Wererat

Wererat
(Creature)
Common LE Medium Beast Human Humanoid Werecreature Level 2 Alignment LG NG CG LN N CN LE NE CE Images of wererats Source: Bestiary, pg(s). 329–330 Type Humanoid (shapechanger) CR As base creature +1 Environment Any urban Alignment LG NG CG LN N CN LE NE CE Images of wererats Source: Bestiary, pg(s). 197

Whether born naturally or afflicted with the curse of the werecreature, wererats are werecreatures who can switch between human and rat form and are common in crowded and dirty cities. They are one of the two most common forms of werecreature, the other being werewolves, and one of the most feared. They are also among the physically weakest and rely on stealth and cunning to survive.

Appearance

Snig, a wererat in humanoid form.

Like all werecreatures, wererats have multiple forms. The most mundane forms they take are either as regular humanoids or rats. An afflicted wererat's humanoid form retains their appearance from before they were cursed, although they sometimes gain rat-like mannerisms. True wererats tend to be short and wiry, often with a nervous disposition and darting rodent-like eyes. Wererats can also assume a hybrid from that combines their humanoid form with a rat's features, gaining a long twitchy tail, fur covering their body, and a rat's head with a nasty bite.

Habitat and ecology

Wererats almost always dwell in cities for it is there where rats and humans most commonly co-habit and so it is where a wererat can most easily blend in. Many cities have wererat infestations from lawless slums like Riddleport to well-run cities like Korvosa. Because of their ability to blend in as rats and the mobility this grants them, wererats often find work in thieves' guilds.

A wererat's bite is its most dangerous trait as it can spread the curse of the wererat; anyone bitten risks contracting the curse, and while those born as wererats can control their shapeshifting, those cursed with it often cannot.

They are extremely conscious of the need for secrecy—a city that feels itself to be infested with wererats is likely to erupt into violence and paranoia. The head of the guild usually controls who can be infected and ensures all necessary measures are taken to maintain their secrecy.

References

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