Dungeons & Dragons Dire Rat Miniature

In *Dungeons & Dragons*, a Dire Rat is an oversized, aggressive rat, often encountered in dungeons, sewers, or urban areas where filth and decay are common. These creatures are typically classified as vermin and appear in various editions of the game. They are much larger than ordinary rats, typically about the size of a small dog, and are known for their sharp teeth and disease-ridden bite.

Dire Rats are usually low-level monsters, often serving as minions or part of larger encounters. Their bite can sometimes transmit diseases, which adds a layer of danger to facing them in combat. In terms of behavior, they are pack animals, often attacking in groups to overwhelm opponents. This makes them a more formidable threat when encountered in numbers, especially for low-level adventurers.

Though not particularly intelligent, Dire Rats are cunning and opportunistic, often using their environment to their advantage by hiding in shadows, squeezing through small spaces, and ambushing unsuspecting adventurers. They are a staple of early-game encounters, providing a challenge that helps introduce players to the risks of disease and swarming tactics in combat. As they are easy to find in dark, unsanitary places, Dire Rats are commonly used by dungeon masters as a basic, yet thematic encounter for fledgling adventurers.

While not as fearsome as higher-level creatures, Dire Rats can still pose a threat when they appear in large numbers, and their disease-carrying bites add an element of danger that can persist beyond the battle.