Homebrew Okiti (Ratfolk) by DresdinSeven Species Details

A Small and Curious Folk

A few Ratfolk seem to be found in every city, tucked away in the crevices of a rundown district or passing through as a group of bright-eyed merchants. Small, diminutive, and often quick with a sarcastic remark, they blend into the background noise of a cityscape or small forest community. And that is exactly how they prefer to have it. Ratfolk come in a variety of colors, coats, and builds. But even more diverse than their appearance is their curiosity. It is seldom a day that goes by that a Ratfolk isn't poking their nose into a new experience or trinket, for good or bad. It is said that a Ratfolk that sits still too long may die of boredom.

The Mischiefs Abound

A common thread about Ratfolk communities is that they are seldom invited to set up shop by the locals. Most often a collection of them will simply and suddenly appear and then begin to nestle into dwellings as they please. These small self-contained communities are called mischiefs. Each mischief is a complex web of social bonds and hierarchies which shift as new Ratfolk arrive, others leave for some reason or other, strong leaders grow feeble, or as the whims of the group change without provocation. Ratkin feel a strong need to be with others, either within an established mischief or with a group of close friends. A wandering Ratfolk will grow sad and long for the world if unable to find a community of some sort. This need for companionship leads some Ratfolk struck by wanderlust to join up with groups of adventurers, with who they will forge a deep bond. While a tired idiom to many, for these Ratfolk the real treasures are the friends and stories they made along the way.

The Swarmhead's Great Hoarde

Spirituality is a complex subject for Ratfolk. Typically a local mischief will adopt similar faith practices to the communities they are closest to. However, in addition to this worship, each mischief also harbors belief in an entity known simply as the Swarmhead. Belief in this entity seems to inevitably and organically creep into the belief system of every Ratfolk group. Mischiefs totally isolated from each other seem to have an uncanny spiritual congruence. Some claim it is a great cosmic rat that cares for each Ratfolk individually, waiting for the right time to lead the swarms to paradise. Others claim it to be not an individual but the collective willpower of a rising tide of vermin which will one day engulf all that ratkind has touched. For as many mischiefs of Ratfolk exist, there are just as many beliefs about the nature, intentions, and purpose of the Swarmhead.

Ratfolk Names

Ratfolk are given names at birth in Rattus, their native language. As a language of squeaks and chitters, there are no equivalent versions of these names in Common. Instead, a Ratfolk will pick a name from the surrounding culture or inevitably acquire a nickname from their acquaintances.

Okiti (Ratfolk) by DresdinSeven Traits

The swift and cunning Ratfolk have made a life for themselves where ever life can be had. Your Ratfolk character has certain characteristics in common with all other Ratfolk.

Ability Score Increase

The Ratfolk are nimble and have sharp reflexes, your Dexterity increases by 2.

Age

Ratfolks reach adulthood at 12 and can live up to 50 years.

Alignment

Ratfolk tend towards neutral alignments. Whether charitable or selfish, they are dispositioned towards a practical mindset.

Size

Ratfolk are noticeably shorter than humans, ranging from 3 to 5 feet tall. Your size is Medium or Small.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Brethren of the Swarm

Mice and rats of all types will not show unprovoked hostility towards you unless threatened. Additionally, you can communicate simple ideas with them through speaking Rattus.

Keen Senses

You have advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that involve hearing or smell.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and Rattus. Rattus is a dialect of Sylvan which is spoken with an inflection that favors chitters and squeaks.

Scurry

You are able to slip and squeeze through small openings. You have advantage on Dexterity (Acrobatics) to fit through tight spaces and squeezing through narrow passages doesn't cost you extra movement.