Illustration Xan Drake

Swarm of Flying Books

horatio.fairburn
Challenge 1
(200 XP)
Robinloft Estimated CR 1
Medium swarm of Tiny constructs, unaligned
Armor Class 16 (natural armor, 17 with mage armor)
Hit Points 27 (5d8+5)
Speed 0 ft., fly 50 ft. (hover)
STR
4 (-3)
DEX
18 (+4)
CON
12 (+1)
INT
3 (-4)
WIS
3 (-4)
CHA
1 (-5)
Saving Throws Dex +6, Con +3
Skills —
Damage Vulnerabilities fire
Damage Resistances bludgeoning
Damage Immunities poison, psychic
Condition Immunities blinded, charmed, deafened, frightened, paralyzed, petrified, poisoned
Senses blindsight 60 ft. (blind beyond this radius), passive Perception 6
Languages understands any language written within one of the books but can't speak
Environments urban
Antimagic Susceptibility.

The swarm is incapacitated while in the area of an antimagic field. If targeted by dispel magic, the swarm must succeed on a Constitution saving throw against the caster’s spell save DC or fall unconscious for 1 minute.
False Appearance.

While the swarm remains motionless and is not flying, it is indistinguishable from a normal set or pile of books.
Spellbook Spellcasting.

If a spell is inscribed within one of the books that form part of a swarm, the swarm can cast that spell, as seen in Innate Spellcasting below. Due to its low Intelligence, spells which require a saving throw or attack roll are often avoided.
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 creature. The swarm can’t regain hit points or gain temporary hit points.
Innate Spellcasting. The swarm's innate spellcasting ability is Intelligence (spell save DC 6, -2 to hit with spell attacks). It can innately cast the following spells, requiring no material components:
At will: mending, message, mage hand
1/day each: identify, magic missile, mage armor

Actions

Papercut. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 0 ft., one target in the swarm’s space. Hit: 14 (4d4 + 4) slashing damage.

Animated Objects

Through the use of powerful magic, otherwise mundane objects, such as a broomstick, kettle, rug, or even a weapon or suit of armor, can be turned into a kind of primitive creature. An animated object is able to move, perceive, and even attack.

Swarm of Flying Books

The bookshelf before you suddenly seems to burst outward, as most of the books fly off the shelves in a flutter of pages. The books start flapping about as if their pages and bindings were some sort of wings. Grouping together, the books swoop towards you as one.

While not as strong as many other objects animated through magic, the Swarm of Books has some distinct advantages. Taking up an entire casting of the Animate Objects spell, the swarm is much hardier than most tiny objects, while still possessing their lithe nature. In addition, the books can surround a creature to attack multiple times. Of course, the most beneficial aspect is its ability to cast spells. This is used by spellcasters to allow the swarm access to healing, communication, or even minor errands and chores.

Intelligence check (DC 10): These are animated books!
Intelligence check (DC 15): A Swarm of Books is deceptively durable.
Intelligence check (DC 20): Spellcasters sometimes write spells into the pages of these books.
Intelligence check (DC 25): The books can use the spells written within them.
Described by horatio.fairburn

Duplication and Templates

Swarm of Flying Books (horatio.fairburn) has been modified from other monsters.

Flying Sword (SRD)
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Swarm of Flying Books (horatio.fairburn)

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