Giant Rats

These big Rats are a good hint, that there is a environmental problem... Giant Rats might be not a big threat in combat, but they carry all kinds of disease with them, and one unlucky bite can be enough to cause a serious infection, which has to be treated at once. Because of this, Giant Rats are less a combat problem, but more are danger to the public health and food stocks in the cities.

Giant Rats usually dwell in caves and dungeons, but can also be found in the wilderness.

Once established, Giant Rats changed very little in all installments they appear in. The only serious change happened in Ultima IX, where Giants Rats became MUCH bigger.

Lore
''Over the centuries, the rodents of Britannia have grown ever larger (and hungrier) in the catacombs and tunnels which honeycomb this land. Natural agility and sharp teeth are these creatures' chief advantages. Even a single Giant Rat poses a significant danger for a lightly armed opponent, though an experienced warrior can slay a pack in as many blows as there are enemies. Of the rats which have bred in the Abyss, we have distinguished two varieties. The Giant Tan Rat, commonly found in the drier upper levels, is an aggressive beast with the disgusting tactic of leaping up in order to slash with its teeth at an enemy's throat.''