[OOC] Rats in the Mall
- Large Group
- Nation
- Advanced
- GM Elgappa Co-GM ClocktowerEchos
Join Status:
Apply
So are we ready to start posting IC or are you doing an introductory post of sorts to guide us? Sorry, I may be getting a little ahead of myself, I'm just really excited hah. Also, would you like us to start posting our accepted Clans into the Character Sheet section?
Can't wait to begin, form alliances (or conquer) other Clans, unveil the secrets of the Mall, and so forth!
Edit: I seem to have unintentionally made the appearance of my leader similar to that of the Rat in the banner. I got the denim cloak from that but the rest seemed to have subconsciously gotten to me hahhah.
Can't wait to begin, form alliances (or conquer) other Clans, unveil the secrets of the Mall, and so forth!
Edit: I seem to have unintentionally made the appearance of my leader similar to that of the Rat in the banner. I got the denim cloak from that but the rest seemed to have subconsciously gotten to me hahhah.
GM
@YungTweak
Great Enthusiasm there, but i am afraid, we aint that far yet! I am still working on a lot of lore to write down, and a system that is both simple and fun to easily messure each clan, without going into details! I hope we can get started this weekend, but i cant make any promises!
Also, since the full System isnt finished yet, your Sheet is not accepted yet (even through i dont see much that can go wrong, except some minor changes to fit the system, but little in the Lore regard!
Except that you will have to turn "Man-in-arms" into "Rats-in-arms"...
Great Enthusiasm there, but i am afraid, we aint that far yet! I am still working on a lot of lore to write down, and a system that is both simple and fun to easily messure each clan, without going into details! I hope we can get started this weekend, but i cant make any promises!
Also, since the full System isnt finished yet, your Sheet is not accepted yet (even through i dont see much that can go wrong, except some minor changes to fit the system, but little in the Lore regard!
Except that you will have to turn "Man-in-arms" into "Rats-in-arms"...
@ElgappaFair enough, very stoked regardless!
If only I had the clarity to have put Rats-in-arms down in the first place lol.
If only I had the clarity to have put Rats-in-arms down in the first place lol.
Enigmatik Overly-Caffienated Thembie Supreme
Member
Seen
3 days ago
Ok. @Elgappa A bunch of complete skavens, mixed with a little bit of dwarf. Always trying to make barmy technology, probably blow themselves up constantly, but when they does get something down pat, they can crank lots of it out, and it's generally a somewhat decent technology. Always at war with spiders, due to inhabiting the ground floor, with tunnels to the cellar. Unusually, normally not bothered by cats, due to the fact that they have crude mortar emplacements.
GM
@Irredeemable
Go for it! But if you give them an edge in Technology (it would be a 5 there, but I am still working on it) They will need a hard Drawback! War of Attrition against the horrors of the Celler could be that! But be prepared for a downgrad from my side, if the Tech gets too outlandish!
Go for it! But if you give them an edge in Technology (it would be a 5 there, but I am still working on it) They will need a hard Drawback! War of Attrition against the horrors of the Celler could be that! But be prepared for a downgrad from my side, if the Tech gets too outlandish!
Enigmatik Overly-Caffienated Thembie Supreme
Member
Seen
3 days ago
The creators were fool-fools... We know ALL!
Cutlak Clan
History
If one was to peer in some of the ground floor shops, they would find the most curious of sights. Fortifications- piled rocks,
broken tools and more make up small forts, tunnel entrances into the wall of the mall themselves faintly visible. Atop these madcap fortification scurry rats. These however, are no ordinary rats. Some wear armour, hammered and shaped rather than strapped on. Others direct mice teams carrying boom-powder, chunks of metal, or artifacts to and fro.
This is Clan Cutlak. Quite why they ended up dwelling where they are remains a mystery even to this day, but since the creators left they have been known to dwell where they do. Cutlaks have been fighting the many-eyes since the dawn of the clan, and do so brutally and efficiently. These battles have resulted in them tunneling into the very walls and foundations of the mall itself, where their true expertise is revealed.
The Cutlaks were the first of the great clans to discover the secrets of boom powder. They were the ones to carefully dissasemble the creator's capsules that held them, and this perhaps their greatest achievment. With boom powder on their side, they have fended away even skulkers! To hear a Cutlak speak of boom powder is to have your ear talked off by a fanratic!
broken tools and more make up small forts, tunnel entrances into the wall of the mall themselves faintly visible. Atop these madcap fortification scurry rats. These however, are no ordinary rats. Some wear armour, hammered and shaped rather than strapped on. Others direct mice teams carrying boom-powder, chunks of metal, or artifacts to and fro.
This is Clan Cutlak. Quite why they ended up dwelling where they are remains a mystery even to this day, but since the creators left they have been known to dwell where they do. Cutlaks have been fighting the many-eyes since the dawn of the clan, and do so brutally and efficiently. These battles have resulted in them tunneling into the very walls and foundations of the mall itself, where their true expertise is revealed.
The Cutlaks were the first of the great clans to discover the secrets of boom powder. They were the ones to carefully dissasemble the creator's capsules that held them, and this perhaps their greatest achievment. With boom powder on their side, they have fended away even skulkers! To hear a Cutlak speak of boom powder is to have your ear talked off by a fanratic!
Leadership
Cutlak is, instead of a single rat, lead by the Grand High Council of Arch-Magos Engineer-Seers. (Or just the Council for short.)
These are five rats who have risen to prominence within the clan, be it due to martial prowess, a particularly staggering discovery,
or good old-fashioned skullrattery. How one actually joins the council once they have been recognised has been a matter of some confusion, but most rats agree that following them seems to lead to good things.
