Rat-Ghouls

The foulest form of common vermin, rat-ghouls are abnormally large rats that have been infused with necrotic energy, either from proximity to a source of foulness, or feasting upon necrotic flesh.

Rat-Ghouls (CR 1)

Small Undead
Alignment: Neutral
Initiative: +3
Senses: Low-Light Vision, Scent; Perception +4

Speed: 40 feet, Climb 20 feet, Swim 20 feet
Space: 5 feet

Defense

Armor Class: 14, touch 14, flat-footed 11 (+3 Dex, +1 size)
Hit Points: 4 (1d8)
Saving Throws: Fort +2, Ref +3, Will +3
Immunity: undead traits

Offense

Melee: bite +1 (1d4 plus disease)
Reach: 5 feet

Special Attacks: disease, Paralysis (1d4 rounds, DC 10, elves are immune to this effect)

Statistics

Str	Dex	Con	Int	Wis	Cha
10 (+0)	17 (+3)	-	2 (-4)	13 (+1)	10 (+0)

Base Attack Bonus: +0
CMB -1
CMD 12 (16 vs. Trip)

Feats: Skill Focus (Perception)

Skills: Climb +11, Perception +4, Stealth +11, Swim +11

• Racial Modifiers: uses Dex to modify Climb and Swim

Languages:

Special Abilities

Disease (Ex)

Filth fever: Bite-injury; save DC 10 Fort; onset 1d3 days; frequency 1/day; effect 1d3 Dex damage and 1d3 Con damage; cure 2 consecutive saves. The save DC is Charisma-based.

Ecology

Environment: Any
Organization: solitary or flood (2-40)
Treasure: none


Resembling giant rats with desiccated, leathery skin, and patches of missing fur and flesh, the rat-ghoul is created when normal or dire rats feast on undead flesh, or being inundated with black magic or necrotic forces. Rat-ghouls may be found in any evil area, and they act much as normal rats in their typical environments.

Rat-ghouls retain a spark of their former rat intelligence. They tend to stay in packs, looking to feast on flesh and detritus. If no \"normal\" food is available, the rat-ghouls begin feasting on each other, and then possibly even themselves, so strong is their hunger.

Rat-ghouls attack en masse, and attempt to overrun their opponents. Rat-ghouls that successfully take an opponent to the ground swarm and eat the creature as soon as possible. Rat-ghouls retain the ability to paralyze foes as normal ghouls.

Credit Original author James C. Boney Originally appearing in Dread Saecaroth (© Frog God Games, 2011)