Rat Post

The Rat Post is a unique form of communication used in the sprawling city of Namor. Utilizing the nimbleness and adaptability of rats, messages are carried across the city through an intricate network of aqueducts, sewers, canals, hidden alleys, walkways, and rooftops. This system, while unconventional, has its roots in the city's early history and remains in use despite various public health concerns and legal issues.

Contents

Origin

The use of rats for communication began during the pre-Republic era as the city expanded beyond its initial walls. Smugglers, thieves, and other individuals working outside the law trained local rats to navigate the smuggling tunnels and breaches in the city walls, delivering messages undetected. With the construction of the outer walls and the enhancement of the city's waterways during the Republic era, the practice became even more widespread.

Method

Rats are trained by handlers to return to their owner's location, a deposit box, or even trained to seek out a single person. A single message is often tied to the rat, or occasionally placed in a small bottle attached to the rat's harness. In extreme cases, messages may be concealed inside the rat itself, though this is typically a last resort due to the value of the trained rats.   The person receiving the message has to visit a rat handler or intermediary, have the message left at a drop point, have a human courier make the last few steps, or certain even rats can track down individual people if trained.   The reliability of rat post varies. Rats can become lost or die enroute, or their messages can be intercepted by rat catchers and their specially trained dogs. To counteract these risks, users of the rat post often employ various forms of cryptography or code languages.

Rodent Relay

A group of rat handlers organized the "Rodent Relay" after the infamous Great Rat Fire caused by the Rat Catchers Riot transforming the traditionally clandestine rat courier system into a more streamlined operation. Although it still operates from the shadows, the Rodent Relay's services are accessible to the public.

Design and Mechanism

At the heart of the Rodent Relay are the specially crafted mailboxes, an invention of the Engineers' Guild. The first generation of mailboxes required a 'rat postmaster' to manually retrieve the rat and message, but recent developments have made the process almost automatic.   These modern boxes are designed in a way that the rat can deposit the message and receive a treat as a reward before returning home. This has significantly improved efficiency and allowed the rats to deliver more messages in a shorter time frame.   The rat handlers and postmasters of the Rodent Relay work collaboratively to interpret the messages and transfer them to the recipient. While most of the messages are standard and unencrypted, the Relay offers an encryption service for those needing confidentiality, for an additional fee.

Cultural Acceptance and Issues

The transition from an underground operation to a semi-public service was met with mixed reactions. Although some traditional rat handlers resent the mainstreaming of their craft, most have recognized the need for this evolution to prevent increased scrutiny from the authorities post-Rat Fire.   One major limitation of the Rodent Relay is the final delivery of the message. Not everyone can afford to train rats to seek them out individually, hence human involvement is still necessary for the delivery or pickup of the messages. Thus, for official or urgent matters, many people still prefer human runners, keeping the age-old profession relevant in the city.   Despite these challenges, the Rodent Relay has successfully carved out a niche in Namor's communication system. The unique service adds a touch of intrigue to the city's bustling streets and serves as a nod to the ingenuity of its people.

Perception

The use of rat post carries a stigma, primarily due to the association of rats with disease and their use by criminal elements. Despite this, the system is widely used by city inhabitants ranging from common folk and lovers seeking private communication, to politicians engaging in clandestine plots. As such, rat handlers, while often frowned upon, play a vital role in the city's communications network. Some handlers are even able to train their rats to seek out specific individuals within the city—a time-consuming process that can greatly increase the value of the rat.

Rat Types

While various species of rats can be trained for use in the rat post, the most prized is the Namorian Night Rat. Recognized for its distinctive dark coat, agility, and remarkable homing instincts, the Night Rat is a highly sought-after commodity among rat handlers. Its ability to navigate the cityscape, even in low light conditions, makes it the preferred choice for those wishing to ensure their messages reach their destination.

Rat Carriers and Rat Swapping

Rat carriers are individuals who specialize in transporting rats, often secretly, to different parts of the city or even to different cities. These carriers provide a vital service for the rat handling community, allowing handlers to have their rats returned to them from locations they would not otherwise be able to reach. The network of rat carriers greatly increases the range and efficiency of the rat communication system, enabling messages to be sent across the city quickly.   Associations of rat handlers are known to swap rats, a practice that serves multiple purposes. By exchanging rats, handlers ensure that a variety of rats are familiar with multiple routes across the city, increasing the reliability of their messaging system. The swapped rats can then be dispatched to various locations at a moment's notice, further bolstering the rat courier network's adaptability and responsiveness.

Rat Cant

Rat handlers in the city of Namor communicate with each other through an intricate cipher-like language known as "Rat Cant ". This coded language, comprised of a blend of symbols, shorthand, and ciphered text, is a crucial tool to protect the contents of their messages. Mastery of Rat Cant is considered a rite of passage among rat handlers, further cementing the bond within this close-knit community.

Cultural Impact

The sight of a rat with a harness and bottle scurrying past has become so commonplace that locals often ignore it entirely, finding amusement in the surprise of newcomers who encounter the system for the first time. The rat handlers are often given colourful nicknames, and expert handlers make itinto legends and local lore. There are often various people claiming to be the "Rat King" at any one time. Despite its potential risks and the controversy surrounding its use, the Rat Post of Namor remains a fascinating part of the city's adaptability and ingenuity in the face of ever-changing urban challenges.

Notable Rat Handlers and Legendary Rats of Namor

The Rat Post of Namor has also given rise to several legends and extraordinary individuals. Some of these rat handlers and their trained rats have achieved near-mythical status due to their exceptional feats and fascinating stories.

