Swarm and scatter firearms

[Xaratherus]

I have general issues with some of the swarm mechanics at their base (or more specifically, the tiny and diminutive swarm rules).

The "granite slab" argument actually occurred in a way in-game; the party was in a chamber where the roof was booby-trapped to collapse, and there were four diminutive swarms in it. The party had no AoE capability left, and no real way to seal the room to keep the swarms from chasing them.

So as a last resort (even though there was treasure in the room we couldn't get to afterward), we ran for the exit and triggered the roof to collapse to kill the swarms.

The RAW is what it is. I'll adapt at my table as I think makes sense.

[Tarantula]

Next question, does a tipped wall of iron damage a swarm?

If you desire, the wall can be created vertically resting on a flat surface but not attached to the surface, so that it can be tipped over to fall on and crush creatures beneath it. The wall is 50% likely to tip in either direction if left unpushed. Creatures can push the wall in one direction rather than letting it fall randomly. A creature must make a DC 40 Strength check to push the wall over. Creatures with room to flee the falling wall may do so by making successful Reflex saves. Any Large or smaller creature that fails takes 10d6 points of damage while fleeing from the wall. The wall cannot crush Huge and larger creatures.

Its untyped damage, and so therefore is not a "weapon" so they should be vulnerable to it, correct?

[Saluzi]

Battle field control for swarms - Butterfly net [in equipment] - Enlarge