Dire Rat

Dire rats, also known as giant rats, are a species of large rodent. Diverging significantly from their common rat relatives, these rodents have evolved into larger creatures, akin in size to a large dog.
Dire rats are known to be resilient and adaptable, not unlike their smaller cousins. In essentially all the places these creatures can be found they are considered vermin, pest animals, and a threat to life for those that lack combat experience. Dire rats are primarily nocturnal, preferring the safety the darkness of night brings. During this time they scavenge for food supplies, which typically brings them into the homes of unsuspecting civilians. That being said, though dire rats tend to prefer easier food sources there are reports of unprotected and unaware people (especially children) being dragged away to dire rat nests in the dead of night - where they are no doubt consumed. Luckily, reports such as this are somewhat rare.
== Description ==
Dire rats can grow up to lengths of about 2 feet, excluding their tails, and weigh between 20 to 30 pounds on average. They boast a formidable size when compared to their smaller counterparts, comparable to that of a large dog. This increase in size makes them easier to spot than a regular rat, but grants the dire rat better resilience and defensive capabilities.
Dire rat fur is course and varies in colour, but is usually in some shade of black, brown, or grey. Their coats are somewhat weather-resilient, though not enough to allow them easy survivability in the harshest climates. This fur serves as both insulation and as a form of camouflage when the dire rat is in its preferred nesting environment - dark, muddy places.
Dire rats have elongated snouts (typical of rodents). They also have a pair of powerful incisors, used for both gnawing through materials, devouring flesh, and for self-defence. Positioned on either side of the snout are the dire rat's beady, black eyes which allows for improved vision in dark environments. This is further augmented by their acute sense of smell and their sensitive whiskers.
The dire rat's tail is perhaps an underappreciated part of its anatomy. It serves multiple functions, acting as a counterbalance during rapid movements and aiding in climbing. It is also a vital communication tool within a dire rat nest, conveying information about danger or potential food sources through subtle movements.
== Habitat and Distribution ==
Dire rats display a remarkable adaptability to diverse habitats, thriving in both urban and wilderness settings. From city sewers to remote forests, Dire Rats can be found throughout much of Magnula. In particular, dire rats enjoy constructing their nests in dark and concealed locations - such as abandoned buildings, city sewers, areas of overgrown flora, and even in the burrows of other creatures.
Out of all the different biomes and terrains of the world, dire rats are able to survive in most of them. That being said, there are some that they prefer more to others. Murky and damp swamps provide dire rats with dense vegetation, in and with which to build their nests, and an abundance of insects and small animals for food. Magnula's densest forests grant plenty of potential nesting sites, particularly within fallen trees and large crevices. Dire rats exhibit a surprising agility which allows them to navigate the trees well. Dire rats exhibit a particular affinity for subterranean living, making underground environments such as caves, tunnels, and abandoned mines ideal habitats. Here, they construct elaborate burrow systems, the darkness and seclusion of these locations making for perfect living environments. Finally, dire rats thrive in the shadow of civilisation, often taking residence in sewers, crypts, dungeons, graveyards, and abandoned buildings. The abundance of discarded food waste and the interconnectedness of tunnels and structures provide ample opportunities for these rodents to establish colonies, making them an ever-present thorn in the side of the civilised world. 
== Behaviour ==
Primarily nocturnal, dire rats are most active during the cover of darkness. Their heightened senses, including acute night vision and a keen sense of smell, make them well-suited for navigating their environments in low-light conditions. This behaviour not only aids in avoiding potential predators but also allows them to exploit resources and scavenge for food with greater efficiency. The downside to this, however, is that dire rats are sensitive to light and deathly afraid of fire.
Dire rats are opportunistic omnivores, consuming a varied diet that includes small animals, insects, and discarded food waste. Indeed, dire rats will eat almost anything, as long as it contains at least some sustenance. Ever the opportunists, dire rat scavenger packs will sometimes even target living people if the circumstances are right. There are occasional stories of lone unsuspecting individuals (especially children) being dragged away in the middle of the night, to be devoured by a rat colony.
