Giant rat

Giant rats, also known as dire rats, were a species of large rodent.

Description
Giant rats were much larger than the common rat, most growing to the size of a large dog. They were covered in coarse fur that was brown-black in color.

Combat
Giant rats worked exceptionally well in groups, taking advantage of their numbers to attack more efficiently. They attacked a target by biting them with its sharp incisors. Giant rats avoided attacking stronger creatures, especially those wielding fire, unless driven by extreme hunger or compelled to do so by a wererat or vampire. Giant rats were excellent swimmers, as such they were just as dangerous in the water as they were on land.

The bite of these creatures carried a potentially lethal disease known as filth fever. It was recommended that victims of giant rat bites sought immediate clerical attention.

Ecology
Giant rats were common found in subterranean areas such as crypts, dungeons and sewers. They were also found in great numbers within graveyards, where they dug a network of tunnel to gain access to the corpses found within.

Some were raised to be mounts by the Tasloi, alongside spider eaters.

Habitats
Giant rats could be found in the wild in the Silver Marches, particularly in the Rauvin Vale and Sundabar Vale, as well as in the High Forest.

Beyond the Prime Material plane, giant rats could be found in the Domains of Dread.

Trivia
A dire rat could be summoned as an animal companion in Neverwinter Nights.

Appearances

 * Adventures
 * Treasure Hunt • The Tomb of Damara • Lost Crown of Neverwinter · Tales from the Yawning Portal
 * Novels
 * The Ring of Winter
 * Video Games
 * Descent to Undermountain · Neverwinter Nights · Neverwinter Nights: Darkness over Daggerford • Neverwinter Nights: Tyrants of the Moonsea
 * Descent to Undermountain · Neverwinter Nights · Neverwinter Nights: Darkness over Daggerford • Neverwinter Nights: Tyrants of the Moonsea