These are five rats who have risen to prominence within the clan, be it due to martial prowess, a particularly staggering discovery,
or good old-fashioned skullrattery. How one actually joins the council once they have been recognised has been a matter of some confusion, but most rats agree that following them seems to lead to good things.
Territory and Resouces
There are two main stores that the Cutlaks are based out of. Neither of them are named, but the rats know them as 'The Place of Ratifacts,' and 'Boom Powder Place.' Unsurprisingly, one of them was previously a large hardware store, and the the other was a fireworks store. Besides these two stores are the Tunnels. These are a labyrinthine network inside the walls and foundations of the mall, dug out over generations. Quite where all the tunnels end up in has often been forgotten, and many are now home to creatures that require the constant fending off of by the military. Occasionally, boom powder is set off in one of these tunnels as well, causing it (and any creature within,) to be forever sealed in the stone.
Culture and Faith
Cutlak clan rats are fiercly protective of home. There are few who wouldn't take up their weapons and join the militia to repel their enemies, and even fewer who would abandon their dugout hideaways. Fighting in the cellar is also an essential part of Cutlak society, as many-eyes are a prized delicacy. Arch-Magos' are also known to sprinkle a little venom on their foods, both as flavour and to ensure that a sneaky rat doesn't attempt to poison them.
Cutlak mostly trades for food however. They themselves have very few farms, only a few made to ensure that there's at least a small amount for everyone. Skulkers, when felled, provide food for a long time- the meat being completely buried in a special substance left behind by the creators for many days in order to make sure it will last for a long-long time.
Finally, the Cutlak clan regard smalls simply: Either they work, or they stay out of the way. a small that hasn't been shanghaied into carrying something, holding it down as nails are rammed through it, or isn't digging walls out with the miners is a small that the Cutlak clan is not concerned about. Due to this, the Cutlak clan has never really had issues with small rebellions.
The Cutlak clan does not believe. It learns. There are no rats hiding behind flimsy walls. There is only boom powder and progress- unending marching progress towards victory! This has obviously angered anyone who believes themselves to be faithful, however it does leave more time for working and figuring out how things work. There is a slowly growing religious group called the 'machine cult' however, which believes that rat technology is actually blessed works, and that engineers are prophets of an unknown deity... But nobody believes in that, right?
Cutlak mostly trades for food however. They themselves have very few farms, only a few made to ensure that there's at least a small amount for everyone. Skulkers, when felled, provide food for a long time- the meat being completely buried in a special substance left behind by the creators for many days in order to make sure it will last for a long-long time.
Finally, the Cutlak clan regard smalls simply: Either they work, or they stay out of the way. a small that hasn't been shanghaied into carrying something, holding it down as nails are rammed through it, or isn't digging walls out with the miners is a small that the Cutlak clan is not concerned about. Due to this, the Cutlak clan has never really had issues with small rebellions.
The Cutlak clan does not believe. It learns. There are no rats hiding behind flimsy walls. There is only boom powder and progress- unending marching progress towards victory! This has obviously angered anyone who believes themselves to be faithful, however it does leave more time for working and figuring out how things work. There is a slowly growing religious group called the 'machine cult' however, which believes that rat technology is actually blessed works, and that engineers are prophets of an unknown deity... But nobody believes in that, right?
Army and Warriors
Defensive Forces:
Really, the Cutlaks are defensive masters. Their weapons of war are mostly so large that it's almost impossible to move them around, but this doesn't mean they aren't effective.
Weapon Teams:
Burn Tower
Using 'the sweet-smell' relic, a member of a burn tower crew must carefully place a lit flame in front of the weapon nozzle, whilst a second rat presses down on the firing pad. This causes great gouts of flame to lash out from the front of the tower, although it has numerous downsides. One is that the towers are rarely good for any more than two or three uses, and the other is that the towers have a very high likelyhood of blowing up. Especially when pierced.
Really, the Cutlaks are defensive masters. Their weapons of war are mostly so large that it's almost impossible to move them around, but this doesn't mean they aren't effective.
Weapon Teams:
Burn Tower
Using 'the sweet-smell' relic, a member of a burn tower crew must carefully place a lit flame in front of the weapon nozzle, whilst a second rat presses down on the firing pad. This causes great gouts of flame to lash out from the front of the tower, although it has numerous downsides. One is that the towers are rarely good for any more than two or three uses, and the other is that the towers have a very high likelyhood of blowing up. Especially when pierced.
Boom-Boom Mortar
The premiere weapon the Cutlaks use. Boom powder is carefully taken and placed into a tube with great reverence, before ammunition is placed. This ammunition ranges from metal balls made by the creators, to packed rocks, brickwork, and really anything that fits. Then a burn-string is inserted so it touches the powder. Once the weapon is aimed (done by slowly rotating its base,) the burn string is lit, and the crew runs. These are less prone to exploding, but they still have a tendency to misfire, wasting the precious ammo likely messing the barrel up.
Point-And-Boom
Similar to the mortar, these are wheeled tubes that can be dragged into location, and aiming them are significantly easier. Loading them is not however, although they are the safest of all the experimental technology the Cutlaks use.
Infantry:
Hunter Squads:
Against the many eyes, there is but one solution. The Hunters. Armed with flaming torches, the heaviest armour that can be provided, and long spears, the hunters are in a constant war with the denizens of the cellar. Webs are torched, spiders are pig-stuck, and many a time the would-be predator is made into the prey. Hunters are the most dangerous job possible to do in the Cutlak clan, and the mortality rate for them is even higher than that of Burn Tower teams. They provide an essential service however.
Knight Squads:
Taken from pictures left by the creators themselves, knight squads are kitted out in the heaviest armour that can be provided to them. Carrying hefty spears, axes and swords, they wade into battle mostly fearless. They're no good at anything sneaky though, they leave that to the...
