The Rune Rat is a odd creature that can be found in the Rune wastes which used to be a small but powerful Kingdom at the forefront of Rune magic and technology until 50 years ago
It is not known as to how this happened but since then unnatural creatures started populating the Rune wastes among them is the rune rat. These odd critters are quite rare outside the wastes though when they are found outside the rune wastes they can often be found around structures using runes and or ruins and the dead body's of adventurers carrying weapons utilizing runes.
The reason for this is they feed off of runes it is their food source. And for some reason they cannot consume any other types of magic which is quite peculiar as all other creatures from the Rune wastes can consume other types of magic not just Rune magic.
The reason for this quirk is unknown though they do seem to have an incredible ability unmirroed by any other creature we know of. They can after consuming all of a rune's power incorporate the rune they consumed into their body and showing in their hide when in use . This unique ability of theirs has led them to being great companions to mages and adventurers alike.
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Often times when a Rune rat is found as rare as they are outside the Rune wastes they can sell for thousands of gold. You may ask why people don't breed the rats well it is possible and has been tried Rune rat are a creature that forms lasting bonds and when they find a mate they are mates for life.
Their litter sizes are around 1-4 pups and the gestation period is about 2-5 years the reason behind such variation between pregnancies in unknown they are fiercely protective of their pups and often times will kill themselves after their babys are taken from them.
They usually grow to a size slightly larger than a normal rat and take 5-10 years to grow to maturity and until then live with their parents they usually live for an average of 50ish years
The creatures as a whole seem naturally curious and friendly when encountering 1 it's best to not try to attack them as you don't know what runes they have taken and to try to appear to be friendly. If a rune rat takes a liking to you your gonna have a companion wether you like it or not.
They will follow people they have taken a liking to until they find a mate or die even if you try to get rid of them they will follow you until you accept them.