Level | 2 |
Alignment | |
Images of wererats | |
Source: Bestiary, pg(s). 329–330 |
Wererat
Wererat | |
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(Creature) | |
Whether born naturally or afflicted with the curse of lycanthropy, wererats are lycanthropes 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 lycanthrope (the other is the werewolf) and one of the most feared.1 They are also among the physically weakest, so rely on stealth and cunning to survive.2
Appearance
Like all lycanthropes, wererats have multiple forms, the most mundane forms they take are either as regular humans or rats. Whilst an infected wererat human form looks like they did before they were cursed (although sometimes taking on rat-like mannerisms) natural wererats tend to be short and wiry, often with a nervous disposition and darting rodent-like eyes. Wererats can also take on a hybrid from which combines their humanoid form with rat features. In this form they gain a long, twitchy tail, fur covers their whole body and their head becomes that of a rat giving them a nasty bite.3
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.3 Many cities have wererat infestations from lawless slums like Riddleport4 to well-run cities like Korvosa5. Because of their ability to blend in as rats and the mobility this grants them, wererats often find work in a thieves' guild.3 The most dangerous thing about a wererat is its ability to spread the curse of lycanthropy; anyone bitten risks contracting the curse, and while those born as wererats can control their shapeshifting, those cursed with it are not so lucky.6
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, which is bad for all concerned. As a result, the head of the guild usually controls who can be infected by lycanthropy, and will ensure all necessary measures are taken to maintain their secrecy.2
References
For additional as-yet unincorporated sources about this subject, see the Meta page.
- ↑ “Ecology of the Lycanthrope” in Broken Moon, 73. Paizo Inc., 2011 .
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 “Ecology of the Lycanthrope” in Broken Moon, 74. Paizo Inc., 2011 .
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 “Monsters A to Z” in Bestiary, 197. Paizo Inc., 2009 .
- ↑ “Riddleport: City of Cyphers” in Shadow in the Sky, 50. Paizo Inc., 2008 .
- ↑ “Chapter 3: People” in Guide to Korvosa, 47. Paizo Inc., 2008 .
- ↑ “Monsters A to Z” in Bestiary, 196. Paizo Inc., 2009 .