Ranger Teams:
Shortbows and long hooked knives mark the ranger teams. They also tend to wear long overcoats made from the fabric that the creators left behind, and have red headbands. They serve no practical purpose other than making the rats wearing them look cool.
Militia:
The various rats of Clan Cutlak who aren't in the first three groups, or weapons teams. Unusually, Cutlak Clan rats tend to wear fairly decent armour and have weapons that are, at the very least somewhat effective at actually killing things. They wear this fact like a badge of honour.
gorgenmast
Member
Seen
4 mos ago
Are we absolutely required to take a full nation? I'd really like to play as a single character.
GM
@Irredeemable
Looks solid so far, yet I wouldnt give them a Whole Firework Store! Boom-Powder is a rarity. Maybe your Clan's shop had a small ammount of Firework to sell, so that they have some ammount of it, yet the day will come, that they will run out of it....or have to find more!
Well, Mate, this is a Nation Rp, so its the whole point! BUT if you want to, you can play a minor Sub Faction or a single member of someones Nation
Looks solid so far, yet I wouldnt give them a Whole Firework Store! Boom-Powder is a rarity. Maybe your Clan's shop had a small ammount of Firework to sell, so that they have some ammount of it, yet the day will come, that they will run out of it....or have to find more!
Are we absolutely required to take a full nation? I'd really like to play as a single character.
Well, Mate, this is a Nation Rp, so its the whole point! BUT if you want to, you can play a minor Sub Faction or a single member of someones Nation
Enigmatik Overly-Caffienated Thembie Supreme
Member
Seen
3 days ago
@Elgappa
Hmm... The hardware store could have had some boom powder for 4th of July or something, and perhaps have the other store be a pharmacy or perfume store? Flamethrowers made from cologne!
Hmm... The hardware store could have had some boom powder for 4th of July or something, and perhaps have the other store be a pharmacy or perfume store? Flamethrowers made from cologne!
GM
@Irredeemable
That could work! Remember that it has been quite some time, and a lot of the powder could be damp already, making it risky, yet highly rewarding to use it!
Reason is why i am so restrictive on Boom-Powder and Gunpowder is because....well, every problem can be solved by throwing Explosives at it! A rat armed with a spear, will still have a hard time against an Angry dog, while an Rat with a Cannon will just need to land a lucky shot!
As for flamethrower, they would be crude and dangerous, fitting for rag-tag constructions, but possible!
That could work! Remember that it has been quite some time, and a lot of the powder could be damp already, making it risky, yet highly rewarding to use it!
Reason is why i am so restrictive on Boom-Powder and Gunpowder is because....well, every problem can be solved by throwing Explosives at it! A rat armed with a spear, will still have a hard time against an Angry dog, while an Rat with a Cannon will just need to land a lucky shot!
As for flamethrower, they would be crude and dangerous, fitting for rag-tag constructions, but possible!
Enigmatik Overly-Caffienated Thembie Supreme
Member
Seen
3 days ago
@Irredeemable
That could work! Remember that it has been quite some time, and a lot of the powder could be damp already, making it risky, yet highly rewarding to use it!
Reason is why i am so restrictive on Boom-Powder and Gunpowder is because....well, every problem can be solved by throwing Explosives at it! A rat armed with a spear, will still have a hard time against an Angry dog, while an Rat with a Cannon will just need to land a lucky shot!
As for flamethrower, they would be crude and dangerous, fitting for rag-tag constructions, but possible!
Flamethrower towers made out of deoderant cans. The second a claw comes near them, they explode.
1x Like
Drakey The Best Dragon
Member
Seen
6 yrs ago
My clan!!!
"Look-Look to the Sky-Sky!"
The Glass Clan
History
The Glass Clan was built from the few surviving remnants of rats that were trapped within the upper levels by the Black-Wings. Their leader, Tizen Orven, brought them together. He taught them the mysteries of life. Quickly, the clan was able to grow great plants that produced much food. However, this came with a price. Many an insect came to seek out this abundance, but the small clan of Glass soon developed technologies, technologies left by the Creators, and pushed back the devils.
In more recent times, the monarchy has set up outposts along the roof proper, as well as certain paths within great empty tubes in order to move goods from the roof down to the base levels.
Leadership
The Clan of Glass follows a Monarchy, however, their king's power is limited. A governing body, much like the english parliament, keeps their king in check. Another oddity of the Clan of Glass, is that their king often foregoes any titles, preferring to be called only by his name.
Territory and Ressurces
The Clan of Glass lives within the roof itself. Their living quarters and scholarly buildings lie between the two great planes of glass. As such, they have developed a stratified system. Druids, their keepers of the Gardens, are seen as indispensable within the Clan. These Druids see to the growth of certain plants within the edges of the glass panes. A new object of the Druid's attention, though, has been the cultivation of certain trees that has been going on for several generations.
Culture and Faith
Those of the Glass worship the light of the Sky. With this, there are some cults within the Clan of Glass that worships the devourer of Blackwings. Screamer, against his knowledge, has been dubbed the protector of the Clan of Glass by many of the rats. It is one of the goals of the Sky's Church to make contact with the Screamer, and express to him their eternal gratitude.
Army and Warriors
The warriors of those of Glass are few, but skilled. As the druids spend their lives perfecting their craft, the Warriors of Glass spend their lives perfecting theirs. These warriors, of whom all are martial, use glass-tipped weaponry.
However, the Clan of Glass travels down the path of science and progress. As such, they have developed certain ranged weapons to protect themselves from both the Blackwings and enemy clans.
The Glass Clan
History
The Glass Clan was built from the few surviving remnants of rats that were trapped within the upper levels by the Black-Wings. Their leader, Tizen Orven, brought them together. He taught them the mysteries of life. Quickly, the clan was able to grow great plants that produced much food. However, this came with a price. Many an insect came to seek out this abundance, but the small clan of Glass soon developed technologies, technologies left by the Creators, and pushed back the devils.