Legendary Handlers

• Ezran the Sly - A legendary handler during the early Republic era, Ezran was renowned for his vast network of rats that spanned the entire city. It was said that no corner of Namor was beyond his reach, and his messages were almost guaranteed to arrive at their destination. His ability to read and write in various codes made him a valuable asset, and not a few power brokers in the city owed their fortune to his reliable communication network.
• Thandar the Rat King - Rising from humble beginnings, Thandar became the most renowned rat handler in Namor, with a reputation that extended far beyond the city. He was credited with pioneering many of the methods still used in rat handling today, including advanced training techniques and a unique harness design that allowed for safer and more efficient message delivery.
• Bael the Rat Whisperer - Bael was a handler famed for his ability to train rats to seek out specific individuals in the city. His rats were renowned for their accuracy and dependability, and it was said that Bael could communicate with the rats as if they were his own kin. His unique skill set made him one of the most respected and sought-after handlers in Namor.

Legendary Rats

• Shadowrunner - A prized Namorian Night Rat trained by Ezran the Sly, Shadowrunner was said to have never once failed in his deliveries, navigating the city's labyrinthine network of waterways and alleys with unmatched speed and agility. Shadowunner's legend grew when he successfully delivered an urgent message from one end of the city to the other in record time, reportedly averting a political crisis. His feats have become part of Namorian folklore, with tales of his exploits still told in hushed whispers in the city's inns and taverns.
• Lady Whisker - Known for her uncanny knack of evading rat catchers, Lady Whisker was celebrated for her stealth and speed. Her ability to deliver messages without detection made her a valuable asset to her handler and earned her the moniker "the Ghost of the Sewers".
• Farsqueak - The Legend of Farsqueak, a seemingly unremarkable rat, stands out among the tales of the Rat Post. Farsqueak was taken across the Great Ocean to the continent of Orynthia by a careless rat carrier, who released the rat onto a ship bound for Namoria. Against all odds, Farsqueak found his way back to his handler in Namor, navigating the vast sea and an unfamiliar land to return home. The tale of Farsqueak's incredible journey continues to be told as an inspiring tale of resilience and unyielding spirit.

Rat Catchers of Namor

Rat catchers in Namor City play an essential, if unsavoury, role in managing the city's robust rat population. While they primarily aim to curtail disease spread and infestations, a sub-category of rat catchers specializes in intercepting the city's rat-based communication system, targeting courier rats specifically.

Tools and Tactics

Most rat catchers employ a range of traps and baits to capture rats. However, when targeting courier rats, care must be taken not to damage the message the rat is carrying. This often requires a more hands-on approach, using nets or carefully designed traps that can immobilize the rat without causing harm.   Trained terriers are also a common sight with rat catchers. These dogs are skilled at sniffing out and capturing rats. Still, they are often specifically trained not to harm the rats, instead immobilizing them for their handlers to collect.

Conflicts and Controversies

Rat handlers and rat catchers share an unusual relationship. While they operate in the same domain, their objectives often clash, leading to sporadic conflicts. Instances of rat handlers retaliating against rat catchers, even rescuing their dogs and using them to train rats in avoidance tactics, are not uncommon.   There have been notable cases where prized rat-catching dogs have been taken by rat handlers, only to be returned in exchange for a substantial ransom. This curious dynamic has sparked speculation that some degree of collusion exists between the two groups. However, the ongoing disputes and rivalries such as the Rat War and the Rat Catchers Riot seem to disprove this theory.   Despite the inherent tensions, there is an unwritten rule that violence against the dogs is frowned upon. The dogs are seen as innocent players in this game of rats and men, and even the most hardened rat handler would not harm these animals. This unique aspect of Namorian culture underscores the complex interplay between man, beast, and city in this extraordinary setting.  

Rattus Rivalries: Competition in the Courier Business

In the bustling city of Namor, the business of message delivery is serious, and competition can be fierce. The Rodent Relay holds a certain sway in the field, but that doesn't stop others from stepping up to the challenge. In particular, there are whispers among the rat handling community of handlers training a new breed of courier rats - those with cannibalistic tendencies.

Cannibal Rats: Myth or Reality?

The rumours of cannibal rats are whispered in hushed tones. It's said these rats are trained not only to deliver messages, but also to intercept messages carried by other rats and eat the unsuspecting couriers. If true, this would mark a significant escalation in the competitive landscape. But so far, these rumours remain just that - rumours. Nonetheless, the mere suggestion has caused a stir among the rat handlers, introducing an undercurrent of fear and suspicion.

Other Couriers: From Humans to Hounds

While rats hold a monopoly on small, discreet message delivery, they don't rule the courier world entirely. For official documents and large parcels, human couriers remain the trusted choice. Their reliability, accountability, and the personal touch they bring to the service, especially in a city as socially dynamic as Namor, makes them indispensable.   A few entrepreneurial spirits have tried to carve a niche in the courier business using other animals. Dogs, with their keen sense of smell, and cats, known for their agility and stealth, have both been tested as couriers. Unfortunately, neither has been able to match the rats for efficiency in delivering small, discreet messages. Dogs, though highly trainable, are too noticeable, while cats, though stealthy, are famously independent and difficult to control.   In the end, the city's complex network of alleys, canals, and rooftops seems almost custom-built for the rats. As the city expands and evolves, so too does the courier business. Yet through all these changes, the rats of Namor continue to reign supreme, their status unchallenged... for now.