Swarm of Spiderbees

Description

Spiderbees are one of the more common hybrid species of Ashandri. They originated in Delvaroth, but have spread all over the world by now. They are half spider, half bee, and they are capable of walking, flying and climbing - combining all the abilities of both species.
Spiderbees come in a variety of sizes: It seems they can grow indefinitely, and it's not uncommon for a nest of these small beasts to be guarded by one or several Giant Spiderbees.

Basic Information

Anatomy

The front part of a spiderbee's body resembles mostly a large spider. It has dark brown fur, eight red eyes and sharp mandibles that can inject a spider poison. Small translucent wings are on the back end of this part of the spiderbee's body.
Behind that comes a part that resembles the abdomen of a bee. It has the typical bee-like coloring of yellow and dark, with the dark part matching the fur of the creature's front. A sharp sting protrudes from its end.

Genetics and Reproduction

Spiderbees reproduce a lot like bees, but with one big difference: They don't have a queen. All female spiderbees can lay eggs, and the entire colony cares for them. They only reproduce for about a month during spring time.

Growth Rate & Stages

The offspring of spiderbees stays in the underground nests for about two months. Then, one morning, they all crawl out at once and learn to take care of themselves within a day. Many spiderbees don't survive this first day, but those that do often live for years before falling victim to a larger predator.
Those that survive seem to be able to grow indefinitely. The largest spiderbees that have been seen had the size of an elephant. It's exceptional for these beasts to survive that long, though: Many animals consider their sweet meat to be delicious.
Once these hybrid animals reach the size of a Giant Spiderbee, there's a chance they part from their original colony. These individuals are always pregnant females, and they travel for miles before creating their own nest.

Ecology and Habitats

Spiderbees prefer to live in the wild, building (sometimes huge) nests underground. They can feed both on pollen and other animals, but their absolute favorite food seems to be the pollen of Flowercats. This is the only reason the spiderbees are sometimes drawn to Human and other settlements.
The Flowercats are horrified of spiderbees, so the arachnoid-insectoid hybrids have to hunt them down. They don't hurt the flowercats, but instead harvest their pollen - a procedure during which the flowercats constantly try to get rid of their hunters and escape them.

Dietary Needs and Habits

While spiderbees can live from feeding on other animals, they prefer making their own honey from pollen. Some people have learned to harvest spiderbee honey, and it's said to be the sweetest honey you can get.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

When in contact with a web, spiderbees can sense other beings touching the web.

Lifespan

Spiderbees appear to keep growing forever

Geographic Distribution

• Ashandri

B:SR Core Setting

Swarm of Spiderbees CR: 1

Medium swarm of beasts, unaligned

Armor Class: 12

Hit Points: 21 (6d6)

Speed: 20 ft , fly: 20 ft , climb: 20 ft

STR

3 -4

DEX

11 +0

CON

10 +0

INT

1 -5

WIS

9 -1

CHA

3 -4

Senses: Blindsight 10 ft., Darkvision 60 ft., Passive Perception 8

Challenge Rating: 1

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 insect. The swarm can't regain hit points or gain temporary hit points.
Spider Climb. Spiderbees can climb difficult surfaces, including upside down on ceilings, without needing to make an ability check.
Web Sense. While in contact with a web, the spiderbee knows the exact location of any other creature in contact with the same web.

Web Walker. The spiderbees ignore movement restrictions caused by webbing.

Actions

Multiattack. The spiderbee swarm makes two attacks: one with its bites and one with its stings.
Bites (swarm has more than half HP). Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 0 ft., one target in the swarm's space. Hit: 5 (2d4) piercing plus 7 (2d6) poison damage.
Bites (swarm has half HP or less). Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 0 ft., one target in the swarm's space. Hit: 2 (1d4) piercing plus 3 (1d6) poison damage.
Sting (swarm has more than half HP). Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 0 ft., one target in the swarm's space. Hit: 10 (3d6) piercing damage, and the target must make a DC 11 Constitution saving throw, taking 4 (1d6+1) poison damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
Sting (swarm has half HP or less). Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 0 ft., one target in the swarm's space. Hit: 4 (1d6+1) piercing damage, and the target must make a DC 11 Constitution saving throw, taking 2 (1d4) poison damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.