Ratfolk

Credit: Yngvar Asplund (2012). The Sundered Path, p. 9. Paizo Publishing, LLC.

A ROUTINE INSPECTION OF THE SEWAGE NETWORK has uncovered an alarming operation. Just since last year, when the last crew was down here, the entire system has been overtaken by a swarm of rat-like creatures. Despite their impressive numbers, the underground systems seem completely unhindered by their inhabitation. They seem to be feeding on garbage and refuse from our citizens, and their waste rides along with ours. Combating an infestation like this is far beyond our current ability, but I fear if we do nothing, soon the city above will be overtaken by these vermin.

-- Darvin Everwood, Sewer Inspection Report

Vermin taken human shape, Ratfolk are a race of bipedal rodents who share many attributes with their beastly kin. Extremely adaptable and flexible, these creatures take every oppurtunity they can muster to expand and flourish. The life of a ratfolk is often difficult with extreme competition for precious resources, though those who reach adulthood have learned essential skills to survive in all paths of life.

Ratlike Visage

Ratfolk are, for all intents and purposes, humanoid rodents, possessing a distinctly rat-like appearance. In fact, if not for their size, they could be easily confused for rodents standing on their hind legs. They stand about 3 feet tall, with a fairly round body. Their fur comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns, including black, brown, red, and white. Sprouting from just above their hindquarters is a long, naked tail. Hands and feet are similarly devoid of fur, and have sharp claws sprouting from the tip of each digit. Despite their rotund appearance, they are exceptionally flexible and furtive, necessary adaptations to escape from the many threats ratfolk face daily.

Competition and Cooperation

A ratfolk community is a difficult balance between competition of resources and cooperation of individuals. In its infancy, a ratfolk society is incredibly cooperative with few individuals working together to manage the many threats the ratfolk race faces. They have a strong sense of community and work towards the good of the group as opposed to the individual. In time, the ratfolk will multiply exponentially, with mothers having litters up to a dozen kits, though between 4 and 5 is the average. The strong bonds and communal child-rearing cause most kits to reach adulthood. As population increases and overcrowding becomes an issue, the cooperative nature of the ratfolk tend to dissolve in favor of a competitive one as limited resources force them to compete to survive. A period of high mortality tends to follow, and as ratfolk population declines and food is plentiful, cooperation begins again. A successful ratfolk community balances their natures of cooperation and competition, while one that sucumbs to the vicious cycle is doomed for failure.

A ratfolk adventurer rarely travels alone. Their companions often become like family to them, and they are surprisibly adaptable and ameanable to the needs of their party. Ratfolk make excellent companions, being very social creatures, despite a generally negative view of them from other races.

Ratfolk Traits

Your ratfolk character has a number of traits in common with all other ratfolk.

Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity score increases by 2.

Age. Ratfolk reach maturity quickly, but live fairly short lives. A ratfolk is considered an adult by the age of 3 and rarely live past 30.

Alignment. Ratfolk societies are often chaotic and disorganized, with no clear laws or heirarchy. Most ratfolk are chaotic.

Size. Ratfolk average about 3 feet tall and weigh about 60 pounds. Your size is Small.

Speed. Your base walking speed is 25 feet.

Darkvision. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can't discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.

Underfoot. You can move through the space of any creature that is of a size larger than yours.

Nimble Escape. You can take the Disengage or Hide action as a bonus action on each of your turns.