Rat, Giant

The giant rat is a larger, more menacing version of its common rodent counterpart. It possesses a feral and scrappy appearance, standing about 2 to 3 feet tall and weighing up to 30 pounds. Covered in coarse fur, usually in shades of brown or gray, the giant rat’s beady eyes and sharp, yellowed teeth give it a menacing and predatory look.

Found in dark and dingy places such as sewers, dungeons, or abandoned buildings, the giant rat is a scavenger that thrives on opportune moments to feast on carrion or even attack unsuspecting creatures that wander into its territory. Despite its larger size, the giant rat retains the agility and nimbleness of its smaller relatives, allowing it to swiftly move through tight spaces and pounce on its prey.

These creatures often dwell in large packs, utilizing their numbers to overwhelm their adversaries. They possess a keen sense of smell, able to detect the presence of food or potential threats from a distance. Though they lack intelligence, giant rats compensate with their natural instincts and an uncanny ability to adapt to their environment.

While giant rats are not known for their formidable strength, their sharp incisors and claws can deliver painful bites and scratches. Additionally, their bites can transmit diseases, making encounters with them potentially hazardous for the unprepared. However, their smaller size compared to other monstrous creatures makes them a relatively common and manageable threat for experienced adventurers.

Despite their generally aggressive nature, some individuals with the knowledge and skills to handle animals may attempt to tame or train giant rats as companions or even mounts. While not as majestic or impressive as other beasts, these trained giant rats can prove useful in certain situations, such as navigating tight spaces or acting as loyal scouts in underground environments.

Special Abilities

Keen Smell

The rat has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on smell.

Pack Tactics

The rat has advantage on an attack roll against a creature if at least one of the rat’s allies is within 5 ft. of the creature and the ally isn’t incapacitated.

Actions

• Bite: Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d4 + 2) piercing damage.