Ratfolk

'It's true, I tell you! Rats, the size of men, scurrying about under the streets! Plotting! Planning! Out to get us!' - Lysander, madman

Until recently, all reports of ratfolk were regarded as overactive imaginations and superstition. However, the emergence of one individual, calling himself Mrrchan (believed to be a corruption of the Common word 'merchant') in Pyandonaea has effectively confirmed the existence of this species. As the name implies, the individual resembles an upright, almost man-sized rat, sapient and capable of speech. He claims to have come from an 'undercity' of ratfolk, which he indicates contains a great number of other ratfolk and can be found beneath a great many of the world's cities. He has also stated that most ratfolk take great care to avoid other sapient races, believing them to be dangerous. While we clearly cannot trust all of this individual's statements, he is the only real source of knowledge on this elusive species until the Arcane University provides funding for an anthropological expedition.

Basic Information

Ecology and Habitats

Mrrchan states that the ratfolk live deep underground, and generally prefer cold, damp areas. They also seem to fare poorly in bright light.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Ratfolk appear to be truly omnivorous, though with particular preference for certain foods such as nuts, fruit, and cheese.

Biological Cycle

Mrrchan has stated that ratfolk are considered mature by their 'third winter', and are typically birthed in litters frequently, but most do not survive to adulthood.

Additional Information

Facial characteristics

Ratfolk appear to have ratlike faces with a long, pointed snout, several whiskers, prominent teeth and ears, and beady eyes.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Largely unknown, though interviews implied that most ratfolk take their own names, as seems to be the case with Mrrchan.

Major Language Groups and Dialects

Mrrchan's main language appears to be a system of rodentlike clicks and squeaks, which he refers to as 'Gutterspeak' - translation is currently underway. He also speaks Common, though is less than fluent and has a very unusual style of speaking.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Largely unknown, but interviews indicate a strict hierarchy with powerful aristocracy and relatively powerless common people.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Ratfolk are still believed to be myths by most of Ratha - it remains to be seen what place they will have in wider society.

Lifespan

Mrrchan states that some ratfolk live for 'as long as elves', though this is considered unlikely

Average Height

Mrrchan is approximately 3.5ft, and claims to have been the smallest of his litter. He also claims that some ratfolk are three times his size, but this seems unlikely.

Average Weight

Mrrchan is surprisingly light for his size, and does appear rather emaciated

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Mrrchan has brown fur and a pinkish tail - it is assumed, based on this, that ratfolk are typically similar in colour to mice and rats.