Sleep bugs are tiny, flea-like creatures that dwell on the Ethereal Plane. They gradually infest living creatures, sapping their life force until the host perishes. These pests typically spread when a creature comes into proximity with another already infested by them. Unfortunately, since the sleep bug primarily resides on the Ethereal Plane, it can be difficult to detect before it latches onto a new host. The most common sign is a number of creatures that are sickly with little energy in the same area that aren’t improving.
When a sleep bug identifies a new host, it trails them on the Ethereal Plane until the host begins to rest. At this point, the bug shifts to the Material Plane, siphons a small amount of the host’s life, and then returns to the Ethereal Plane, repeating this cycle daily. A single sleep bug poses little threat, but once it finds a host, it emits a scent on the Ethereal Plane that draws more of its kind. Over time, the host becomes increasingly infested, growing more fatigued and lethargic after each rest. If left untreated, a sleep bug infestation will inevitably lead to death.
Sleep Bug Infestation
After feeding on a new host, a sleep bug releases a special scent on the Ethereal Plane that lures other sleep bugs to the host. At the end of a long rest, if a creature remains infested, an additional 1d4 sleep bugs are attracted and will feed during the next long rest. Sleep bugs are driven by an insatiable hunger, risking their lives to feed every time the host rests.
As an action, a creature can detect a sleep bug infestation by making a successful DC 12 Intelligence (Arcana) check. If successful, they learn of the infestation, that the bugs feed daily, targeting the host during long rests, and of their ethereal nature.
Sleep Bug
Tiny Monstrosity, Unaligned
Armor Class 15
Hit Points 10 (4d4)
Speed 10 ft., climb 10 ft., fly 30 ft. when in the Ethereal Plane
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 (-4) | 20 (+5) | 10 (+0) | 1 (-5) | 14 (+2) | 2 (-4) |
Skills Perception +6, Stealth +9
Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 16
Languages —
Challenge 1 (200 XP)
Proficiency Bonus +2
Ethereal Sight. The sleep bug can see 60 feet into the Ethereal Plane when it is on the Material Plane, and vice versa.
Spider Climb. The sleep bug can climb difficult surfaces, including upside down on ceilings, without needing to make an ability check.
Tiny Stature. The sleep bug can occupy another creature’s space and vice versa and can move through a space as narrow as 1 inch wide without squeezing
Actions
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 0 ft., one creature. Hit: 1 piercing damage, and its hit point maximum is reduced by the same amount until it finishes a long rest. The target dies if this effect reduces its hit point maximum to 0. If the creature has the unconscious condition, this damage doesn’t end that condition.
Ethereal Jaunt. The sleep bug magically shifts from the Material Plane to the Ethereal Plane, or vice versa.
Reactions
Phase (1/Day). When the sleep bug is dealt damage, it becomes transparent and has the invisible condition.
Downloads
Further Reading
Infested with sleep bugs? Find a doc with a pair of spectercles!
Jethrish are much bigger, ethereal threats than sleep bugs.
Imagery created with Midjourney.
