Gutter Runner

The Gutter Runner is a type of Skaven Special in Vermintide 2.

Also known as "Assassin Rats", Gutter Runnes wield two Warpstone-enhanced fighting claws and extreme agility to jump its prey and pounce it to death once it's disabled. As maneuverability and stealth is their forte, they don't wear armor but dark clothing, including a cloak.

Background
Gutter Runners are masters of stealth, soft-footed agents of Clan Eshin who wear the shadows as a cloak. They seldom attack head on, preferring to catch a foe unaware, or else while bogged-down in combat with Clanrats or Slaves. When the Gutter Runner judges the time to strike has come, it leaps, bearing the foe to the ground, slicing and tearing at the prone victim with warpstone-edged claws.

Yet for all its cunning and ferocity, the Gutter Runner is no less a coward than others of its kind. Should it be caught in the moment of attack, or sighted out of its hiding place, it vanishes in a cloud of smoke, nimbly skirting the confused attacker as it returns to the shadows. From there, the Gutter Runner sharpens its blades and plots its assault anew, just waiting for opportunity to arise.

Strategy

 * Whenever a Gutter Runner is spotted, tag the Runner as soon as possible, so party members are able to track its movements. This is especially important during horde attacks or when your party prepares to engage a patrol.
 * Keep in mind that the Gutter Runners are the most mobile of any enemy in the game, as even without leaping they can cover impressive amounts of distances in just a short time and roll around to avoid hits.
 * Unlike their Moulder brethren, the Gutter Runners of Clan Eshin are completely immobile once they've successfully pounced their foe. Take this opportunity to either push the Runner of your ally, or kill it and avoid letting it escape.
 * Gutter Runners play an animation before they actually start to leap. If the Runner is getting ready to jump, it crouches down on all four limbs and is relatively slow. Use this moment to quickly take them out, before they even have a chance to leap.
 * If a Gutter Runner is pushed off a victim or has trouble reaching the Heroes, it often employs a smoke bomb to instantly disappear and reappear somewhere else on the map. Listen carefully to relocate him.
 * Gutter Runners can slide walls while leaping and also leap downwards if they stand on ledges.
 * Players are able to dodge a leap if they time it so they dodge the instance before or just after the Runner leaps.
 * It is possible to both push and attack the Runner mid-leap, though this tactic is risky as the player might be caught if he or she misses.