Scuttering along one spindly legs, these crustaceans are covered with a white shells covered in a series of spherical clusters and spines. The middle of its shell contains a mandibled mouth ringed by tiny eyes, while the underside of its ‘head’ envelopes a leech-like mouth. Once they latch onto a creature, the shells slice up the flesh while the legs dig in deep. The clusters make it hard to dislodge the creatures, even more so as they convert a victim’s bones into additional shell.

Bloodborne Parasite. These foul beasts began as normal barnacles along a boat hull as the vessel sailed, and then sank in a noisome swamp. Instead of shriveling up and dying, these crustaceans adapted to survive. FIrst they latched onto lesser undead and drained their juices before being discovered by the Fiend of the Moors. The cursed ranger proceeded to breed and refine the profane creatures, gifting them with a thirst for blood only outdone by actual vampires. Like the other corrupted beasts in the Fiend’s domain, these swarms of bilge barnacles hunt the living and heed the risen elf’s call. Those that escape the feeding frenzy often succumb to the blood-born diseases that the barnacles carry.

Swarm of Bilge Barnacles

Medium swarm of Tiny beasts, unaligned

Armor Class 9

Hit Points 44 (8d8 + 8)

Speed 30ft

Str 16 Dex 8 Con 12 Int 1 Wis 10 Cha 3

Condition Immunities blinded, charmed, frightened, grappled, paralyzed, petrified, prone, restrained, stunned

Senses blindsight 30 ft. (blind beyond this radius), passive Perception 10

Languages -

Challenge 2 (450 XP)

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 beast. The swarm can't regain hit points or gain temporary hit points.

Actions

Bite.

Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 0 ft., one target. Hit: 3 3 (1d6) piercing damage. If the target is a creature, it must succeed on a DC 11 Constitution save or take 9 (2d8) necrotic damage and contract Filth Fever.

Reactions

Blood Stalker.

If a creature takes more damage than its current hit dice available, the swarm of bilge barnacles may use their reaction to Move toward that creature.