The Rat Pack

Ratfolk comprise a notable sub-culture with ties to older downtowner culture.  It’s unclear whether the origin of Ratfolk lies with an old splinter faction of Downtowners or is related to some accord struck between Downtowners and an existing rat-hybrid society.

The Rat Pack inhabit a few locations beneath Alleyway Junction referred to as Undercity.  Much of their territory is the swampy underground complex of Sewercross, and ratfolk themselves are often dirty and wear more ragged clothing.

The unifying feature between Downtowners and ratfolk is a strong sense of community and internal cohesion.  Even those who interact with one another very infrequently will refer to each other as family, and they will band together in large groups for mutual protection.

Nowadays, many Downtowners view Ratfolk as lesser or monstrous beings.  The two groups do not undergo any high-level cultural exchange, and often engage in violent conflict.  Downtowner territories bordering the underground are sometimes raided, and these locations are most averse to positive dealings with Ratfolk.

Ratfolk tend to have a distinct pride born of their mutual support, and become resentful of the disrespect they are shown, even as they may seek to appropriate Downtowner culture and mannerisms.  Torn jeans or a claw-marked jacket may serve as a trophy to a ratfolk.

Relative to Downtowners, Ratfolk are less capable pathfinders, and lack the societal connections necessary for trade.  Instead, they are dedicated scroungers, hardy and thrifty, and often more familiar with scrapping and technology.

The underground is more dangerous than Alleyway Junction proper. A number of rats have been lost in the sewers, often becoming feral. These feral ratfolk complicate relationships with surface-dwelling Downtowners, sometimes emerging from the sewers to steal food or burrowing through crawlspaces in the lower parts of the city.

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Major Location:

Undercity

These parking decks converted into shantytowns are home to the Big Cheese, de-facto leader of the Rat Pack and their cunning protector.  Scavenged goods are brought here by adventurous ratfolk for refinement into clothing, weapons, and other useful things.

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Prominent NPCs:

Big Cheese

An oversized middle-aged ratfolk with fierce eyes and acid claws, Big Cheese is more monstrous than most of his family.  This ratfolk don is personally involved in many of the family’s issues and sensitive dealings, and won’t trust an outsider without proof of their worth.

Quintus Halftail

One of the more outgoing ratfolk, he has been opening up more to the idea of outside cooperation after repeated assistance has been provided by Crashpointe.  Quintus is responsible for most contracts posted by ratfolk.