Wererat

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Wererat Introduction

In the dim, flickering light of the torch-lit tunnels, a sinister presence lurks just beyond the edge of sight. The air is thick with the scent of decay and damp earth, a fitting home for the elusive and cunning wererat. These creatures, cursed with the ability to shift between human and rat form, are masters of stealth and subterfuge, thriving in the shadows where others fear to tread.

The wererat stands before you, its form a grotesque amalgamation of man and beast. Its eyes, beady and glinting with a malevolent intelligence, peer out from a face covered in coarse, bristling fur. Sharp, yellowed teeth protrude from a snout that twitches with every scent carried on the stale air. Its limbs are wiry and agile, ending in clawed hands that seem equally adept at wielding a dagger or scurrying up the slick walls of its subterranean lair.

Wererats are notorious for their cunning and resourcefulness, often forming tight-knit clans that operate in the underbelly of cities or in the labyrinthine sewers beneath. They are adept at navigating these dark, forgotten places, using their intimate knowledge of the tunnels to ambush the unwary or escape from danger. Their society is one of strict hierarchy, ruled by the strongest and most cunning among them, and they are fiercely territorial, defending their domain with ruthless efficiency.

Legends speak of wererats as the cursed offspring of a pact made with dark forces, a bargain struck in desperation that forever bound them to the shadows. It is said that those who fall victim to their bite may find themselves slowly succumbing to the same curse, their humanity slipping away with each passing night until they too are drawn to the darkness. Beware, for the wererat is a creature of guile and treachery, and its true danger lies not in its claws or teeth, but in its ability to strike from the shadows and disappear without a trace.

Wererat Skills & Traits

Skills

• Stealth +4

Senses

• Darkvision 60 ft.
• Passive Perception 10

Languages

• Common
• Undercommon (can speak with rats and giant rats)

Abilities

• Shapechanger: The wererat can use its action to polymorph into a rat-humanoid hybrid or into a giant rat, or back into its true form, which is humanoid. Its statistics, other than its size, are the same in each form. Any equipment it is wearing or carrying isn't transformed. It reverts to its true form if it dies.
• Keen Smell: The wererat has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on smell.

Actions

• Multiattack (Humanoid or Hybrid Form Only): The wererat makes two attacks, only one of which can be a bite.
• Bite (Rat or Hybrid Form Only): Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d4 + 2) piercing damage. If the target is a humanoid, it must succeed on a DC 11 Constitution saving throw or be cursed with wererat lycanthropy.
• Shortsword (Humanoid or Hybrid Form Only): Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) piercing damage.
• Hand Crossbow (Humanoid or Hybrid Form Only): Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, range 30/120 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) piercing damage.

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Battle Tips for Wererat

Wererats are cunning and resourceful creatures that can pose a significant challenge to adventurers. As a dungeon master, you can use their unique abilities and characteristics to create engaging and dynamic encounters. Here are some tips on how to effectively utilize wererats in battle:

Using Wererats in Battle

• Ambush Tactics: Wererats are skilled at setting up ambushes in urban environments or sewer systems. Use their knowledge of the terrain to surprise adventurers, attacking from hidden alcoves or shadowy corners.
• Hit-and-Run: With their nimble movements and ability to transform into rats, wererats can employ hit-and-run tactics. They can dart in to attack and then retreat into small spaces where larger foes cannot follow.
• Poisoned Weapons: Wererats often coat their weapons with poison. This can add an extra layer of danger to their attacks, forcing players to deal with ongoing poison damage or status effects.

Coordinating Multiple Wererats

• Pack Tactics: Wererats work well in groups, using pack tactics to gain advantage on attacks. Coordinate their movements to flank and overwhelm individual adventurers.
• Divide and Conquer: Use wererats to split the party. Some can engage the front line while others sneak around to attack spellcasters or ranged attackers from behind.
• Communication: Wererats can communicate with each other in rat form. Use this to relay information quickly and adapt their strategy based on the adventurers' actions.

Fleeing and Regrouping

• Strategic Retreats: If the battle turns against them, wererats can retreat into the sewers or other hidden passages. This allows them to regroup and plan a counterattack.
• Use of Illusions: Wererats may use illusions or other trickery to cover their escape, creating false trails or distractions to confuse pursuers.
• Reinforcements: Wererats can call for reinforcements if they are part of a larger clan. This can turn a losing battle into a more challenging encounter for the adventurers.

By leveraging the wererats' strengths and cunning, you can create memorable and challenging encounters that will test the strategic thinking and adaptability of your players.