Wererat, Human Form

The Wererat in its human form appears as an individual with subtle features hinting at its rat-like nature. Afflicted with the curse of lycanthropy, this shape-shifting creature embodies the duality of human and rat, blending the characteristics of both to create a cunning and elusive being.

In its human form, the Wererat appears as a person of varying physical attributes, often displaying traits reminiscent of a rat. They may possess a slender or wiry build, with sharp, beady eyes and a slightly pointed nose. Their hands may feature long, nimble fingers that lend themselves to thieving or intricate tasks. While they may not be overtly rat-like in appearance, subtle hints and mannerisms may reveal their connection to the vermin.

The Wererat in human form possesses heightened senses, particularly in terms of smell and hearing. This allows them to detect subtle scents and sounds, making them adept at stealth and surveillance. They may have a natural affinity for sneaking, hiding, and moving silently, making them skilled infiltrators and thieves.

While they maintain their human intellect, Wererats in human form often exhibit cunning, street smarts, and a penchant for mischief. Their rat-like instincts influence their behavior, resulting in a proclivity for scavenging, hoarding, and a hierarchical social structure. They may form secretive communities or operate within criminal organizations.

Engaging with a Wererat in its human form requires vigilance and caution. Their deceptive nature and aptitude for skullduggery make them skilled manipulators and adversaries. They may employ guile, trickery, and surprise attacks to gain the upper hand. Understanding their hierarchical structures and social dynamics can provide insights into their motivations and potential weaknesses.

Encountering a Wererat in its human form is to face a creature that embodies the duality of human intellect and rat-like instinct. Their presence exudes an aura of cunning, elusiveness, and an affinity for shadows. Engaging with a Wererat requires an appreciation for their dual nature, as well as the ability to navigate their intricate web of deception. Only those who are skilled in detection, prepared for subterfuge, and possess a keen sense of strategy can hope to outwit and overcome these cunning creatures.

Wererats in their human form bring a touch of covert cunning, elusiveness, and the enigmatic presence of the shape-shifter to the tapestry of the world. They serve as reminders of the hidden dangers lurking in the shadows, as well as the intricate balance between human intellect and primal instincts. Whether encountered as secretive infiltrators, members of underground criminal networks, or as enigmatic figures skilled in espionage and thievery, Wererats in their human form add a sense of stealthy trickery, hidden motivations, and the enigmatic presence of the shape-shifter to the realms of adventure and exploration.

Special 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: The wererat makes two attacks, only one of which can be a bite.
• Shortsword: Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) piercing damage.
• Hand Crossbow: Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, range 30/120 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) piercing damage.

Proficiencies

• Skill: Perception +2
• Skill: Stealth +4