The Serpent Rat
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Climate/Terrain | Temperate and tropical/any |
| Frequency | Rare |
| Organization | Pack |
| Activity Cycle | Night |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| Intelligence | Semi (2-4) |
| Treasure | H in lair |
| Alignment | Neutral (evil) |
| No. Appearing | 2-6 |
| AC | 4 (rat body)/ -3 (serpent body) |
| MV | 24" |
| HD | 8 |
| THAC0 | 13 |
| Attacks | 3 |
| Damage | 1-6/1-6/1-10 + poison |
| Special | Constriction |
| Special Defenses | None |
| MR | 10% |
| Size | L-H (9 to 18 ft.) |
| Moral | Fearless (19) |
Description
The Serpent Rat is a nightmare of death and destruction. They are rat from the waist up and constrictor (snake) from the waist down. Add to this the poisonous fangs of a viper and you have the recipe for terror.
Their furred upper half ranges in color from light tan to ebony black, though on rare occasions a white (usually albino) is found. Their serpent portion ranges in such a wide variety of colors and patterns (GM's choice) as to be at times breath taking.
They communicate in a language of hisses, chatters, and squeaks.
Combat
The Serpent Rat is a swift and deadly creature. Almost totally fearless, they will attack without hesitation any thing they think eatable. Their long, sharp claws do 1-6 damage, which they use to scratch at the eyes and throat of their prey. They also use them to help hold their prey while constricting so they may also deliver their venomous bite. Their bite does 1-10 damage and delivers a nerve toxin that does 2-12 damage per round (onset time 2 rds. /save at -5). Their constriction does 1-20 damage per rd. and takes a bend bars roll to escape. They can only bite while constricting and only once two successful grabs (one for each paw) is made the previous round. They will continue to fight till either they or their prey are dead.
Habitat/Society
Serpent Rats lay eggs (2-12) which the mother guards with her life. When hatched though the young are milk feed till they reach maturity ( 6-9 months). The young are born with venom as toxic as the adults and just as aggressive.
The Serpent Rat lives in packs and are territorial by nature, fighting to the death any other pack that enters their home terrain. They love shiny things and their lair is often proof of this.
Ecology
The Serpent Rat is a genetic aberration created long ago by a deranged wizard. They have thrived and multiplied over the years at frightening numbers. Most people think that the are a threat to the natural balance of things. These people are right! If left unchecked they can grow to frightening numbers, destroying the surrounding wildlife (and any civilizations) in the area.