Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Ratfolk Mercenary

Small · Humanoid · CR 2 · Neutral

Source. Creature Codex

15 (leather armor)

45 (13d6)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

-2

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Small

Type Humanoid

Alignment Neutral

XP 450

Initiative Bonus +4

Movement

Walk 25 ft (7.6 m)

Swim 10 ft (3 m)

Climb 12 ft (3.7 m)

Crawl 12 ft (3.7 m)

Senses

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 12

Saving Throws

Dexterity +6 Intelligence +4

Skills

Acrobatics +8 Deception +2 Intimidation +2 Perception +2 Stealth +8

Languages

Common

Traits

Chopper Squad

The ratfolk mercenary's melee weapon attacks deal one extra die of damage if at least one of the mercenary's allies is within 5 feet of the creature and the ally isn't incapacitated.

Nimbleness

The ratfolk mercenary can move through the space of any Medium or larger creature.

Pack Tactics

The ratfolk has advantage on attack rolls against a creature if at least one of the ratfolk's allies is within 5 feet of the creature and the ally isn't incapacitated.

Packing Heat

If the ratfolk mercenary moves at least 10 feet straight toward a target and then hits it with a shortsword attack on the same turn, the mercenary can make one dart attack against another target within 20 feet as a bonus action without disadvantage.

Actions

Dart

+6 to hit, range 20/60 ft (6.1/18.3 m). Hit: 1d4+4 piercing damage.

Ranged Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d4 + 4) piercing damage.

Multiattack

The ratfolk mercenary makes two attacks with its shortsword or dart. If both shortsword attacks hit the same target, the ratfolk mercenary can use its bonus action to automatically deal an extra 4 (1d8) piercing damage as it bites the target.

Shortsword

+6 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d6+4 piercing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d6 + 4) piercing damage.

Reactions

Guard the Big Cheese

When a creature makes an attack against the ratfolk mercenary's current employer, the mercenary grants a +2 bonus to the employer's AC if the mercenary is within 5 feet of the employer.

About Ratfolk Mercenary

Ratfolk Mercenary is a small humanoid with a Challenge Rating of 2. It has a neutral alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 15 and possesses 45 hit points (derived from 13d6).

Ratfolk Mercenary has communication capabilities including Common. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Ratfolk Mercenary

2 tips available

When using Ratfolk Mercenary in your D&D 5e campaign, consider these tactical approaches:

Aquatic Combat: This creature can swim at 10 ft. It has advantage in water environments. Consider fighting on land or using water-based spells against it.
Pack Tactics Advantage: This creature has advantage on attack rolls when an ally is within 5 feet! Separate it from its pack or use 'Fear' spells to scatter allies. Single-target encounters reduce its effectiveness.

Player Guide: Facing Ratfolk Mercenary

2 strategies available

When your party encounters this creature, keep these strategies in mind:

Aquatic Combat Defense: This creature can swim at 10 ft! It has advantage in water. Fight on land if possible. Use 'Control Water' or drain water sources to limit its mobility.
Counter Pack Tactics: This creature has advantage when allies are nearby! Separate it from its pack. Use 'Fear' spells to scatter allies. Single-target encounters reduce its effectiveness.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 2.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 4 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 600 XP
Hard: 900 XP
Deadly: 1,200 XP

Based on D&D 5e Dungeon Master's Guide encounter building guidelines. CR roughly equals party level for medium encounters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the challenge rating of Ratfolk Mercenary?: Ratfolk Mercenary has a Challenge Rating of 2, making it appropriate for parties of level 2.0.
What type of creature is Ratfolk Mercenary?: Ratfolk Mercenary is a Small Humanoid, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Ratfolk Mercenary speak?: Ratfolk Mercenary can communicate in Common.