Ratfolk (5e Race)
Ratfolk
To the people at large, ratfolk find the most difficulty with life in Korrik. They are deft of foot and are sometimes drawn to a criminal lifestyle. Though this is true of some ratfolk, they are no more violent or larcenous than others, but old stereotypes linger, especially with them. Called the nenajaa, or “we who live” in Beast Speech, many fail to understand the tough lives ratfolk lead are not entirely of their making.
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| A ratfolk wading stealthily through the wastes of Korrik, art by Matt Cavotta |
Wiry and Lanky
Ratfolk look like a hybrid of a thin human and a rat. They are shorter than humans, and appear almost frail. They have heads shaped like a rat's, with an elongated skull, thin lips, a humanoid nose, and black orbs for eyes, but no cleft in the mouth and no whiskers. The fur that grows on their bodies is thin, but dark, giving them an obscured appearance in dark conditions, though ratfolk commonly have fur colors ranging from light browns to dark gray and black. Like all beastfolk, ratfolk walk on human-shaped feet, not animal-like paws. They have short, thin tails.
Ratfolk prefer simple clothing with dark hues, preferring black with dark blues, greens, and browns. Most of their clothing is a bit loose fitting for comfort with little in the way of elaborate features or ornamentation. They especially try to keep anything metal covered so nothing shines.
Ratfolk feel little disposition towards any clan, but see the usefulness of them, and are mostly found within the Raven Blade and, by extension, in Ryohan, though the Tides of Aquilian can count some ratfolk among them. Some additional ratfolk may be found throughout the island nations's forests.
Life in the Shadow
Ratfolk have become accustomed to hard lives since they moved to the island nation. Though they come from a warrior culture with little inclination towards magic, the ratfolk were known more for guerilla methods, scare tactics, and stealth compared to the honorable combat favored by lionfolk. This gave ratfolk difficulty assimilating into the island nation because many of their methods lend themselves to crime. Though many ratfolk found themselves in such lives, specializing as pickpockets, infiltrators, and bandits, just as many made honest lives as trappers, guides, hunters, and scouts. With the exception of the Raven Blade, however, this stigma still sticks today.
Ratfolk are naturally introverted and inwardly drawn. They prefer to spend their time on their own and, even in large crowds, try to make it clear they wish to be on their own. This gives them an insightful attitude and they will always speak carefully, with few words and cautious thought. This, by extension, give ratfolk a disdain for authority figures and those in high standing. Many ratfolk have little respect for such people as they believe in protecting themselves and righting wrongs done to them on their own
A Place in the World
A ratfolk adventurer is one that seeks a place in a world where acceptance and acknowledgement for their kind doesn't come easy. Though ratfolk are cautious, they are neither fearful nor stupid, and the opportunity to face enemies and beat traps give ratfolk a sense of challenge. For ratfolk, the chance to complete a task no one else can give them the best chance to earn their keep with a group, if not the world. Ratfolk dislike the norms placed on them, but while they don't seek to affect such change in attitude on a large scale, they place great value on the opinions of those few they come to trust. This trust comes with time and much effort, and can be lost easily if abused.
Ratfolk Names
Ratfolk might use human names, but much prefer names more closely in line with their beast heritage, derived from the Beast Speech language.
Common Names: Human names, as well as Neyanaat (We Are Hiding), Regranaas (You Don't See), Venaaj (I Wander), Venaat (I Hide)
Ratfolk Traits
The ratfolk character is a race that focuses on several traits, holding these to be common ground among the vast majority of their race.
Quick and silent, ratfolk exist as outsiders no matter where they are, but they let nothing get in their way.
Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity score increases by 2.
Age. Ratfolk commonly live a little over 200 years, maintaining good vitality and longevity toward the end. Ratfolk reach adulthood at age 25, with the fur on their bodies turning grey once they've lived about 100 years.
Alignment. Ratfolk are strongly inclined to follow their own path, preferring freedom over all else, which makes them strongly chaotic. Ratfolk are rarely evil, but most are morally neutral.
Size. Ratfolk look thin and frail, standing about 5'3” and 5'6”, and weighing around 110–120 lbs. Your size is Medium.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 35 feet. Ratfolk are quick on their feet.
Darkvision. You are used to dark areas, and your eyes have adjusted to such. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and darkness as if it were dim light. You can't discern color in darkness, only shades of grey.
Sneaky. You have proficiency in the Stealth skill.
Thin Frame. You can squeeze through spaces as if you were a Small creature.
Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common and Beast Speech. If not using a setting with multiple beastfolk races, you can substitute Beast Speech for one other language of your choice.
Subrace. Ratfolk are separated into two subraces, darkfur and windfoot, which come with different benefits. Choose one of these subraces.
Darkfur Ratfolk
Darkfur ratfolk are cynical like their windfoot counterparts, and just as introverted, but they have a knack for blending into society. They prefer to live on the fringes of the island nation's cities. Many disdain authority, but simply attempt to keep away from law enforcement, believing they will be left alone if they leave others alone. The dark hair on their bodies gives them an advantage in dark environments.
Ability Score Increase. Your Charisma score increases by 1.
Duplicity. You have proficiency in the Deception skill.
Shadow Blend. Your fur conceals you. You can attempt to hide in areas of dim light.
Windfoot Ratfolk
Windfoot ratfolk fit well the rebellious nature of their race; they have no love for civilization and laws, preferring the freedom and unpredictability of the wilderness. Most windfoot ratfolk are cautious and untrusting of others who come near their territory, but they have keen eyes and quick feet, giving them a distinct advantage when they they have to stay moving in a hostile environment.
Ability Score Increase. Your Wisdom score increases by 1.
Keen Senses. You have proficiency in the Perception skill.
Windfoot Celerity. You don't get stopped easily. During your first turn in combat, opportunity attacks against you have disadvantage, and difficult terrain doesn't cost you extra movement.
Random Height and Weight
| Base Height | Height Modifier | Base Weight | Weight Modifier |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4′ 7″ | +2d6 | 70 lb. | × (1d6) lb. |