I've never attempted such a thing (it's quite mean) but I see no reason multiple swarms of different types could not inhabit the same spaces.
They'd wipe each other out pretty quickly, but woe to any others in the same space(s).
I would not let multiple swarms of the same type overlap.
I would allow it as long as the swarms are of different size creatures: 1 diminutive + 1 tiny, but not if they are of the same size.
I have my own question, what are good swarm affecting attacks outside of fire, specifically for in-water/underwater swarms?
Bump?
You're probably not getting any responses because there are so few spells that effective underwater and on swarms.
My immediate thoughts are lightning bolt and summoning a water elemental to use its vortex ability. Let's see sonic attacks, such as sound burst and shout, would be another good option.
Technically according to swarm Rules 2 swamrs can occupy the same square but only one swarm can occupy a square with its victum.
Where do you see that? I've read the swarm type several times and see nothing that seems to imply that.
One thing though ... I think if I had multiple swarms of the same size on a creature, I'd roll damage for each and just use the max instead of having the damage stack - the way I see it, the swarms would interfere with each other. If they were different sizes, however, I think they'd be unlikely to interfere as much.
@gbonehead: From the rules, "A swarm of Tiny creatures consists of 300 nonflying creatures or 1,000 flying creatures. A swarm of Diminutive creatures consists of 1,500 nonflying creatures or 5,000 flying creatures. A swarm of Fine creatures consists of 10,000 creatures, whether they are flying or not. Swarms of nonflying creatures include many more creatures than could normally fit in a 10-foot square based on their normal space, because creatures in a swarm are packed tightly together and generally crawl over each other and their prey when moving or attacking. Larger swarms are represented by multiples of single swarms. The area occupied by a large swarm is completely shapeable, though the swarm usually remains in contiguous squares."
I think the point of this is to say that no more of the same size can fit - hence larger swarms just become more swarms of the same size so that they're manageable, not so they can occupy the same area.
@Some call me Tim: I hear you. But I'm looking for anything, not just spells. I've come across swarms in water and see no easy way for my players to overcome the encounter. But those are good options to start with. What can a fighter or a ranger or a thief or a barbarian do?
So you're referring to "Larger swarms are represented by multiples of single swarms. The area occupied by a large swarm is completely shapeable, though the swarm usually remains in contiguous squares," then?
That part defines what do do if you want a swarm of a given type larger than 10 feet by 10 feet.
The swarm type also says
A single swarm occupies a square (if it is made up of nonflying creatures) or a cube (of flying creatures) 10 feet on a side, but its reach is 0 feet, like its component creatures. In order to attack, it moves into an opponent's space, which provokes an attack of opportunity. It can occupy the same space as a creature of any size, since it crawls all over its prey.
Note that it says it can occupy the same space as a creature of any size; which I'd interpret as including a swarm of a different type, which is a different creature.
Note that there is one creature for which the 3.5e folks broke the definition of larger swarms actually being multiple smaller swarms, and that is with the ruin swarm - but I'm guessing that was because 3e didn't even have the swarm subtype, if you look at 3e rules, you'll see the ruin swarm was originally an ooze.
The Advanced Bestiary creature swarm template will also let you create a swarm that's not a 10x10 square/cube.
Maybe you're right. I mean, if two swarms wanted to attack each other, that's how it would work, right? If I were the GM, I would rule that they occupy double the space and do half the damage each in each space they occupy.
Well, as far as I know, mundanely dealing with swarms in a place that allows it is best accomplished with fire or water (jumping into a lake while being swarmed by bees). Big enough creatures in a swarm might be able to be dealt with, somehow, with nets.
But one adventure threw an undead spider swarm at us underwater. Fire wouldn't help, water wouldn't drown the buggers obviously, and no cleric on hand to do some channeling. And, of course, a net won't stop undead spider swarms. Ended up ruling that burning the player did burn damage to both the player and the swarm if the swarm had enveloped that player.
Another adventure has something similar that can't be stopped with a net or fire (because it's in water). So I'm looking for ways to give my players options, even if they're not the easiest of options.
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"What can a fighter or a ranger or a thief or a barbarian do?"
What can I as a low levelfighter do about swarms? One of the PFS printings said, characters will have to deal with swarms.
my barbarian was swarmed by a group of spiders. All I could was brush them off with a dagger. What does everyone else do?
Tiny sized swarms can be affected by weapons...blunt damage is better. For the itty bitty sized swarms, lit flasks of oil, alchemist fire, and vials of acid are your friend at low levels.