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           V  

Documentation Area

Document Path: /doc/monsters/rat

Name:
	Rat  (Lesser Animal)

Stats:
	No. Appearing  : 1-100
	Climate/Terrain: Any
	Frequency      : Common
	Organization   : Pack
	Activity Cycle : Night
	Diet           : Scavenger

Description:
	Rats are long-tailed rodents, 5-12 inches long. They are aggressive,
	omnivorous, and adaptable, and they often carry diseases.

	The black rat is about 8 inches long, with a tail at least that long, a
	lean body, pointed nose, and long ears. The 'black' rat is dark grey
	with brownish patches, and a gray of white belly. It is a good climber
	and jumper, but cannot swim.

	The brown rat, also known as the sewer rat or the wharf rat, is 5-10
	inches long, and its tail is shorter than the black rat's. Its eyes and
	ears are also smaller, but it has a larger, fatter body. Brown rats may
	be gray, white, black, or piebald in color. They cannot climb, but are
	excellent swimmers and burrowers. If rats infest a building, black rats
	inhabut the upper floors, and brown rats occupy the lower floor and the
	cellars.

Combat:
	Rats normally flee anything bigger than themselves, but a trapped rat
	will do anything to survive and a pack of starving rats will attack
	anything in order to feed. Rats attack with their sharp front teeth and
	often carry diseases, so that a rat bite has a 5% chance of infecting
	its victim with serious disease. Normal rats fear fire, but brave it
	when very hungry. Weapons have little effect on a pack of rats, but
	area effect spells and some other attacks (such as flaming oil) are
	effective.

Habitat/Society:
	The chief purpose of rats is to find food. Packs often burrow into and
	eat food stores. Rats nest almost anywhere, chewing cloth, paper, or
	wood to make a rest.

Ecology:
	Rats are very prolific, breeding three to five times a year. Brown rats
	produce 8-14 young per litter, while a black rat litter contains only
	5-6 young. Both types of rats are omnivorous. Brown rats are considerd
	to be more aggressive than black rats. Their teeth are extremely power-
	ful; they have been known to gnaw holes in lead pipes. Rats have a
	lifespan of two to four years.