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Giant Bats
Giant Bat
Giant Bat, from Memoirs of Sir Cabirus
Variants: Vampire Bats
First appearance: Ultima I
Last appearance: Ultima IX

Normal bats grown big. These animals aren't really aggressive, unless provoked, which can easily be done by moving too close to them. But they can be easily vanquished in combat.

In the Underworlds, the Avatar also met the stronger and more aggressive Vampire Bats.

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

Lore[]

Although the Sosarian Giant Bat is but a dumb brute, this large cousin of the more powerful vampire bat found in other lands is indeed a menace to those unfortunate enough to disturb its subterranean slumber. The Giant Bat lives on a diet of animal blood and is not adverse to feasting on adventurers.

- from The First Age of Darkness (Ultima I)

Bat-u5c

A giant bat (Ultima V, cave)

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 Sir Cabirus (Ultima Underworld)

Bats2

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

- from The Book of 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 Britannia (Ultima Underworld II)

Bats4

As its name implies, this is an enlarged version of the common bat, a small flying mammal capable of sensing creatures in total darkness. Their nests are found most often in caves and other areas where little light is present.

- from Beyond the Serpent Pillars (Ultima VII Part Two)

Hunters of the night wherein their keen ears pierce the mysteries of the dark, bats rarely seek out human prey. Rather, their sharp claws and poisonous bite find the flesh of creatures of the bush. Yet, do not dismiss them without a thought, for when threatened, they can deliver a powerful bite. With its bite, the larger vampire form can poison. It is best dispatched by bow and arrow, for it attacks without provocation.

- from Journal (Ultima IX)

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