengers of the gods, or perhaps as the souls of the departed, returned to the mortal realm to guide or to warn. In some tales, they are the eyes and ears of a powerful sorcerer, watching over his domain with a vigilance that never sleeps. In others, they are the guardians of ancient secrets, their presence a sign that something precious and perilous lies hidden nearby.

As the players stand on the edge of the forest, the distant cawing of the ravens grows louder, a cacophony that seems to echo from every direction. The air is thick with anticipation, and the players can feel the weight of unseen eyes upon them. The Swarm of Ravens is near, and with it comes the promise of adventure, danger, and the unknown.

Swarm of Ravens Skills & Traits

Skills

• Perception: +3

Senses

• Passive Perception: 13

Languages

• None

Abilities

• 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 raven. The swarm can't regain hit points or gain temporary hit points.

Actions

• Beaks: Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (2d6) piercing damage, or 3 (1d6) piercing damage if the swarm has half of its hit points or fewer.

"

Battle Tips for Swarm of Ravens

The Swarm of Ravens is a unique and versatile creature that can add an eerie and unpredictable element to any encounter. As a Dungeon Master, utilizing these creatures effectively can create a memorable experience for your players. Here are some tips on how to use a Swarm of Ravens in battle:

• Ambush Tactics: Ravens are known for their intelligence and cunning. Use the Swarm of Ravens to ambush unsuspecting adventurers. They can hide in the trees or blend into the shadows, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
• Distraction and Confusion: A swarm can create chaos on the battlefield. Use them to distract players, making it difficult for them to focus on more significant threats. The cacophony of cawing and flapping wings can disorient and confuse.
• Mobility and Evasion: Ravens are highly mobile and can easily evade attacks. Use their ability to fly to their advantage, swooping in to attack and then retreating to a safe distance. This hit-and-run tactic can frustrate players and wear them down over time.
• Coordinated Attacks: If you have multiple swarms, coordinate their attacks to overwhelm the players. One swarm can distract while another targets a specific player, or they can all converge on a single target to deal significant damage.
• Environmental Advantage: Use the environment to your advantage. Swarms of Ravens can navigate through dense forests, narrow canyons, or urban settings with ease. Use these settings to create challenging terrain for the players.
• Retreat and Regroup: If the battle turns against them, the Swarm of Ravens can easily retreat and regroup. They can scatter into individual birds, making it difficult for players to pursue them. Once safe, they can reform and plan their next attack.

By leveraging the Swarm of Ravens' natural abilities and intelligence, you can create dynamic and challenging encounters that keep your players on their toes. Whether used as a primary threat or as a supporting element, these creatures can add depth and excitement to your campaign.