Dire Rats organise themselves into hierarchical social structures within their colonies. Dominant individuals, often larger and more aggressive, assert control over subordinate members. The hierarchy influences access to resources, mating opportunities, and overall colony dynamics. Communication within the colony is facilitated through a combination of vocalisations, body language, and the subtle movements of their tails.
The reproductive capabilities of Dire Rats are prolific, ensuring the continuous expansion of their colonies. Female rats give birth to litters of several pups, with short gestation periods and rapid maturation rates. This reproductive strategy allows for the quick replenishment of the colony's population, a key factor in their resilience and ability to spread.
=== Interactions with Intelligent Races ===
In most areas, particularly settled ones, dire rats are often regarded as pests. Their tendency to scavenge for discarded food waste, inhabit sewers, and establish nests in buildings makes them a nuisance to the inhabitants. Additionally, their role as carriers of diseases further solidifies their unfavourable reputation. Settlements frequently employ various methods, such as traps, to manage dire rat populations and mitigate the potential risks they pose. However, if an infestation becomes too problematic, it is not uncommon to send in willing adventurers to clear out the rats - in exchange for a fair payment, of course.
Interestingly, some other groups have actually found practical uses for dire rats. For example, some goblin tribes have recognised the utility of dire rats as effective hunting companions. Some goblin hunters, particularly those in forest environments, cultivate relationships with these rodents, using them to track prey, scavenge for resources, and even assist in combat. Another example are druid circles. These nature-centric groups appreciate the ecological role that dire rats play in controlling insect populations and maintaining balance within ecosystems. Some druids form bonds with dire rats, adopting them as companions or even considering them as mystical familiars. In these circles, dire rats are respected for their adaptability.
== Combat ==
Dire rats, driven by their omnivorous nature and territorial instincts, are likely to engage in combat for various reasons. In defensive situations, they fiercely protect their nests from potential threats, including predators and intruders. Additionally, the opportunistic nature of dire rats may lead them to confront other creatures over resources or territory, especially in urban environments where food is abundant.
In combat, dire rats utilise their powerful bites as primary weapons, their incisors being powerful enough to gnaw through bone. These rodents also use coordinated swarm tactics, overwhelming adversaries with sheer numbers. Their keen sense of smell enables them to detect targets from a distance, while their nocturnal nature allows them to exploit darkness for avoidance and surprise. Swift and agile, dire rats engage in mobility-focused tactics, evading direct confrontation with larger foes. Coordination within colonies, often led by dominant individuals, enhances their overall effectiveness. However, dire rats are significantly less of a threat when isolated. They are also discouraged by light and terrified of fire, which gives adversaries a number of exploitable weaknesses.
As well as standard dire rats, there are also diseased dire rats. These creatures are biologically the same, but carry vicious and sickening illnesses that provide them with an additional threat. Most notable of these sicknesses is filth fever, a disease characterised by fever, slowness of movement, and physical weakness that can even be deadly if left untreated.
=== Loot and Harvesting ===
While dire rats are not known for hoarding treasures or amassing wealth, adventurers and scavengers may find certain items of value when dealing with them. The potential loot from dire rats is more practical and resource-oriented, but sometimes someone lucky might find an item of value on a dire rat's carcass.
Dire rats possess coarse fur that, when properly treated, can be fashioned into rat pelts. These pelts, while not as luxurious as those from larger creatures, can be used for crafting clothing, accessories, or even makeshift armour - though they are certainly not popular choices for any of these. 
Due to their reputation as carriers of diseases, the organs of dire rats could be of interest to alchemists or researchers studying ailments and antidotes. While handling such materials poses risks, adventurers knowledgeable in the healing arts may find ways to extract valuable knowledge or components from the organs.
Being opportunistic scavengers, sometimes a dire rat will swallow a ring or valuable object when feeding. Typically, the rat's stomach acids will wear these items away beyond practical use but, rarely, a rat that is killed recently enough can have it's stomach opened and valuables removed. Though an unpleasant affair, the chance of gaining genuine loot (even if it is only a single ring) is motivation enough for some.