Bats

Description
Normal Bats grown big. These animals aren't really aggressive, unless provoked, which unfortunately can easily be done by walking into their area. But they can be easily vanquished in combat.

Giant Bats can be found in caves and dungeons, and sometimes at night in the wilderness.

Lore
''A non-evil subterranean dweller found in the deepest caverns, the principal diet of the bat is animal blood. They are quite large and may attack any who disturb their rest.''

- from "The History of Britannia, Ultima IV

''These annoying creatures live by night, usually, and travel in flocks. Often their high pitched screech is heard before they are seen. Though flighty and hard to hit, bats are not difficult to kill. As attackers they are relentless and vicious.''

- from "The Book of Lore", Ultima V

''Equipped with keen hearing and night vision, these large, winged rodents are swift and efficient in their nocturnal attacks. Though difficult to hit, their fur-covered bodies are extremely vulnerable to damage.''

- from "Compendium", Ultima VI

''These verminous, disease-ridden pests proliferate in the more remote portions of the Underworld. Bats are bird-like in aspect, but covered with a rough fur rather than feathers. Bats make annoying foes, as they are difficult to strike and very swift, and are almost always found in flocks. Our Knights report finding two varieties of bat in the Abyss. Cave Bats are not known to be fearsome antagonists, preferring to avoid battle when they can. Being dark as midnight, they are difficult to sight but may be detected by the high squealing sounds they make when communicating amongst themselves. One is easily killed with a well-placed blow.On the other hand, the Vampire Bat is a robust creature which seems to seek out opponents. This cunning beast - which can be distinguished from the Cave Bat by its red fur - prefers to attack from above, and may easily remain unseen by those who keep their eyes fixed on the ground, looking for traps or gold. Beware the bite of the Vampire Bat, for the venom it releases is strong enough to sear one's skin.''

- from "Memoirs of Cabirus", Ultima Underworld

''This large winged rodent attacks by night, aided by its night vision and acute hearing. Its body is very light and fragile.''

- from "Fellowship", Ultima VII

''Bats are small flying mammals, almost completely blind, who navigate by means of high-pitched squeaking noises - it is not known whether magic is involved in this process. They are active only in darkness, and tend to live in deep forest or underground terrain. We know of two major varieties of bat. Cave bats are small and have a relatively mild disposition - they will usually only attack if provoked. Although hard to hit, they can do very little damage to a properly armored opponent, and can be killed in one blow. They are, of course, more dangerous when found in flocks.Vampire bats are larger than their cousins, and can also be identified by their red coloration. They are vicious predators, and have been known to stalk and kill human prey. The wise adventurer will remain alert to surprise attacks from above.''

- from "A Safe Passage through Britannian", Ultima Underworld II

Evolution in the series

 * First apperance: Ultima I


 * Last apperance: Ultima IX

There wasn't difference in Giant Bats, once they entered the series, only the graphical presentation became better.

In the Underworlds, we also met the more aggressive Vampire Bats, which are also much stronger.