In more recent times, the monarchy has set up outposts along the roof proper, as well as certain paths within great empty tubes in order to move goods from the roof down to the base levels.
Leadership
The Clan of Glass follows a Monarchy, however, their king's power is limited. A governing body, much like the english parliament, keeps their king in check. Another oddity of the Clan of Glass, is that their king often foregoes any titles, preferring to be called only by his name.
Territory and Ressurces
The Clan of Glass lives within the roof itself. Their living quarters and scholarly buildings lie between the two great planes of glass. As such, they have developed a stratified system. Druids, their keepers of the Gardens, are seen as indispensable within the Clan. These Druids see to the growth of certain plants within the edges of the glass panes. A new object of the Druid's attention, though, has been the cultivation of certain trees that has been going on for several generations.
Culture and Faith
Those of the Glass worship the light of the Sky. With this, there are some cults within the Clan of Glass that worships the devourer of Blackwings. Screamer, against his knowledge, has been dubbed the protector of the Clan of Glass by many of the rats. It is one of the goals of the Sky's Church to make contact with the Screamer, and express to him their eternal gratitude.
Army and Warriors
The warriors of those of Glass are few, but skilled. As the druids spend their lives perfecting their craft, the Warriors of Glass spend their lives perfecting theirs. These warriors, of whom all are martial, use glass-tipped weaponry.
However, the Clan of Glass travels down the path of science and progress. As such, they have developed certain ranged weapons to protect themselves from both the Blackwings and enemy clans.
Grammatic Knight of Nevermore
Member
Seen
3 mos ago
Hello.
coGM
ClocktowerEchos Friendly Neighborhood / Landmine Enthusiast
Member
Seen
2 yrs ago
@ElgappaSay what would be the equivalent of of a horse or a pack animal for the rats and are the crows the only ones who work as mercenaries sometimes?
Scav For the Kaiser, Die For the Kaiser
Nirp Imperii
History
It is said that the founding members of House Nirp had fought side by side with Ironclaw - Catslayer himself and were influential figures of Ratkind society for generations following, regarded as leaders and nobles to their fellows and peers alike. At least, that is what members of the Nirp Imperii say, though their zealous nature and seemingly natural pride would lead many to believe this as exaggeration, at the very least. The first that anyone has truly heard of this dynasty is most recently, however. This was marked by the appearance of a peculiar yet charismatic rat by the name of Skaaro Nirp, larger than most rats, and snow white in color, with dull red eyes and a strange blue dye rubbed into the fur underneath them, clad in a dental floss - stitched black leather mask which revealed only his eyes, ears, and snout, a rugged cloak made of denim material, and armed with a polearm bearing a razor blade. Invoking servitude by dueling the champions of two small, lowkey scavenger clans, Skaaro began a new clan, in the name of his House, with the goal of uniting the Mall under the Nirp Imperii.
Leadership
Kaiser Skaaro Nirp, Lord of House Nirp, Emperor of the Nirp Imperii, King of Scavengers.
Although the supposed origins of the Nirp Clan are not backed by any supporting evidence what so ever, Skaaro Nirp claims the history of his House as casus belli on any and all factions within the Mall. The Mall belongs to Ratkind, after all, and what better rat to preside over it all than a descendant of one of the noble Clans? Although the current members of the Nirp Imperii are not of the original House, Skaaro offers the name to his founding subjects. Originally simple scavengers from lowly, nameless clans, these rats have responded with loyalty to Skaaro and pride in their newfound Clan. Although beginning in small stature, Skaaro intends to delegate property and power to his most dedicated and brave subjects, creating new Clans under the Nirp Imperii, and obligating loyalty in exchange for reward and honor. One day, the Nirp Imperii will be the centralization of Ratkind, with Kaiser Skaaro being the center of power, and the heads of prized noble Clans whom owe vassalage to Skaaro presiding over their countless subjects. Either through intimidation, conquering, and although unlikely, diplomacy, Skaaro will rule all.
Territory and Resources
The Nirp Imperii finds itself residing in a hardware store,originally belonging to two warring rat factions, subdued by Skaaro and united, with the home nest located behind the main counter, and Skaaro's personal castle being the open safe. Nuts, bolts, metal, wire, and more lay in wait for the Clan to make use of. The two original clans had become rather resourceful scavengers because of their location, and the basis of most of their functioning life is founded on this principal. Missions and raids to the rest of the Mall are how food and other materials are found, whilst the trading of the materials within their home store covers other means of supplies. Because of their intense scavenging lifestyle, these rats have become very creative in their makeshift wares. Clothes, weapons, and other devices are both extravagant and diverse.
Culture and Faith
By means of tribal conquering, a feudalistic form of government is set in place, starting with the Nirp Clan at the center, appointed nobles following, dedicated warriors and scavengers whom have the opportunity to be made noble afterward, and the simple peasants such as craftsmen, artists, and workers, although respected, at the bottom. Of course, the peasants are given many more rights than the lowly Smalls, whom aren't regarded as slaves, but are perceived as talentless laborers. Ceremony and nobility and held in high regard within the Nirp Imperii, as it is the founding basis of it's structure. Although the lines of power and essentially invented, these rules are upheld by those who are participating due to the benefits they receive. Scavengers are the most respected individuals within this Clan - Pack, thus even the most lowly rat is expected to search for materials and supplies in their free time, whether it be important or no. Due to the dangerous world around them, the warriors of the Nirp Imperii tend to make the best scavengers. Scavenging being a materialistic exercise by nature, those with the most personal affects and other junk are put upon a pedestal amongst their peers. Trading within the community is huge and those individuals who are able construct and craft using this junk are a step ahead of others.
