The Manifesto of the True Rat King
Whiskers, Whimsy, and Urban Legends
"We, the whiskered denizens of Namor's depths, hereby squeak our case for equality!"In the annals of Namorian history, few documents have stirred as much amusement, debate, and unexpected consequences as the infamous "Manifesto of the True Rat King." First appearing in 298 RE on the streets of Namor, this peculiar proclamation, purportedly authored by the sovereign of all rats, sparked a period of urban myth-making and social commentary that continued to resonate for years afterwards.-The Manifesto of the True King Rat
The Document
The manifesto, written in an elegant script with several inky paw prints in the margins, was found nailed to doors of various establishments and public notice boards throughout Namor. A few were found in bottles in the Naiada River and some were even deposited in the hands of the occasional sleeping drunkard.
by tarkinlarson using Midjourney
"Our tails may be long, but our memories are longer - we know your secrets, Namorians!"- The Manifesto of the True Rat King
Public Reaction
The manifesto's appearance caused a stir in Namor. Reactions ranged from amused disbelief to genuine concern about the city's rodent population. Some highlights included:- The Rat Catchers Union issued a grumpy statement, insisting that "rats can't write, but they can certainly be written off."
- Several taverns created "Rat King" themed drinks, including the popular "Sewer Sovereign Sour."
- Street performers began incorporating rat puppets into their acts, staging dramatic readings of the manifesto to delighted crowds.
- The Fools Court, Namor's renowned comedy theater, staged a series of satirical plays featuring a bumbling "Rat King" trying to navigate human bureaucracy.
- A few enterprising souls started "Rat King Walking Tours" of the city's most notorious alleyways and grates.
Copycat Manifestos
In the weeks following the True Rat King's manifesto, several copycat manifestos appeared, with varying amounts of effort and credibility.- "The Pigeon Proclamation" called for "statue-top sovereignty" and "bread crumb reparations."
- "The Meowifesto" called for mandatory daily petting sessions for all cats.
- "The Cockroach Codex" demanded "equal scurrying rights"
- "The Sewer Slug Scroll" simply left a slimy trail across the page.
"We were here first, and we'll be here last."- The Cockroach Codex
Authorship Debate
Speculation ran wild about the true author of the manifesto:- A genuine attempt at communication by an exceptionally literate rat fueled by cheese and ambition (suggested primarily by the inebriated)
- A clever satire by an anonymous political pundit, commenting on Namorian society's class divisions.
- An elaborate prank by the one of the many student bodies in the city.
The Human Rat King
The most commonly suspected author was Zeffal, Namor's most renowned rat trainer and Rat Post operator. He was the self declared "Rat King" - a title in name only for the most reputable rat handler in the city. Zeffal vehemently denied any involvement, issuing a statement in Rat Cant."I work with rats, not for rats. Besides, my handwriting is far worse."- Zeffal, the "traditional" Rat King
Cryptid Consequences
Perhaps the most unexpected outcome of the manifesto was the legitimization of urban legends about creatures lurking in Namor's undercity. The idea of an organized rat society and the mention of other creatures in the shadows of the undercity led to increased speculation about other potential denizens of the sewers and tunnels.
by tarkinlarson using MidJourney
"Our whiskers sense danger that your eyes cannot see. Unite with us against the shadows!"- The Manifesto of the True Rat King
Legacy
While the manifesto didn't lead to significant societal changes, it left a lasting mark on Namorian popular culture:
- Original copies became coveted collectors' items, sold in curiosity shops for hefty sums.
- An annual "Running of the Rats" festival was established, where people dressed as rats race through the streets.
- The phrase "pulling a Rat King" entered the lexicon, meaning to make audacious demands from a position of weakness.
- Sewer tourism briefly boomed, with guided "cryptid-spotting" tours becoming a popular, if smelly, pastime.
- Rat-themed art experienced a renaissance, from sewer pipe sculptures to epic murals depicting heroic rats battling shadow monsters.
by tarkinlarson using Midjourney
Type
Statement, Political (Manifesto)
Medium
Paper
Authoring Date
298 RE
Myth
Location
The Manifesto of the True Rat King Timeline
World History
As a lover and keeper of rats for many years, I can't love this enough.
Thank you. I always enjoy expanding on this part of my world - although I have to be careful not to be tempted to insert too many rat based puns.