Monkrat

It is closely related to the mongoose family and as such is the natural predator of the Purgatory Sidewinder with short fur covering the entire body. It can attack by either claw or biting and is immune to the Sidewinder Poison and Fire attacks. It is between seven and twenty-eight inches with another five to ten inches of tail. It stands about eight inches at the shoulder with four paws and a pointy muzzle with fangs and several other sharp teeth. In a battle with a Oatman Crawler, it stands a less than 50% chance of winning because of the natural defenses of the Crawler unless it is able to outwit it and manage to roll it onto its back.

The ranchers see the Monkrats as both blessing and curse. They are the natural predator of the Sidewinder which helps to control its population and helps to keep children safe, but it can also cut into the profit for those who hunt for the skins to sell to Miss Melinda's Alchemy and Branding. As they also consider the eggs of the snake as a delicacy, it can mean some years have low numbers of new young. No one is quite sure who named these critters as the Monkrat, but the name is clearly deserved as the grace and quickness of attack is clearly the same as monks of legend.

Lifespan

Currently unknown, but druids and scholars believe they may live up to 20 years

Average Height

8 inches at the shoulder

Average Weight

11 ounces to 11 lbs

Average Length

7 to 28 inches with another 5 to 10 inches of tail

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Monkrat fur comes in a narrow band of colors, most suited to the plains environment they call home. Most have gold, brown, dusky chestnut fur that is similar to the tall grasses they move through.