Vashta Nerada (4e Monster)

Vashta Nerada
Meaning “the shadows that melt the flesh”, vashta nerada are shadow swarms that slip into the material plane from the void. Vashta nerada are often described as “piranhas of the air”, and can strip the flesh in an instant. They usually live in small groups, living on carrion, but sometimes they gather and prey on the living; not everyone returns from the dark.

Vashta Nerada Swarm Tactics
The vashta nerada swarm hides in natural shadows until it can latch onto an unsuspecting victim. It then consumes the target.

Vashta Nerada Suit Tactics
The vashta nerada suit chases after its foes, trying to force them into swarms or catch and kill them themselves.

Vashta Nerada Lore
A character knows the following information with a successful Arcana skill|arcana]] check.
 * DC 20: Vashta nerada are shadow swarms that slip through to the material plane from the void. The name “vashta nerada” means “the shadows that melt the flesh”. Most vashta nerada live in small groups, feeding on carrion. Vashta nerada exist in some shadows, but not every shadow, and a shadow where one ought not to be is a sure sign of the presence of vashta nerada.
 * DC 25: Vashta nerada can occupy suits of armor or even clothes to form a “swarm in a suit”.

Encounter Groups
Vashta nerada swarms are rarely found in large groups, but occasionally, a large number may slip into the material plane in infest an area.

Level 5 Encounter (XP 1000)

 * 5 Vashta Nerada Swarms (Level 5 Lurker)