Ratlings

In the world of Garus, ratlings are the creation of the goddess, Simera. Following her destruction of the city of Sertu, the goddess elevated ordinary rats to near-human intellect. She set them to living in the ruins of Sertu as a kind of mockery to the efforts of her fellow goddess, Ademnestra.  The ratlings, therefor, were created to be part of a divine joke that was in poor taste.

The ratlings did not stay in Sertu. They left the ruins of the city and traveled west and south, establishing nests along their way.  They turned away from Simera, as a patron goddess, and many embraced Datosh, viewing him as a God of Change rather than Chaos.

Ratling nests are controlled by the strongest or the smartest ratling. Occasionally, a charismatic ratling leader will unite several nests under his control. These individuals are known as rat kings, and they are very rare.

Ratling Traits

Ability Scores. Your Strength score increases by 2 and your Dexterity score by 1. Your Intelligence score is decreased by 1 and your Charisma score by 2.

Age. Ratlings mature quickly. They are considered adults at 13. Most can live for five or six decades, but many die earlier from violence, disease, etc.

Alignment. Ratlings are concerned mainly with their own survival. The majority are neutral.

Size. Ratlings are between 4 and 5 feet tall and average about 100 to 120 pounds, They are considered Medium creatures.

Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Darkvision. Largely nocturnal, ratlings have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. 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.

Keen Noses. You have proficiency on all Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on smell.

Light Sensitive. You have disadvantage on attack rolls and on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight when you, the target of your attack, or whatever you are trying to perceive is in bright light.

Languages. You speak Ratling and one other language of your choice.

Ratling Actions

Bite. Melee weapon attack. +4 to hit, reach 5 feet, one target. Hit: 1d4 +2 piercing damage.

Spear. Melee weapon attack. +3 to hit; range is 20/60 feet; one target. Hit: 1d6 +1 piercing damage.