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.

Description
Goblin rats' shapechanging ability allowed them to assume two forms: that of a small humanoid and that of a giant rat. In rat form, they resembled a regular rat, with a length of up to. 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.

Personality
Goblin rats were utterly terrified of all species of cats. When approached by any feline, a goblin rat would typically go into a panic.

Abilities
Goblin rats, especially their animal form, carried communicable diseases such as cholera and plague.

Combat
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.

Society
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.

Diet
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.

Homelands
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.

Beyond Kara-Tur, goblin rats could be found in parts of the Tears of Selune, having been brought there by spelljammers from Shou Lung or Wa.

Relationships
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.

Usages
Some locals in Kara-Tur believed that goblin rat whiskers cured baldness and made a tonic by boiling them in water.

Appearances

 * Adventures
 * Swords of the Daimyo • Night of the Seven Swords • Ochimo: The Spirit Warrior • Blood of the Yakuza