Bat
Bats are common in the Underworld. Some species are more aggressive than others.
Lore[edit]
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 Sir Cabirus (Ultima Underworld)
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.
Previous Appearance[edit]
Previous explorers have encountered Bats, regardless of the world they originated on. Outside of the lightless Underworld, the creatures are generally nocturnal.