Ratfolk
Once there was a time when the Ratfolk inhabited the river delta in old Alberon before moving into the sewers of some of its cities. There they survived for generations as thieves, informants, thugs, cheesemakers, and sewer workers. About 30 years ago one of the cheesemakers discovered that when grown on a particular cheese a certain mold gained the properties of a psychedelic hallucinogen. Thus the colony thrived piddling the cheese curds among the poor and selling the refined mold to the elite.
Then came the Dwarves. They smashed into Alberon like the fist of god and had taken over the whole country in a single month. The Brickertonians had grown accustomed to the Ratfolk, or at least no longer exterminated them as pests or hunted them as monsters. But the zealous dwarf clans are not so tolerant. The Ratfolk were hunted through the sewers by an enemy that excels at fighting underground. Hundreds died and the once 5 colonies were reduced to 2 in a single night. Survivors fled south and managed to steal a boat. One colony went to Kriffpool but the bulk of the survivors continued on to Solan.
Like so many other refugees the Ratfolk were ushered into the undercity. The Colony quickly moved most of there members to the city sewers, though some live in Darktown. Now regrowing the colony is what matters. Under Brickerton there existed 4 colonies of almost 500 each and a 5th in the river delta that numbered nearly a thousand. Now 250 of the Delta Colony live in Kriffpool and just over 100 members of the Pipesqueak Colony call Solan home.
Then came the Dwarves. They smashed into Alberon like the fist of god and had taken over the whole country in a single month. The Brickertonians had grown accustomed to the Ratfolk, or at least no longer exterminated them as pests or hunted them as monsters. But the zealous dwarf clans are not so tolerant. The Ratfolk were hunted through the sewers by an enemy that excels at fighting underground. Hundreds died and the once 5 colonies were reduced to 2 in a single night. Survivors fled south and managed to steal a boat. One colony went to Kriffpool but the bulk of the survivors continued on to Solan.
Like so many other refugees the Ratfolk were ushered into the undercity. The Colony quickly moved most of there members to the city sewers, though some live in Darktown. Now regrowing the colony is what matters. Under Brickerton there existed 4 colonies of almost 500 each and a 5th in the river delta that numbered nearly a thousand. Now 250 of the Delta Colony live in Kriffpool and just over 100 members of the Pipesqueak Colony call Solan home.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Ratfolk are commonly between 2 1/2 and 3 feet tall. They tend to be wiry, slim but well muscled. Most alternate between walking on two feet and skittering on all fours. Their tails are usually between 1 1/2 and 3 feet long and are often several inches shorter than the height of the individual.
Genetics and Reproduction
Ratfolk are usually born in litters of 3-5. Ratfolk females are also able of receive the seed of multiple males and any one litter usually has the children of two or three fathers.
Growth Rate & Stages
Ratfolk grow rapidly. They are born the size of actual rats and are blind for the first six months. They start to gain language around one and at this time begin their education. Ratfolk are physically mature at five and considered full adults at seven years of age.
Additional Information
Social Structure
Ratfolk are classified into four social groups; Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Zeta. Alphas are taught to lead and to fight, typically around 5% of each generation are sent to Alpha training. Betas are the peacekeepers of the colony. They are dominant over all members except the Alphas and handle most disputes, some are full time warriors but many are just leaders of their profession. About 20% of each generation receive beta training, which consists of at least basic defense skills and conflict resolution. Gammas are the rank and file colony members. A few are soldiers and most work what ratfolk consider standard jobs, working for the sewage department, tending mold, mining, building, or gathering food. Zetas are the outcasts of the colony, they exist on the fringe of the colony often contributing very little to the common good. They don't mate or vote and are usually the first to go when a colony faces tough times. Members can be declared Zeta by the priestesses or by an Alpha, usually as punishment for an unforgivable crime or heretical views.
Ratfolk rarely socialize outside their grouping except with those directly above or below them. An Alpha might socialize with a few betas or a Beta often will socialize with the Gammas directly beneath them. Castes are generally assigned when ratfolk complete school at 5. The children of the colony are taught by the priestesses of the Rat King, they decide your caste. From there Alphas and Betas go off to training and Gammas are entered into apprenticeships all over the colony.
Ratfolk rarely socialize outside their grouping except with those directly above or below them. An Alpha might socialize with a few betas or a Beta often will socialize with the Gammas directly beneath them. Castes are generally assigned when ratfolk complete school at 5. The children of the colony are taught by the priestesses of the Rat King, they decide your caste. From there Alphas and Betas go off to training and Gammas are entered into apprenticeships all over the colony.
Civilization and Culture
Beauty Ideals
Long tails, clean and symmetrical whiskers, groomed fur, and defined muscles are all considered attractive. Ratfolk females lack traditional breasts and instead have six nipples that run down their abdomen, sought after for shape rather than size.
Gender Ideals
Ratfolk see gender as largely irrelevant. Only males are chosen for Alpha and Beta Training, only females are chosen to enter the priesthood, but Gamma females are basically the same as Gamma males.
Courtship Ideals
The Ratfolk don't marry. Some form life bonds but very few are monogamous and most just mate when they're horny and help each other out with the kids for the first few years. In addition most Ratfolk are bisexual and many develop polyamorous homes with 3 to 7 individuals.
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
One the Ratfolk were hunted as monsters, tribal beasts in a swamp. Naturally they communicate in Squeakspeak most of the time and as such had no way of talking with humans when they first interacted. It wasn't until a few Ratfolk learned common from druids of the delta that they began peacefully interacting with the outside world. Many still see the Ratfolk as monsters or demonspawn though, which is one of the reasons they have always existed on the edge of humanoid society. Ratfolk in turn often see humans as selfish, doing what is best for the individual instead of the colony. Those that view Ratfolk as demons or lesser beings often use the name given to them by humans, a term likely to anger any Ratfolk in the room, Skaven.
The Ratfolk player character information can be found here: Ratfolk.pdf
Lifespan
50
Average Height
2'9
Related Organizations
