Animated Flying Sword
Small Construct · · CR 1/4
- Construct
- Small
- Tier 1
Animated Flying Sword at CR 1/4 is logged as a small construct; alignment unaligned. Habitat: urban. Sourced from Monster Manual (5.5e 2024).
Stat Block
- Challenge Rating
- 1/4
- Type
- Construct
- Size
- Small
- Alignment
- —
- Speed
- —
- Habitats
- Urban
- Sources
- Monster Manual (5.5e 2024)
Ecology
A Flying Sword is a binding-construct: a magical thread tied to a blade and a fragment of summoned spirit. Most are crafted as guardians of treasures, libraries, or alchemical labs — anything light enough that a flying weapon can defend without bringing down walls. They do not eat, breathe, or rest; they exist only as long as the binding-spell or focus-crystal endures.
Behaviour
Flying Swords pursue intruders relentlessly within their assigned area, but cannot leave it. They communicate only by motion — a slow circle in warning, a sudden dive in attack. Multiple swords coordinate by binding-resonance, attacking in formation. When their focus-crystal is destroyed, they all fall instantly. A clever party that locates the crystal turns a swarm fight into a search puzzle.
Origin
The earliest Flying Swords were created by a paranoid arcane order whose name is now lost — they bound the souls of executed thieves into the blades that killed them, condemning them to guard the very treasures they had tried to steal. Modern versions use simple elemental bindings, more humane but less interesting. Antique Flying Swords sometimes whisper their old names if a PC understands the right binding-tongue.
Related Monsters
Frequently Asked Questions about Animated Flying Sword
- What is the challenge rating of Animated Flying Sword?
- Animated Flying Sword's challenge rating is 1/4. A party in this band works against low-level groups.
- What type of creature is Animated Flying Sword?
- By creature type, Animated Flying Sword is a construct, small size.
- Where does Animated Flying Sword live?
- Habitats for Animated Flying Sword: Urban.