Although the Faith of The Creators is the central religion in the Nirp Imperii, the faiths of any absorbed or conquered Clans is not judged by the administration, and because of this, most of the Ratfolk within this Clan - Pack are much more tolerant than others.
Although the Faith of The Creators is the central religion in the Nirp Imperii, the faiths of any absorbed or conquered Clans is not judged by the administration, and because of this, most of the Ratfolk within this Clan - Pack are much more tolerant than others.
Army and Warriors
Although beginning as a meager horde of barbarian esque scavenger - warriors, with the rites of nobility given to certain individuals with growth of the Clan - Pack, the nobles are the organized force of the Nirp Imperii's army. With servants and property given to them, the nobles have both the materials and time to focus their energy on warfare. Although the nobles are the commanding members and elite troops, at least 60% of the army consists of levied Men - At - Arms types who are loaned weapons and armor, consisting mostly of blades made of sharp scraps of metal, polearms with razorblades, slings with pebbles, and armor constructed out of patches of leather. They serve both out of obligated fealty and to uphold their way of life. Due to their intense lifestyle and the rough realities of a scavenger, even these levied troops seem to be a force to be reckoned with.
-Current Stats-
Richness - 2
Military - 4
Population - 2
Control - 4
Ferocity - 3
Knowledge - 2
-Current Weaknesses-
Unruly Smalls (+2)
-Current Noble Holdings-
None
Putting this here for organization's sake.
GM
@ClocktowerEchos
I accaully cant think of an animal that would fit for this! If any of the players, or you have an idea, feel free to post it, but so far i would just say that they have to carry their stuff themself, or use Mice for it...
As for Mercenaries, Crows are the ones that do so rather "reliable", having learned that there is much food in fighting Rat wars! But there are also some Cats (even through they are quite unreliable), Dogs (who might be to stupid to see the different between friend and foe) and Snakes (who fall in the same class as Cats in reliability)
I accaully cant think of an animal that would fit for this! If any of the players, or you have an idea, feel free to post it, but so far i would just say that they have to carry their stuff themself, or use Mice for it...
As for Mercenaries, Crows are the ones that do so rather "reliable", having learned that there is much food in fighting Rat wars! But there are also some Cats (even through they are quite unreliable), Dogs (who might be to stupid to see the different between friend and foe) and Snakes (who fall in the same class as Cats in reliability)
coGM
ClocktowerEchos Friendly Neighborhood / Landmine Enthusiast
Member
Seen
2 yrs ago
coGM
ClocktowerEchos Friendly Neighborhood / Landmine Enthusiast
Member
Seen
2 yrs ago
Reposting just so I don't have to hop between threads.
The Most Serene Ratpublic of Orilgio
Strength in Gold-Gold, Power in Gold-Gold!
History
While it is the Warrior and the Conqueror who gets much of the glory in the annals of history, it is the Administrator who makes all of their accomplishments possible and their tales record for generations to come. The rats of Origlio proudly claim descendant from Dhogez Goldeneye, a powerful steward for Ironclaw Catslayer who had done the logistics for his army as well as organizing many aspects of Ironclaw’s armies and realm.
In recognition of his services, Ironclaw rewarded Dhogez with a small store called “Orologio d’Oro”. Once a family own watch and jewelry shop in the time of the Creators, had become the Kingdom of Origlio after Dhogez couldn’t quite make out what the words said atop the shop due to him missing an eye. It was not as large or as grand as the fiefs given to the generals or warriors of Ironclaw, but Dhogez was wise enough to understand that Ironclaw had to placate his generals by rewarding them handsomely less they rebelled.
At first, the darkened glass windows of didn’t seem to hold much, but upon exploration it was discovered the Ironclaw had blessed them with a massive trove of gold and timekeepers! So thankful was Dhogez and his followers that not once did they ever try to rebel or show dissent to the great Ironclaw! Using their new-found wealth and timekeepers, the Kingdom of Origlio soon became wealthy from trade and unlocked the secrets of clockwork in the form of Cogsmithing.
As the generations past, it was only a matter of time until a bad ruler came along and forced the hand of the people. King Gutbuster the Greasy had rose to power with more sins than chins and more chins than sins. Completely ineffectual and disliked, he was said to not only eaten Smalls but also other Rats! It was this when the wealthy nobles who would go on to form the Merchant Clans decided to overthrow their king, using their wealth to bribe all his guards and leaving him open for assassination.
With their fat, lazy king now tied up and thrown over the side of a railing, left at the mercy of the Mall, the nobles did something unspeakable and in a case of extreme willpower and goodwill (by rat standards), they decided no one rat should hold all power and thus formed the Merchant Clans and the elected position of Merchant Lord. From there on, the wealth and power of the Ratpublic of Origlio only grew as more and more trade posts sprung up and caravans and ships crossed the mall regularly.
The current Merchant Lord is one Lokier Swiftsilver of House Ritter.
In recognition of his services, Ironclaw rewarded Dhogez with a small store called “Orologio d’Oro”. Once a family own watch and jewelry shop in the time of the Creators, had become the Kingdom of Origlio after Dhogez couldn’t quite make out what the words said atop the shop due to him missing an eye. It was not as large or as grand as the fiefs given to the generals or warriors of Ironclaw, but Dhogez was wise enough to understand that Ironclaw had to placate his generals by rewarding them handsomely less they rebelled.
At first, the darkened glass windows of didn’t seem to hold much, but upon exploration it was discovered the Ironclaw had blessed them with a massive trove of gold and timekeepers! So thankful was Dhogez and his followers that not once did they ever try to rebel or show dissent to the great Ironclaw! Using their new-found wealth and timekeepers, the Kingdom of Origlio soon became wealthy from trade and unlocked the secrets of clockwork in the form of Cogsmithing.
