Ratlings and Humans have coexisted for centuries, but in many ways, the culture of Ratlings is a secretive one. Not out of any sort of malice or ill-trust of humanity, but because most Humans simply never ask. Just like Humans, they have holidays, festivals, and significant life milestones.
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| Yearlings dancing around a Bronze Ring. |
Yearling. A Ratling's first birthday is momentous, signaling their societal entrance into adulthood. This day is shared with littermates and non-family born in the same month. The first midnight of each month hosts this celebration, where dancing and music are had alongside fermented foods native to the region the Ratlings present call home. As part of this celebration, Ratlings share trade secrets between their families, ensuring they are passed on with the new generation.
Candlewhisk. Whenever a candle burns the last of its wick, Ratlings use bits of molten wax to style their fur. Ratlings aren't sure where this tradition began, but the few written histories of their people suggest it was started by ship-born ancestors protecting themselves from the salt air. Nowadays, most folks simply spike the fur on the top of their head, or near their tail.
Grainfill. When the first harvests of the fall season are interred into grain silos or cellars, it is traditional for farmers to offer the Ratlings living on their farmstead a tithe to hold them through the winter season. In return, the Ratlings keep the farmer's property free of bothersome vermin and making minor repairs. This ancient pact is so ingrained in both farming communities and rural Ratlings that questioning the act is met with superstitious gestures to ward off bad fortune coming from the person questioning it.
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| An esteemed denarian enjoying cheese as old as herself. |
Decadance. A Ratling's 10th birthday is an incredibly important event. News will spread quickly, even through the Oldwood, and Ratlings from across the Continent will attempt to make the pilgrimage to pay respects to these venerable members of society. It is rare for more than a single individual to reach this age every few years. If they live to be 11 or 12, the party grows in size and complexity. Cities will warn citizens of these events so as not to be alarmed when thousands of Ratlings congregate in town squares. Non-Ratlings are allowed to participate in festivities, but not eat any of the food. In the final hours of the festivities, the Elder Ratling will choose 10 Ratlings from the thousands present to receive their secrets of longevity. No one has ever let those secrets become public knowledge.
Furnishtail. When a Ratling wishes to advertise their availability for partnering, they will adorn their tail in finery made by the practiced, delicate hands of Ratling jewelers, eschewing all other forms of covering. Gold, silver, and platinum are normally ignored beyond their magical utility by Ratlings, with this practice being the primary exception. Well-crafted jewelry shows confidence, resourcefulness, and connection to one's community. A Ratling who adorns their tail with human-made jewelry while seeking a partner is considered lazy, non-communal, or even selfish.
Mischief-making. Ratlings as young as 1 month of age will be sent to live and work in communities other than their own until they reach 6 months of age, when they are physically mature. They then have until their Yearling to decide if they wish to stay with that community, return home, or travel alongside Humans as they delve the Oldwood. Whatever they decide, they are always welcome in both their born and given communities. The decision to travel as an adventurer has been popular in recent years as it often means returning with stories, tremendous food supplies, and especially new skills or resources to share with one's home community.
