Rathari (Raa-thar-ee)
The Rathari are a race of medium humanoids that resemble rats. They are not related at all to the Nezumi or the Mythi. These People are prone to live underground or in gloomy areas rather then the surface. They are a rather Enigmatic race that not many know, and are present on both Gaia and Rei-Val.
"I often see the Rathari and think about how they came to be and how they differ from the more valorous Nezumi. I came to a conclusion that the Nezumi are the Mice of Gaia, and the Rathari are the Rats...However they rarely clash or if even see each other. I do know one thing though, I'd trust a Nezumi much faster than a Rathari."-Arden Summercoast, Merchant of Gateway
The Underfoot Kingdom
They are said to be part of an empire under the lands of Gaia, or at least Al-Isiq. Their empire however is a thing of legend or myth, as no one was able to confirm that the Underfoot Kingdom exists. The guild of Lore speculates that the Crystal Sands of the Khandra Desert hides the lore and evidence of the existence of this group."Legends say of a great subterranean empire made up of those who dwell Below exists, However the Rathari, once captured do not speak of it or refuse to. The sands may know more. We do Know if there is a kingdom, the Rathari are their ambassadors, and that alone, worries me."-Scholar Lithis Angeal, Isiqan Journyman, Guild of Lore.
Basic Information
Anatomy
The Rathari resemble bipedal rat-folk, often rougher looking than the more noble and valiant Nezumi. They walk upon their hind legs and often have light-furred limbs and tail. Their fur color ranges from dark browns to blacks and almost never baring any spots or coats. Their limbs are very nimble and can be more flexible to a point. It is almost impossible to break the digits of a Rathari.
They bare what is typically known to be on a rat. Large black eyes, a sharp series of fangs on their maws. Despite their looks, they are well taken care of. Thier claws and fangs are known to puncture and rip at metals.
Biological Traits
Unlike their cousins of the Nezumi, the Rathari are completely immune to poisonous substances. Even if they aren't wholly immune they take little to no discomfort or pain from poison. However due to their rough lifestyle, and thier exposure to dangerous machinery, their life expectancy is not that high, as most either die from industrial accident or become horribly maimed.
The Males are the dominant of the race, as females are rarely seen outside house-hold roles. However it is not impossible to see a female Rathari rise to light as their male counterparts. An interesting note to make though as that not all females are not as aggressive as the males. This often gives the female Rathari, which would be smaller of the two genders, distrustful roles outside the Underfoot.
"I once met a Rathari female, an escapee from the Underfoot, she was mangled due to a punishment. I felt sorry for such a creature, but she insisted that she left be. She was very kind...and to walk one one leg all the way from the Chasms to Khandra-Al'Isiq had to be hell.... I atleast have to find her again to give her a better crutch."-Hamid Nassir, Caravaneer of the Crystal Sands.
Ecology and Habitats
The Rathari are often found Underground, and are considered one of the Underfoot races of Gaia. They are more underground on Gaia, than that of Rei-Val. They however both embrace heavy industrialization and rough technology. They mostly work wit hSteam Power, but are known to experiment with leystones to empower machines and devices.
Additional Information
Average Intelligence
Despite their appearance, the Rathari are extremely intelligent to a point that their lack of strength is largely made up of how sharp and witty a rathari is. They are geniuses in their own right and it shows through their technology and improvisation. Rarely do they step outside their nests, but to the illuminated few, a Rathari scholar is a thing that is surprisingly common. They make master mages, and are said to be the inventors of technomancy. However this is disputed by the Klithzi Kobolds. Their ingenuity lies in machinery and industrialization.
Civilization and Culture
History
The Rathari are rumored to have evolved from the everyday rat known to most as a rodent or pest in major cities. The Rathari however do not wish to denote themselves as low as a mere rat. It is said that the Combine Empire was responsible for their uplifting, along with the Zenthians. However unlike the Zenthians the Rathari were not intended to be elevated to intelligent sapience. They have mostly been found on Al-Isiq, however Rathari are known to be all over Gaia in small numbers. They often see themselves as outcasts due to their appearance and social customs.
Scientific Name
Rodentia Rattus
Lifespan
50-120
Average Height
3-4''
Average Weight
25-120lbs
Geographic Distribution
Related Organizations
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