Ratatoskr

The Ratatoskr species originates from the grand aetherial mutations that occurred following the Great Holy War just like the other beast races in the world. However, unlike the other species, one can pinpoint the first Ratatoskr in existence and his history. Iustinus, the first rat-kin or so the Cult of Baalzebub claimed, was a downtrodden street rat that mutated into what resembles ratatoskr today. He, like his species, was heavily persecuted for their animalistic appearance as well as their resemblance to disease-carrying rodents. Fed up with the heavy amounts of abuse he suffered, he forged a pact with Adrammelech and nearly damned his entire species along with himself as he ascended to demonhood as Baalzebub. However, he was thwarted by his son, Reepicheep, who slew his father in honorable combat. Following this event, Baalzebub descended to Sheol to take up a throne of an Archon of Sheol, while his son tried his most earnestly to persuade his people away from the path of perdition. All in vain, many will say, as his species was nearly wiped from existence following the First Contagion, which Baalzebub released upon the world following his death.
Following these affairs, the entire species of Ratatoskr went into hiding to escape the genocide of their people. Currently, ratatoskr across the globe are popping out of their sewers and undercities to rejoin surface societies thanks to the great and honorable actions of the Viscount of Rats in Anaid, Boudigia. A miracle, some will say, and a curse to others due to the spreading of the plague of worship of Baalzebub upon the globe. Yet, this race of rat-kin tries their hardest to make out what meager existence they can, even if they have to compromise with the people who ordered their near-genocide.

Cultures of Ratatoskr

This species of anthropomorphic rat-people divides itself between two distinct cultures of worship. One is the Reepicheeps, an honor-bound and near-fearless society, and the other is the vile ancestral-worshipping Baalites that engage in various horrific acts of cult worship.

Reepicheeps

The followers of the ratatoskr's savior Reepicheep follow a strict worship of Triumverate of the Woods. They give much to charity, worship, peace, and love to all those that come their way or are invited into their homes. These Reepicheep are a meek flock of people, but they also understand the need for violence when it is the only option in a world of pure carnage and corruption. To suffice themselves with the dark existence that comes with living in Tenebra, many Reepicheep are extreme experts in creating various craft kinds of cheese that they are utterly renowned for. (Left portion of the image is a typical Reepicheep Triumverate of the Woods priest.)

Baalites

These cult-worshippers utterly forsake all gods of the world above their chittering and hive-minded undercities for which they engage in various vile and nefarious acts. Due to the various malignant domains and plots that Baalzebub encompasses, his followers obey and pursue their deaths and beyond into unholy amalgamations that barely resemble their prime ratatoskr form. The Baalites ensure that the plagues that encompass the world are harder and harder for humanoids to overcome in the overworld. They also provide the upkeep of their numbers by mutating various humanoids and ratatoskr to ensure their war against the surface world comes to fruition one day. Some prophecy that in the future, the hordes and clans of Baalites will encompass various cities around the world while chittering about their Dark Ancestor and his rise to even greater domination over those that he envied throughout his mortal life.

Scientific Name

Homo Rattus

Origin/Ancestry

Nergali