Jerbeen
The Jerbeen are a diminutive but fierce species of mousefolk known for their bright eyes, nimble limbs, and indomitable Spirit. Though small in stature, they carry a legacy of rebellion etched into every fiber of their being. Long ago, they were among the many Beastfolk subjugated by Diemos, The Rat Lord of The Betrayer Beasts—bred to serve, scurry, and remain voiceless beneath the shadow of his growing wererat dominion. But the Jerbeen chose defiance. They rose not with fury, but with strategy, speed, and hope.
Sleek-furred and quick-footed, Jerbeen average just over two feet in height. Their fur ranges from dusty browns and soft grays to pale creams, and their round ears and expressive whiskers give them a deceptively innocent look. But their eyes gleam with intelligence, and their hands are deft—whether gripping a needle-thin blade, crafting intricate tools, or climbing vertical surfaces with practiced ease. Their long, supple tails aid their balance and movement, giving them a level of agility that makes them nearly impossible to catch when they don’t wish to be found.
The Jerbeen are masters of evasion, infiltration, and subtle resistance. During their uprising against Diemos, they turned sabotage into an art. They used song, illusion, and misdirection to free their kin from ratfolk strongholds, collapsing tunnels behind them and disappearing into the walls. They founded hidden burrows and cliffside enclaves, crafting safe havens where their culture could flourish without fear of subjugation.
Despite the grim origins of their freedom, Jerbeen culture is vibrant, joyful, and deeply communal. They believe in the strength of shared stories, family bonds, and the importance of passing on history through song, stitching, and performance. Tapestries woven by Jerbeen hands depict the rise of their rebellion, their first great escape, and their constant vigilance against the dark. Children are taught to use both blade and wit, and every Jerbeen learns at least one trade and one tale before reaching adulthood.
Many Jerbeen follow the Path of the Silent Light, a cultural and spiritual philosophy that teaches resistance through resilience, kindness as rebellion, and humility as strength. While some venerate Tagyn, the Goddess of Beasts, for ultimately granting them the will to resist, others honor Quillamar, The Quiet Spine, or even Valessa, The Gilded Step, for guiding their people through darkness with patience and grace.
In combat, Jerbeen do not meet enemies head-on—they outmaneuver, outthink, and outlast. Their warriors, known as Whiskerblades, are trained in acrobatic swordplay, trap-setting, and precision strikes. Others serve as scouts, saboteurs, healers, or storytellers—each role seen as vital to the survival of their people.
To many, the Jerbeen are a reminder that size is no measure of courage, and that even the smallest flame can burn down a tyrant’s throne. Though Diemos still hates them with a passion, the Jerbeen thrive—hidden in the roots of trees, within mossy hills, and in the silent cracks of cities—watching, remembering, and refusing to ever be ruled again.
