Dark red with patterns of black splotches on its carapace, an anathema locust is about 3 inches in length. Its bite secretes an acidic spittle that melts organic materials. A single anathema locust is a dangerous pest, but these insects never show up alone. In groups of hundreds or thousands, these creatures slumber beneath the dust, awaiting the spawning storms and the spring that follows. Then the locusts awaken from hibernation and tunnel to the surface to feed on the abundant plant life. Most people loathe these creatures, which can strip the bounty provided in the season to nothing.

Dangerous Pest. Countries affected by the locusts keep close watch for these vermin during the spring. While they remain outside of the country, they are tolerated. However, should swarms seek to fly into border realms, defenders are quick to destroy them. Allowing anathema locusts to gain a foothold could lead to famine as the invasive species has no natural predators outside of its regular territory.

Hunters and Hunted. While swarms of anathema locusts feed mainly on plant life, they will not hesitate to attack and devour creatures that disturb their feeding or happen to be in a chosen feeding ground when they descend. Some hunt swarms of anathema locusts for food as the insects provide a rich source of protein. Finely woven nets of silk vine are used to ensnare a swarm, which is then quickly drowned, smothered, or killed by some other means.

Swarm of Anathema Locusts

Medium swarm of Tiny beasts, unaligned
Armor Class 12 (natural armor)
Hit Points 36 (8d8)
Speed 20 ft., climb 20 ft., fly 40 ft.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
3 (−4)	12 (+1)	10 (+0)	1 (−5)	8 (−1)	1 (−5)

Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing, slashing
Condition Immunities charmed, frightened, grappled, paralyzed, petrified, prone, restrained, stunned
Senses blindsight 10 ft., passive Perception 9
Languages —
Challenge 1 (200 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 insect. The swarm can’t regain hit points or gain temporary hit points.

Actions

Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 0 ft., one target in the swarm’s space. Hit: 10 (4d4) piercing damage and 3 (1d6) acid damage or 5 (2d4) piercing damage and 2 (1d4) acid damage if the swarm has half its hit points or fewer.

Defensive Retreat. The swarm can move on its turn while the locusts spray their acidic spittle, leaving behind a cloud of acid droplets that lasts until the start of the swarm’s next turn. Any creature that begins its turn in the cloud takes 14 (4d6) acid damage or 7 (2d6) acid damage if the swarm has half its hit points or fewer.