The Ratkin of Iskandria

Beneath Iskandria, in an intricate maze of forgotten passageways, old sewers, and recently dug-out burrows, is the sprawling, dark world of the Ratkin. This underground world, one that stands in stark contrast to the aboveground civilizations, is a harsh, unforgetting place that demands an unrelenting desire to survive and prevail.

When surface dwellers have encounters with the Ratkin, it is usually with one of the numerous Marauders, shock troops and foot soldiers. Individually, they are weak, but in numbers they pose a serious threat due to their guerrilla warfare and ambushes, fueled by an unceasing appetite for loot and conquest. Ranking slightly above them in power hierarchy are the Venompriests, malevolent figures that wield an intimidating combination of alchemy and dark magic. They serve as alchemists and shamans to the Ratkin, blending deadly toxins and mixtures that serve to incapacitate opponents as well as to augment their warriors. Their mastery of poisons and chemical warfare earn them great respect, as well as dread, as a caste.

Leadership in Ratkin society is frequently based on raw power and cunning, and is taken up by whoever is most powerful and manipulative. Powerful Venompriests and warlords control small clusters of warrens, fighting one another for resources and ground, but sometimes joining into large armies to launch great surface assaults.

Antagonistic Interactions

The Ratkin are almost universally antagonistic to the surface dwellers of Iskandria. Their subterranean world breeds a deep-seated resentment of those who dwell in the sunlit lands, a resentment fueled by centuries of conflict, perceived slights, and a constant need for resources. This means that, to nobody’s surprise, the primary interaction between Ratkin and the surface world is through violent raids. Warbands of Marauders, often whipped into a frenzy by a Venompriest’s alchemical solutions, erupt from the depths to raid settlements, caravans, and even fortified towns. These raids are characterized by their brutality and ruthlessness, leaving behind a trail of destruction and terror.

Beyond large-scale raids, Ratkin engage in constant skirmishes and sabotage against surface settlements near their underground warrens. They are adept at infiltration, using their small size and knowledge of the underworld to their advantage, which is why certain groups might occasionally hire them as mercenaries, although these alliances are uneasy and short-lived.

The underground cities of the Ratkin are sprawling, multi-tiered complexes, a mix of ancient ruins and newly constructed warrens. These subterranean realms are often located beneath major surface settlements, such as the city of Veldonia. The Ratkin are master tunnelers, capable of excavating vast networks of tunnels and chambers with surprising speed. These tunnels serve as both living spaces and strategic pathways for raiding parties.

Life in the under-kingdoms is harsh. The lack of sunlight and poor sanitation make these places breeding grounds for disease, which the Ratkin, while somewhat resistant, often weaponize. They also have access to ancient magics and the remains of many forgotten civilizations, and are often the inheritors of all sorts of powerful artifacts. Their Venompriests probably know more about the ancient Vaelorian than anyone else on Iskandria.