Mountain Rats

Ain't you ever eaten rat before? Well, you're in for a treat. Here, dig in. Bit of an ugly bugger, ain't he? It's good food though. Well, as good as we'll get.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Mountain rats resemble typical rats, but with a few key differences. They are much larger than a typical rat, approaching the size of a young dog. Additionally, their heads are much larger in proportion to their bodies, and look grossly exaggerated. Their snouts are also longer. The other proportions remain as in a typical rat.

Genetics and Reproduction

Mountain rats have never been observed reproducing, but due to their lack of vision it's surmised that they have minimal courtship rituals. Mountain rats have been found after giving birth, however, leading to a perceived average litter of 4 to 5 young. They take between 10 and 12 months to reach adulthood, but are independent of their parents as soon as they leave the den at 3 months.

Growth Rate & Stages

Baby mountain rats lack hair and are approximately the same size and proportions as a normal rat. As they mature, their head enlarges and their snout elongates, while the rest of their body grows at a much slower rate. After 3 months, mountain rats have gained their hair and are able to leave the warmth of the den. They typically move up to five kilometres away from their parents' territory to begin their independent life, and maintain their presence in this area until they reach full maturity at 10 months.
Mountain rats typically begin reproducing as soon as they are mature.

Ecology and Habitats

The mountain rats are unique to the alps, and are found nowhere else in Mythia. This is widely regarded as a very good thing, due to their nature as pests. In the natural habitat of the alps, mountain rats forage in low scrub and eat insects and leaves. However, lately they have started to venture more and more into the upper settlements of the Mountain Empire, disrupting crops and food stores. They consume these voraciously, even more than they would typically eat in the wild, and are a major problem in these towns. They have also been known to attack humans, despite the fact that they are not naturally predators.

Biological Cycle

Mountain rats don't usually hibernate, instead remaining active throughout the year in the relatively unchanging climate of the alps. They typically have their litters in the summer, when the temperatures are the most mild and allow young the best chance of survival.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Although typically avoided, mountain rats provide a good food source to the bandits that make the alps their home. Most who pass through bandit settlements have tasted mountain rat, and none wish to repeat the experience.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Exclusively found in the Alps

Average Intelligence

Low

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Mountain rats are blind, and seem to navigate solely by smell and hearing. It's surmised that they are able to detect and produce invisible trails that lead them to foraging sites and to their nests, as they've been observed moving in distinct paths over multiple days by the few naturalists who have taken the time to study them. It's unknown whether the rats have good or bad hearing; while they seem able to detect Riftbeasts approaching from long distances, human passage largely goes unnoticed. It's been surmised that mountain rats show these properties due to being the offspring of riftbeasts with natural rats - this is discounted by most due to a lack of evidence.

Lifespan

3 years (estimated)

Conservation Status

Mountain rats are considered pests and bounties are placed on them by the Mountain Empire.

Average Height

0.25 metres

Average Weight

4kg

Average Length

0.5m