Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Ratfolk

Small · Humanoid · CR 1/4 · Neutral

Source. Tome of Beasts

14 (studded leather armor)

7 (2d6)

1/4

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

-2

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Small

Type Humanoid

Alignment Neutral

XP 50

Initiative Bonus +2

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

Skills

Perception +2

Languages

Common

Environments

Caves Ruins Underworld Urban

Traits

Nimbleness

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

Pack Tactics

The ratfolk has advantage on its attack roll against a creature if at least one of the ratfolk's allies is within 5 feet of the creature and the ally is capable of attacking.

Actions

Dagger

+4 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d4 piercing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d4 + 2) piercing damage.

Light crossbow

+4 to hit, range 80/320 ft (24.4/97.5 m). Hit: 1d8 piercing damage.

Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, range 80/320 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d8 + 2) piercing damage.

About Ratfolk

Ratfolk is a small humanoid with a Challenge Rating of 1/4. It has a neutral alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 14 and possesses 7 hit points (derived from 2d6).

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

GM Tips: Using Ratfolk

2 tips available

When using Ratfolk 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

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 1.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 2 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 31 XP
Hard: 46 XP
Deadly: 62 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?: Ratfolk has a Challenge Rating of 1/4, making it appropriate for parties of level 0.25.
What type of creature is Ratfolk?: Ratfolk is a Small Humanoid, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Ratfolk speak?: Ratfolk can communicate in Common.