[New Monster] Arcane Rat

Arcane Rat

‘My wand! It’s gone!’ Lakko shouted in a panic as the magic-user patted himself down.

‘It must be around here somewhere,’ said Nivoq the thief.

‘Did you take it?’ the wizard snarled, accusing the pilferer.

‘Why would I? Are you crazy? We need all of our resources down here, robbing anyone in the party would be pointless. Except for coins, maybe,’ replied the thief.

Lakko searched for his coin purse, found it, then looked embarassed.

Oslar the paladin stood pointing grimly at the darkness outside of the light of their lanterns.

‘Maybe they took your wand,’ he said.

‘Who?’ asked an exasperated Lakko.

Then he saw the pairs of beady eyes reflecting in the shadows, waiting.

‘How much lamp oil do we have? Torches?’ the wizard asked as he felt a chill run down his spine.

Arcane Rat: AC 6 [+13], HD 1+1 (5hp), Att Bite (1d4), THAC0 18 [+1], MV 60’ (20’) SV D12 W13 P14 B15 S16 (1), ML 8, AL N, XP 9, NA 2d6 (3d12), TT A, Nx2 (in lair only) ▶ Sense Magic Items: 90′ radius. ▶ Telepathy: used among other arcane rats and intelligent rodents. ▶ Infravision: 90′.

These large rats are roughly the size of a schnauzer, with a low to medium intelligence and a compulsion to gnaw, steal or destroy magic items, depending on the item. With the ability to silently speak among themselves they quietly organize schemes to remove magic items from their owners. If they cannot easily destroy the items they store them in their lairs which, after decades, can rival the horde of a small dragon. Sometimes these creatures work with wererats or other intelligent rodents to pull off grand capers or raids on a wizard’s domicile.