The history of the Swarm of Rats begins shrouded in the dank darkness of Coia's sewers. In those labyrinthine tunnels, generations of rats bred and thrived, feeding on the city's refuse and adapting to a harsh environment.
Over time, something changed. Perhaps it was exposure to unknown pollutants, or a mutation triggered by the unnatural conditions below. Whatever the cause, these sewer rats began to exhibit unusual traits. Their aggression levels spiked, they became immune to diseases that ravaged other rodents, and their numbers multiplied at an alarming rate.
Whispers of "the Swarm" began circulating among Coia's inhabitants. People spoke in hushed tones of massive, chittering hordes emerging from the sewers at night, devouring scraps with unnerving speed and ferocity.
As the rat population exploded, their presence became undeniable. They swarmed alleys, marketplaces, and even ventured into homes, driven by an insatiable hunger. Citizens barricaded their doors, set traps, and called for exterminators, but nothing seemed to stem the tide.
Fear gripped Coia. Stories spread of rats attacking children, gnawing through walls, and carrying off food stores. Some blamed poor sanitation, others muttered about divine punishment.
Then came the rumors of the Rat King – a monstrous creature said to be at the helm of the Swarm, commanding its legions with an unholy intelligence. Whether this being was real or merely a product of terrified imaginations remained unclear, but it fuelled the growing panic.
Today, the Swarm remains a constant threat to Coia. Their numbers continue to swell, their aggression unwavering. They have adapted to poisons and traps, evolving into a relentless force that defies conventional methods of control.
The city struggles to cope with the infestation. While some citizens remain defiant, others have fled in terror, leaving behind abandoned homes and businesses overrun by the chittering hordes.
The fate of Coia hangs in the balance. Will they find a way to subdue the Swarm, or will this relentless tide of rodents consume them entirely? Only time will tell if the Rat King is merely a legend, or the architect of their downfall.