As the generations past, it was only a matter of time until a bad ruler came along and forced the hand of the people. King Gutbuster the Greasy had rose to power with more sins than chins and more chins than sins. Completely ineffectual and disliked, he was said to not only eaten Smalls but also other Rats! It was this when the wealthy nobles who would go on to form the Merchant Clans decided to overthrow their king, using their wealth to bribe all his guards and leaving him open for assassination.
With their fat, lazy king now tied up and thrown over the side of a railing, left at the mercy of the Mall, the nobles did something unspeakable and in a case of extreme willpower and goodwill (by rat standards), they decided no one rat should hold all power and thus formed the Merchant Clans and the elected position of Merchant Lord. From there on, the wealth and power of the Ratpublic of Origlio only grew as more and more trade posts sprung up and caravans and ships crossed the mall regularly.
The current Merchant Lord is one Lokier Swiftsilver of House Ritter.
Leadership
Viewing themselves as “enlightened” and “civilized”, the Ratpublic does away with the cruel, barbaric and simplistic notion of pack alpha is leader. No, instead they are built upon the foundations of representation and voting! Never mind the fact that only a select few people can actually vote and all of said voting is held between feuding Merchant Clans and its governmental wheels are polished with blood and gold, but small details.
In truth the Ratpublic is controlled by a handful of Merchant Clans (sometimes known as Merchant Families/Packs/Dens/Houses/etc) who are headed by a Patrician with notable members of them being called Merchant Princes. Together they vote for a Merchant Lord who has functionally unlimited power but is tether by a council comprising of the other Merchant Clans and serves for life. Whether said life sentence be for five seconds or five years all depends on how crafty and cunning the person in question is. Bloodlines and personal skill are undoubtedly valued, true political clout and power comes in the form of gold backed up by prestige. A rat could be the most well-known and prestigious member of a famous family with deeds innumerable, but if he can’t count any gold to his name, he is nothing.
Famously, while the Ratpublic’s government has little public bloodshed like in some tribal cultures, the amount of politicking, wheeling and dealing, intrigue and assassination that goes on behind the scene can easily overwhelm anyone not born into it. Anyone who isn’t always at the top of their game and on top of their finances can see their power crumble in mere seconds. However, such cut-throat politics has made the Merchant Clans cunning and crafty beyond many other rats in the Mall (if not a little paranoid) and is a mark of pride that they often use to get others to do their bidding.
In truth the Ratpublic is controlled by a handful of Merchant Clans (sometimes known as Merchant Families/Packs/Dens/Houses/etc) who are headed by a Patrician with notable members of them being called Merchant Princes. Together they vote for a Merchant Lord who has functionally unlimited power but is tether by a council comprising of the other Merchant Clans and serves for life. Whether said life sentence be for five seconds or five years all depends on how crafty and cunning the person in question is. Bloodlines and personal skill are undoubtedly valued, true political clout and power comes in the form of gold backed up by prestige. A rat could be the most well-known and prestigious member of a famous family with deeds innumerable, but if he can’t count any gold to his name, he is nothing.
Famously, while the Ratpublic’s government has little public bloodshed like in some tribal cultures, the amount of politicking, wheeling and dealing, intrigue and assassination that goes on behind the scene can easily overwhelm anyone not born into it. Anyone who isn’t always at the top of their game and on top of their finances can see their power crumble in mere seconds. However, such cut-throat politics has made the Merchant Clans cunning and crafty beyond many other rats in the Mall (if not a little paranoid) and is a mark of pride that they often use to get others to do their bidding.
Territory and Resources
The primary holding of the Ratpublic is the remains of an old family owned jewelry and watch store named Orogoio d’Oro, the Golden Watch, whose name they misinterpreted and used as the basis of Origlio. Their holding is small but heavily built up with many diverse levels and platforms, held up by supports or even hanging from the ceiling. Clockwork machinery is everywhere from manually operated elevators to conveyer systems to contraptions to help with manufacturing. The “capital building” is located in the husk of a large, ancient grandfather clock said to have been older than the Creators themselves with its interior clock face now used as the meeting place of all the patrician families.
Through a system of clockwork gauges and pumps, water is pumped into many hanging gardens or large-scale plant pots now used to grow crops needed to feed the populace. Worms are even raised in select enclosed dirt pastures although only the super-rich can afford to feast upon such a delicacy such as worm roast. There is a constant ticking all through Origlio from its machinery and a constant chattering of merchants in markets and bazars. Locals have managed to drown out such white noise to but many outsiders who visit, the noise is defending and often keeps them up at night and unable to focus, something which Origlian negotiators have taken advantage of in the past.
However, the true extend of the territorial claims of the Ratpublic lies far beyond the mere storefront. The Merchant Princes own a massive network of trade posts, merchant enclaves and scavenging outposts to fuel their mercantile empire. It’s with this network that they have become the wealthiest faction of rats and have eyes and ears over all corners of the mall. However, it’s not uncommon for some of these outposts to fall silent or come under attack and when the Ratpublic isn’t busy trying fighting amongst themselves, they will mount expeditions to reclaim the outposts. Or what’s left of them.
Through a system of clockwork gauges and pumps, water is pumped into many hanging gardens or large-scale plant pots now used to grow crops needed to feed the populace. Worms are even raised in select enclosed dirt pastures although only the super-rich can afford to feast upon such a delicacy such as worm roast. There is a constant ticking all through Origlio from its machinery and a constant chattering of merchants in markets and bazars. Locals have managed to drown out such white noise to but many outsiders who visit, the noise is defending and often keeps them up at night and unable to focus, something which Origlian negotiators have taken advantage of in the past.
