Species Descriptions

There is no place in the world that does not have a sizable noble rodent population, existing beneath the notice of larger creatures and societies. They see everything, and say nothing; when a noble rodent has the right disposition, there is no better spy. Most noble rodent species have their flags planted on the challenge side, but occasionally entire populations will choose to serve a humanoid culture they find deserving.

Noble mice are alert, cheerful, and aware of their surroundings.

These minuscule creatures are natural miners and engineers, almost as accomplished as noble beavers, and are both tireless and adept at creating the sprawling tunnel complexes in which they love to dwell and hide caches of food and other possessions. Even when outside of subterranean areas they tend to travel at a scamper in straight lines and along features like walls, rather than across open areas. Noble mice are diligent both in their search for food and in their tendency to store for hard times anything they do not need for the present.

Noble mice tend to be wary of creatures larger than themselves, especially predators inclined to eat them, but might assume a guarded friendliness with those that have proven to be well disposed toward them. Amongst each other they tend to be very gregarious, and are happiest in large natural communities of their own kind.

They are natural singers and, preparatory to mating, male noble mice woo females by singing to them in a vocal range that cannot be heard by most other creatures (e.g., any who cannot speak Rodent). While rare, when they choose service, noble mice will serve humans, halflings, fairies, pixies, or other fey.

Noble rats, on the other paw, seem to have an over-inflated sense of their own prowess. As long as he is being observed by others, a noble rat will take on a foe several hundred times his size, simply to avoid appearing a coward.

When not being watched, he will run and hide and make no apologies. Noble rats are opportunistic and treacherous, and they count those among their good qualities. While extremely loyal to the few friends they do make, they always make it hard for a newcomer to feel welcome.

Noble rat society is organized very much like a gang, with the strongest, most ruthless noble rat assuming the mantle of leader. The few noble rats that do choose to serve seem to have an affinity for the goblinoid races and wizards. Noble squirrels seem to combine the work ethic of noble mice with the fearlessness of noble rats. Provided they are out of its reach, a noble squirrel will not hesitate to scold even the largest predator for disturbing his busy day. While wary of humanoids as a whole, noble squirrels will make friends with individuals on a case-by-case basis (usually after being offered tidbits of food). This is sometimes a point of contention between noble squirrels and noble rats; what the noble rat must steal, the noble squirrel is given freely — a bushy tail goes a long way in public relations.

Noble squirrels enjoy the company of all manner of fey, and can often be found dancing in fairy rings alongside pixies and bogarts.

Racial Feats

The following feats are available to a noble rodent character who meets the prerequisites.

• Linked Feat