Mousekin

Mousekin are the smallest of animalkin, being known as the dominant smallkin. Despite their tender size (of roughly 12 inches), Mousekin are incredibly fierce, resilient and often decent characters. They are community focused, and extremely loyal to a fault. Mousekin inhabit many areas of Tillaris, often within communities of other smallkin, though do also inhabit large environments like cities and towns.

The size of a Mousekin makes them rather easy prey for larger animals, such as birds of prey, and varying mammals like foxes, cats and sometimes wolves. To ensure their existence, Mousekin are very combat proficient and follow a teaching called "Ferrum Fortis", which directly translates as "a strong punch". It is a philosophy that despite your size, you give absolutely everything in your battle, no matter the opponent.

The full text says this: "Ferrum fortis ex regnum in aeterna prosae, infinitum ferrum luce gloria in excelsis Aleph natura fieri vita imperium", which means "Iron is taken out of the kingdom, in the eternal splendour of the Mighty One, the infinite life of the iron to become the light of the nature of Aleph and the glory of the imperial power in the high places." It is a common Mousekin war cry.

The Mousekin Empire is the governing body and military enforcement over most smallkin in Tillaris. They are ruled by an Emperor, who is charged with the oversight of enforcing and arbitrating law for all smallkin. Although many Mousekin live within integrated societies, the Empire is still the primary authority they report to. This is due to the varying sizes of the many Tillarian races. The Mousekin Empire ensures all smallkin follow the law, and the Alliance of Free Kingdoms ensures the rest of the animalkin do the same, with both governing bodies working together to sustain peace.