However, the true extend of the territorial claims of the Ratpublic lies far beyond the mere storefront. The Merchant Princes own a massive network of trade posts, merchant enclaves and scavenging outposts to fuel their mercantile empire. It’s with this network that they have become the wealthiest faction of rats and have eyes and ears over all corners of the mall. However, it’s not uncommon for some of these outposts to fall silent or come under attack and when the Ratpublic isn’t busy trying fighting amongst themselves, they will mount expeditions to reclaim the outposts. Or what’s left of them.
Culture and Faith
Opulence is a blessed life and poverty is a death sentence within the Ratpublic. As such, the pursuit of wealth is considered to at the top of any self-respecting rat’s priorities. They labor daily to feed the needs of the Merchant Clans, more than happy to try and get a leg up on their betters by whatever means they think they can successfully pull off. In such a materialistic culture, it is signs of wealth that are displayed proudly or whatever can be interpreted to mean wealth. The styles and manners of the Merchant Clans are imitated by the common folk in reverence.
Being taught a craft and mastering it is the common expectation for those living in the Ratpublic with both men and women having jobs to preform to gain money. Women typically have jobs they can better preform at home such as weaving or sewing or cooking prepared meals to be sold while men have more physically demanding jobs like smiting and manufacturing. Its long said in the Mall that if you need something, you go to the Ratpublic. And if you cannot find it in the Ratpublic’s markets, public or black, then it does not exist at all.
Those who aspire to go beyond the simple apprenticeship path can look to one of several major institutions of higher learning in Origlio. The College of Coggery is where engineers are taught the fine art of cogsmithing and clockwork that the Ratpublic runs on. The Schola Militarum d’Origlio is where those who hope to make a living by commanding mercenaries and soldiers go. The Collegia Alchema is dedicated to the art of healing and alchemy, and by extension poison. The Chamber of Iudexes trains the law bringers and iudexes to persecuit the criminal (usually those people who are too poor to be able to just bribe their way out). The Schola Fiancia is of course famous and high respected -as well as ludicrously expensive- being based on mercantile pursuits and business management with many Merchant Princes being sent here as well as foreign students.
Smalls are not given much thought of in Origlio. They are expected to work and labor just as everyone else in the eyes of the Merchant Clans (although they will ensure that a Small will never gain enough power to challenge or join their clan). Some Smalls have made a name for themselves by being experts craftsmen or being taken as mistresses by Merchant Princes. And while the government as a while cares little for the actions or wellbeing of the Smalls, being remarkably apathetic towards them in every regard, racism is still displayed by the common folk and if a Darkwing requires Smalls to feast on as part of a contract, the Ratpublic is more than happy to let them take whatever they want. A dark conspiracy floats around the lower levels of Origlio that somewhere, the Merchant Clans actually have a facility dedicated to literally breeding Small for the express purpose of use as living currency with its many mercenaries. Of course, such rumors are just the mutterings of the drunk and delusional. Are they?
The “wealth over all others” ideology extends its hands into religion in the Ratpublic, or the lack thereof. Zeal and devotion cannot buy titles thus making it a worthless endeavor in the eyes of the Ratpublic who pay lip service to both the Cult of the Creators and the Faith of Fire. If anything, they lean slightly more towards the side of the Creators as much of their wealth, knowledge and power derives from the old world.
During the “Great Schism”, the Ratpublic stayed neutral for most of the war, profiting buy selling to both sides and becoming even more wealthy in the process. It was only towards the end did they put their support behind the Creators which even than they only did half-heartedly. When the time for peace talks came, it was the Grandfather Clock of Origlio that was chosen as neutral grounds for peace talks.
That said, there are a few holy folks in Origlio and the Merchant Princes know what kind of money donations can bring in. As such there are a small handful but richly decorated and ornate churches and cathedrals to both the Faith of Fire and the Cult of the Creators that rival the finest temples either side can offer. Such is their splendor that some zealous followers from outside go on pilgrimages to Origlio just to see the masterfully built and exquisite decorated temples and cathedrals and most importantly, leave donations for their “gods”.
Being taught a craft and mastering it is the common expectation for those living in the Ratpublic with both men and women having jobs to preform to gain money. Women typically have jobs they can better preform at home such as weaving or sewing or cooking prepared meals to be sold while men have more physically demanding jobs like smiting and manufacturing. Its long said in the Mall that if you need something, you go to the Ratpublic. And if you cannot find it in the Ratpublic’s markets, public or black, then it does not exist at all.
Those who aspire to go beyond the simple apprenticeship path can look to one of several major institutions of higher learning in Origlio. The College of Coggery is where engineers are taught the fine art of cogsmithing and clockwork that the Ratpublic runs on. The Schola Militarum d’Origlio is where those who hope to make a living by commanding mercenaries and soldiers go. The Collegia Alchema is dedicated to the art of healing and alchemy, and by extension poison. The Chamber of Iudexes trains the law bringers and iudexes to persecuit the criminal (usually those people who are too poor to be able to just bribe their way out). The Schola Fiancia is of course famous and high respected -as well as ludicrously expensive- being based on mercantile pursuits and business management with many Merchant Princes being sent here as well as foreign students.
Smalls are not given much thought of in Origlio. They are expected to work and labor just as everyone else in the eyes of the Merchant Clans (although they will ensure that a Small will never gain enough power to challenge or join their clan). Some Smalls have made a name for themselves by being experts craftsmen or being taken as mistresses by Merchant Princes. And while the government as a while cares little for the actions or wellbeing of the Smalls, being remarkably apathetic towards them in every regard, racism is still displayed by the common folk and if a Darkwing requires Smalls to feast on as part of a contract, the Ratpublic is more than happy to let them take whatever they want. A dark conspiracy floats around the lower levels of Origlio that somewhere, the Merchant Clans actually have a facility dedicated to literally breeding Small for the express purpose of use as living currency with its many mercenaries. Of course, such rumors are just the mutterings of the drunk and delusional. Are they?
