Jermlaine, or jinxkins, sometimes known as bane-midges, dwell in elaborate tunnel and den warrens beneath the ground—often-very deep beneath the surface. As they mix freely with rats of all sorts, even the giant variety, they are often (75%) found in company with such rodents and are 50% likely to be sharing an integrated system of burrows, tunnels and holes. (If jermlaine are encountered, a percentile die roll of 01-75 indicates that rats (25%) or giant rats (50%) are with them. If the jermlaine are in their lair, it is 50% probable that there will be connecting rat tunnels). This cohabitation extends to all forms of mutual co-operation and defense.
These evil runts are cowardly and will attack only when it seems probable that they can overwhelm victims without serious opposition. Jinxkins thus waylay weakened and wounded parties or single individuals who are unwary, asleep etc. While strong groups or alert adventurers will not be physically attacked, jermlaine bands will certainly seek to cause them harm and otherwise injure them out of sheer maliciousness. This injury to the adventurers brings both personal gain to the jermlaine and the possibility of eventual gain of new victims.
Jermlaine are very fast, moving with a scuttling gait, very quiet, and are masters of remaining unseen. On occasion, however, if a party or individual suddenly becomes still and listens carefully, their movement or twittering, squeaking speech can be detected.
It is 60% probable that bane-midges will be within 60 ft. of their lair at any time they are encountered, but the tunnels which give access to such places are twisting mazes and passage is impossible for any creature larger than a gnome—even the latter having to creep and crawl to get through, and of course this exposes the intruder to attack.
Victims not stunned by their traps are pummeled senseless by bane-midges wielding leather clubs (saps) filled with sand or lead shot while others entwine the prone creatures with ropes and cords. Those protected by splint, banded or plate mail will not be so attacked. Well-armored victims who cannot be bound fast are attacked to kill—possibly with flaming oil missiles or acid. Some victims will be devoured by the jermlaine (or their rat friends) but most humans will be stripped naked, shaved and left trussed and helpless in the passageway. The jermlaine will usually watch such victims from a safe hide, awaiting the "fun" of seeing some passing monster come and devour the bound victims.
Jinxkins look as if they are diminutive humans wearing baggy clothing and ill-fitting leather helmets. Closer inspection will show that the baggy "garments" are actually the creatures' lumpy and many-folded skins, while the "helmets" are in reality the pointed and evilly-visaged heads—all leathery and smooth. The limbs of these creatures are knotty and bowed, with hands and feet tipped with thick nails which are always filthy but nimble.
