Rat

Rats stay wherever they can find food, warmth and shelter: in cellars, granaries, stables and underground passages. Tiny tracks, gnawed sacks and rustling behind a wall reveal their presence. They often share hiding places and remember safe routes to supplies.

They are cautious and quick, usually trying to hide from a larger opponent. They may bite when cornered or protecting a nest; a large cluster of rats can block a narrow passage for the party. Agility is their strength, while their small size limits their physical strength. In the game, Slip Away helps them avoid a subsequent physical hit.

An encounter need not end in combat. The party can secure its supplies, find a hole in the wall or lure the rats away from the route. If unusually large numbers gather in one place, they may point to hidden food or a forgotten passage.