I'm planning to run a game in the near future that has a lot of spider swarms in it (Salvage Operation in this month's Dungeon Magazine).
I read the description of the Swarm Creature Type in the back of the MM and it states that swarms made up of Diminutive and Fine creature take no weapon damage. Spiders in the Spider Swarm are one of these (fine or diminutive - I forget) but their Special Qualities do not mention anything about immunity to weapon damage as is the case for other swarms made up of similarly sized creatures.
Am I being fair to my PC's to run the Swarm as described in the MM's Creature Type for Swarms or am I intended to let them slay this 9hp menace by stabbing the spiders to death with spears and rapiers (shish kabob anyone)?
Thoughts?
Swarms don't take weapon damage per se, because there are simply so many of them and the small amount of critters you would squish with a normal weapon aren't enought to kill a swarm. Things that affect an area are what kills swarms. A torch will sizzle a good lot of them, a flask of acid, alchemist's fire, energy weapons, and large objects used as improvized weapons such as tower shields, tables, etc. to squash a large area (-4 penalty to attack).
You'll find a list of improvised weapons like this at the very back of Complete Warrior. If you don't have access to it... A small table generally weighs 11-25 lbs. and deals 1d8 damage; a chest or a big table weigh 51-100 lbs. and deal 3d6 damage.
Swarms are not as indestructable as they first appear, you just have to understand how to deal with them ;)
Swarms don't take weapon damage per se, because there are simply so many of them and the small amount of critters you would squish with a normal weapon aren't enough to kill a swarm. Things that affect an area are what kills swarms. A torch will sizzle a good lot of them, a flask of acid, alchemist's fire, energy weapons, and large objects used as improvised weapons such as tower shields, tables, etc. to squash a large area (-4 penalty to attack).
I am actually familiar with "Community Entity" concept behind swarms as well as the area affect attack strategies to deal with them (although the list of improvised weapons was nice - thanks).
What has me confused is whether or not the omission of the "Immunity to Weapon Damage" Special Quality (SQ) in the Spider Swarm statistics is an intentional exception to the standard condition stipulated in the "Swarm Type" description (i.e. fine and diminutive creatures); or, is this an oversight (meaning the SQ applies and the PC's will have to figure out ways to crush, burn and smear the critters as Steve described)?
Cheers!
Cernunos, I think this should help you out...
Monster Manual Errata for the swarms availabe for download in the WoTC Dungeons & Dragons website.
Swarms
Monster Manual, pages 237-240
The bat swarm and spider swarm are immune to
weapon damage.
Hellwasp swarm has good maneuverability for its
fly speed.
Ahh yes, errata (sounds of hand smacking forehead).
Steve, many thanks!
Ahh yes, errata (sounds of hand smacking forehead).
Steve, many thanks!
Always happy to help! ;)