Evil Squirrels
The various iterations of D&D have more than a handful of silly monsters. One of my favorites I first saw in AD&D’s Monster Manual II, wherein on page 114, we meet the giant black squirrel.
These semi-intelligent, neutral (evil) rodents “are found only in old, dark forests possessed by Evil.” Love the use of the significant capitalization there. The forest isn’t evil; instead, Evil possesses it. The book goes on to warn us that “[t]hese creatures are malicious and will attack weak or helpless creatures.” Since the giant black squirrel has the same HD as a hobgoblin, pretty much every 0-level person in the campaign world numbers among the weak or helpless.
Also, giant black squirrels covet. “They will steal from careless individuals, taking small, shiny objects (coins, rings, jewelry, flasks, etc. to secrete in their nests.” Ew! Not sure why giant black squirrels need these things to secrete, and I don’t want to know what they secrete either.
I’ve used giant black squirrels in adventures. They love to creep into wilderness camps at night, relying on their speed and small size to get past guards. Then, some of them deliver painful bites to sleep victims while others abscond with shiny items. Giant black squirrels do not stick around for the fight. They bite, grab, and flee, rushing back to their lairs high in the trees.
In the wilds around Tanelorn Keep, a vicious variant of the giant black squirrel exists. Known locally as kateritsas, these wicked rodents often work with jermlaine allies.
Kateritsas excel at ambushes and setting snares. They seldom kill their victims, not really having the stomach for violent confrontation. Instead, kateritsas strike quickly by surprise and then retreat after only a round or two of combat. They steal food and small valuables left unattended. Their paths of retreat lead into snares or dangerous natural hazards, such as quicksand.
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