Wererat
Medium Humanoid (human), lawful evil
450 XP
Special Abilities
Shapechanger
The wererat can use its action to polymorph into a rat-humanoid hybrid or into a giant rat, or back into its true form, which is humanoid. Its statistics, other than its size, are the same in each form. Any equipment it is wearing or carrying isn't transformed. It reverts to its true form if it dies.
Keen Smell
The wererat has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on smell.
Actions
Multiattack (Humanoid or Hybrid Form Only)
The wererat makes two attacks, only one of which can be a bite.
Bite (Rat or Hybrid Form Only).
Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d4 + 2) piercing damage. If the target is a humanoid, it must succeed on a DC 11 Constitution saving throw or be cursed with wererat lycanthropy.
Shortsword (Humanoid or Hybrid Form Only)
Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) piercing damage.
Hand Crossbow (Humanoid or Hybrid Form Only)
Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, range 30/120 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) piercing damage.
Quick Reference
Running This Encounter
Wererats are cunning ambush predators that prefer hit-and-run tactics over prolonged combat. Use their intelligence (11) to set traps, employ darkness and confined spaces, and coordinate with multiple wererats to surround prey. They fear silvered weapons and will flee if combat turns against them. Roleplay them as desperate, disease-ridden creatures driven by hunger and survival instincts.
Combat Tactics
Wererats use darkness and numbers to their advantage, attacking with their bite or shortswords from concealment before retreating. They employ hit-and-run tactics, targeting isolated party members and using their small humanoid forms to navigate tight spaces the party cannot follow. If outnumbered or faced with silver weapons, they prioritize escape over victory.
Environment & Setting
Wererats thrive in urban sewers, abandoned warehouses, and underground caverns where they can use tight tunnels and darkness as advantages. Flooded basements, crypt systems, and abandoned mines provide ideal hunting grounds with multiple escape routes.