Skyst Swarm (3.5e Monster)

Whenever you explore old, forgotten ruins of civilizations past, it's only a matter of time before these glowing purveyors of doom crawl out of every hole.

Skysts are large insectoids that look to be a cross between a locust and a cockroach. They come in sizes roughly from 8 to 12 inches long and weigh up to 1 pound. Despite their size, they are relatively easy to spot as they possess a unique bioluminescence, causing them to be outlined in a mild green glow. Despite their intimidating appearance, they are however not poisonous and generally carry no disease. Skysts are affected by the Corruption and possess a resistance to it.

Combat
Skysts usually swarm together and overwhelm any threats to their lairs with a mindless efficiency. Although they have wings, they cannot fly for extended periods of time. A skyst swarm takes only half damage from slashing and piercing attacks.

 (Ex): Any creature vulnerable to a skyst swarm's damage that begins its turn with the swarm in its square is nauseated for 1 round unless he succeeds on a DC 12 Fortitude save. Spellcasting or concentrating on spells within the area of a swarm requires a Concentration check (DC 20 + spell level). Using skills that involve patience and concentration requires a DC 20 Concentration check.

 (Ex): Skysts have the ability of flight, but only in short bursts. Whenever a skyst swarm has access to sufficient open space (such as a field or a hallway at least 10 feet wide and 10 feet tall), it can leap forward in flight. A skyst's movement speed in flight is 40 feet and given sufficient space is available, they may move up to double their speed in a single leap as a charge. A skyst can only move in a straight line when it performs a flying leap. This same holds for a swarm of skysts.

Skills: A skyst swarm has a +4 racial bonus to Listen and Spot checks, as well as a -4 racial penalty to Hide checks due to the skysts' bioluminescence.