Hermit Crab Swarm

Hermit Crab Swarm Creature4

N Large Amphibious Animal Swarm

Senses Perception +11; darkvision, tremorsense (imprecise) 15 feet

Skills Athletics +12

Str +4, Dex +2, Con +3, Int -4, Wis +1, Cha -1

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AC 19; Fort +13, Ref +10, Will +7

HP 42; Immunities precision, swarm mind; Weaknesses area damage 5, splash damage 5; Resistances piercing 5, slashing 5

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Speed 30 feet, swim 15 feet

Swarming Snips [one-action] Each enemy in the swarm’s space takes 2d8 piercing damage (DC 20 basic Reflex save). Creatures that fail this save also take 1d4 persistent bleed damage.

About

Hermit crabs have hard exoskeletons like other crabs, but with much weaker abdomens. They find and “wear” shells as homes and protection, getting around with their front legs and claws. Surprisingly fierce, hermit crabs fight for new shells as they grow bigger, using an assortment of hollow alternatives as substitutes when shells of the right size can’t be found.

When hermit crabs find a shell that is too large, they lie in wait for others to arrive and move into the shell, abandoning a possible replacement. This can form a large chain of queuing crabs waiting to upgrade their shells. Interruptions can aggravate the crabs, resulting in attacks against the unfortunate source of disruption.

Hermit crabs often form symbiotic relationships with sea anemones, attaching them to their shells. The anemones help protect the crabs while feasting on leftovers from the crabs’ meals. When hermit crabs change shells, they often take their anemone partners with them to continue their lifelong adventure.