The “wealth over all others” ideology extends its hands into religion in the Ratpublic, or the lack thereof. Zeal and devotion cannot buy titles thus making it a worthless endeavor in the eyes of the Ratpublic who pay lip service to both the Cult of the Creators and the Faith of Fire. If anything, they lean slightly more towards the side of the Creators as much of their wealth, knowledge and power derives from the old world.
During the “Great Schism”, the Ratpublic stayed neutral for most of the war, profiting buy selling to both sides and becoming even more wealthy in the process. It was only towards the end did they put their support behind the Creators which even than they only did half-heartedly. When the time for peace talks came, it was the Grandfather Clock of Origlio that was chosen as neutral grounds for peace talks.
That said, there are a few holy folks in Origlio and the Merchant Princes know what kind of money donations can bring in. As such there are a small handful but richly decorated and ornate churches and cathedrals to both the Faith of Fire and the Cult of the Creators that rival the finest temples either side can offer. Such is their splendor that some zealous followers from outside go on pilgrimages to Origlio just to see the masterfully built and exquisite decorated temples and cathedrals and most importantly, leave donations for their “gods”.
Military
The Ratpublic of Origlio has a pitiful standing, native army, only really counting the personal retinues and household guards of the Merchant Princes and the Merchant Militia levies. The real bulk of the fighting strength of the Ratpublic comes in the form of mercenaries. Some are native born and take up arms to feed themselves, some are exiles or rouge warriors who defected from their home tribes, all united in the taste of gold and glory.
Leading these forces in most cases is a Paymaster and a Household Commander, the former responsible for the payment of all the mercenaries while the latter is the overall commander. The art of war has been turned into a military science in the Ratpublic with the Schola Militarum d’Origlio being dedicated to military science and leadership. Merchant Princes themselves sometimes will take to the field, not as any true test of arms, but because doing so gains them prestige and glory to use in the political carrier.
The most basic unit of a mercenary army in Origlio is the Condottere, mercenaries for hire who are seen in flavors of pikerats, halberdier, swordsrats and crossbowrats. Individually they are formed into their own companies with names and traditions as simple as the “Company of Fratzo Blackhide” to as gaudy and outlandish as the “Ever Victorious Host of the Slayer-Lord Pukpuk Skybreaker the Magnificent of Kalka”.
Above the basic mercenary free companies, the Ratpublic also emplys Marines-at-Arms and Exploraters. Marine-at-Arms is the name given to the soldiers who serve aboard ships and caravans as lightly armored guards. Exploraters are those adventurous rats who go out and hunt for lost relics and mystical lands in the name of glory and gold and while many never find such lofty dreams at best, they are often hired as heavily armored units for a merchant prince’s retinue.
With the ludicrous amount of wealth the Ratpublic has, it comes as no surprise that they can simply buy some extremely exotic allies and equipment. Darkwings (Crows) and Ironbacks (Turtles) make regular appearances in the Ratpublic as mercenaries with Ironbacks even being used to as war platforms to mount things such as the infamous Clockwork Crossbow; a crank operated rapid fire repeating crossbow. The Ratpublic claims to have been the first to successfully hire and field a mercenary Darkwing but are suspiciously tight lipped when pressed for details.
Although not readily apparent, the Ratpublic actually holds claim to a sizable store of gun powder (referred locally as “fire dust”). The reason why the Ratpublic doesn’t use cannons or explosive bombs in their arsenal is obvious; they can make a lot more money selling to the people who are addicted to it than wasting it themselves.
Leading these forces in most cases is a Paymaster and a Household Commander, the former responsible for the payment of all the mercenaries while the latter is the overall commander. The art of war has been turned into a military science in the Ratpublic with the Schola Militarum d’Origlio being dedicated to military science and leadership. Merchant Princes themselves sometimes will take to the field, not as any true test of arms, but because doing so gains them prestige and glory to use in the political carrier.
The most basic unit of a mercenary army in Origlio is the Condottere, mercenaries for hire who are seen in flavors of pikerats, halberdier, swordsrats and crossbowrats. Individually they are formed into their own companies with names and traditions as simple as the “Company of Fratzo Blackhide” to as gaudy and outlandish as the “Ever Victorious Host of the Slayer-Lord Pukpuk Skybreaker the Magnificent of Kalka”.
Above the basic mercenary free companies, the Ratpublic also emplys Marines-at-Arms and Exploraters. Marine-at-Arms is the name given to the soldiers who serve aboard ships and caravans as lightly armored guards. Exploraters are those adventurous rats who go out and hunt for lost relics and mystical lands in the name of glory and gold and while many never find such lofty dreams at best, they are often hired as heavily armored units for a merchant prince’s retinue.
With the ludicrous amount of wealth the Ratpublic has, it comes as no surprise that they can simply buy some extremely exotic allies and equipment. Darkwings (Crows) and Ironbacks (Turtles) make regular appearances in the Ratpublic as mercenaries with Ironbacks even being used to as war platforms to mount things such as the infamous Clockwork Crossbow; a crank operated rapid fire repeating crossbow. The Ratpublic claims to have been the first to successfully hire and field a mercenary Darkwing but are suspiciously tight lipped when pressed for details.
Although not readily apparent, the Ratpublic actually holds claim to a sizable store of gun powder (referred locally as “fire dust”). The reason why the Ratpublic doesn’t use cannons or explosive bombs in their arsenal is obvious; they can make a lot more money selling to the people who are addicted to it than wasting it themselves.
© 2007-2024