Goblin Rat
Goblin rats were evil shapechangers native to Kara-Tur. They were natural goblinoid lycanthropes that could not transmit their curse and were cousins of hengeyokai.
Basic Information
Biological Traits
Goblin rats, especially their animal form, carried communicable diseases such as cholera and plague.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Goblin rats were omnivores, eating whatever was available. They did not forage nor hunt, instead they raided the crops and livestock of nearby human farmers.
Additional Information
Social Structure
Goblin rats were patriarchal and lived in packs of up to thirty individuals. The pack was led by the strongest male. His authority could be challenged in fatal duels, the survivor becoming the new leader. During the night, goblin rat packs raided human settlements for food and treasure. Other creatures avoided goblin rats and they were considered to be symbols of cowardice in Kara-Tur.
Uses, Products & Exploitation
Some locals in Kara-Tur believed that goblin rat whiskers cured baldness and made a tonic by boiling them in water.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Goblin rats lived within ruins on the outskirts of human towns and villages. They hoarded treasure within their lairs, depositing it into deep holes within.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
While goblin rats were natural cowards and avoided combat whenever they could, a cornered or hungry goblin rat was able to unleash a deadly and vicious assault. In animal form, goblin rats used their razor-sharp teeth and claws as weapons. While in humanoid form, they could use armor and weapons, however, if they shape-changed into a rat, their armor and weapons dropped around them.
Civilization and Culture
Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals
Goblin rats were utterly terrified of all species of cats. When approached by any feline, a goblin rat would typically go into a panic.
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
Goblin rats were not known to have any predators, primarily due to their flesh being inedible. Oni occasionally hired packs of them to act as servants.
Genetic Ancestor(s)
Average Height
In rat form, they resembled a regular rat, with a length of up to 3 ft (91 cm).
Average Physique
Goblin rats' shapechanging ability allowed them to assume two forms: that of a small humanoid and that of a giant rat. Their rat form had a mouth that was packed with incredibly sharp fangs. When in humanoid form, they appeared as a diminutive and skinny "ratman", whose facial features vaguely resembled those of a rat. They were short, had skinny bodies, and greasy skin. Their eyes tended to dart about.
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