FREQUENCY: Rare ([Dungeon Level II])

FREQUENCY: Rare ([Cold Civilized Mountains], [Cold Civilized Hills], [Cold Civilized Forest], [Cold Civilized Swamp]
FREQUENCY: Rare [Cold Civilized Plains], [Cold Civilized Desert])

FREQUENCY: Rare ([Cold Wilderness Mountains], [Cold Wilderness Hills], [Cold Wilderness Forest], [Cold Wilderness Swamp])
FREQUENCY: Rare ([Cold Wilderness Plains], [Cold Wilderness Desert])

FREQUENCY: Rare ([Temperate Civilized Mountains], [Temperate Civilized Plains], [Temperate Civilized Forest], [Temperate Civilized Swamp])
FREQUENCY: Rare ([Temperate Civilized Plains], [Temperate Civilized Desert])

FREQUENCY: Rare ([Temperate Wilderness Mountains], [Temperate Wilderness Hills], [Temperate Wilderness Swamp], [Temperate Wilderness Desert])

FREQUENCY: Rare ([Tropical Civilized Mountains], [Tropical Civilized Hills], [Tropical Civilized Forest])
FREQUENCY: Rare ([Tropical Civilized Swamp], [Tropical Civilized Plains], [Tropical Civilized Desert])

FREQUENCY: Rare ([Tropical Wilderness Mountains], [Tropical Wilderness Hills], [Tropical Wilderness Forest],
FREQUENCY: Rare ([Tropical Wilderness Swamp], [Tropical Wilderness Plains], [Tropical Wilderness Desert])

NO. APPEARING: 2-16
ARMOR CLASS: 6 (or special)
MOVE: 12" // 6" (1")
HIT DICE: 2
% IN LAIR: 30%
TREASURE TYPE: [SB]
NO. OF ATTACKS: 1
DAMAGE/ATTACK: 1-2 hp
SPECIAL ATTACKS: Stinking cloud
SPECIAL DEFENSES: Gaseous form
MAGIC RESISTANCE: Standard
INTELLIGENCE: Low
ALIGNMENT: Chaotic (neutral) <this could be interpreted as a tendency towards either G && E, away from N>
SIZE: S
LEVEL/X.P. VALUE: II | 52 + 2

SAVES: 14.15.16.17.17

Vapor rats appear to be nothing more than large, gray giant rats.
Their habitat, however, includes areas not common to giant rats, for these
creatures also dwell in && on the substantial cloud islands which
frequently serve as the abode of cloud giants.

Gaseous Form: It is possible for vapor rats to alter the substance of their bodies and
assume a gaseous form. In this condition they appear to be wisps of
similar vapors. In normal solid state, vapor rats MOVE very quickly and
rapidly, are able to {swim} well, and are capable of burrowing
rapidly through loose soil or the material of cloud islands. In their
vaporous condition, they are able to direct their movement much as a
ship would steer before the wind, and they are thus able to MOVE from
cloud to cloud around the sky.

Vapor rats are omnivorous, loving garbage && carrion, which is typical
of all rats. While they do not seek treasure, there is a possibility that the
remains of their melas will contain some items of value. If discovered in
their lair, there is a 25% chance for each of the following treasure types
to be there: [J](1-4), [K](1-4), [L](1-4), [M](1-4), [N](1-2), C-type for gems,
jewelry, and magic.

If angry, hungry, or cornered, vapor rats will attack
by scurrying in and delivering sharp bites.

Stinking Cloud: Whenever one is killed or seriously
wounded, it gives off a small puff of noxious fumes. This
gaseous release is the equivalent of a stinking cloud spell (q.v.), but it <e>
will affect only 1 individual if within 5-8 feet of the vapor rat. The rat
always directs its release at its opponent, and the gas dissipates beyond
the max. distance shown above. Thus, while it is safe to slay these
monsters from a distance, they are particularly dangerous in close
proximity.

Wounded || seriously threatened vapor rats will always assume gaseous form.
In such state, they can only be harmed by attack forms which cause their vapors to be destroyed.
Such attack forms include very hot || magical fire, lightning, and xceptionally strong winds.
<define wind>