NeoTomaRama

NeoTomaRama is a retro roller skating rink on Caliburn Island, located in The Strip in Brighton Beach. It is also the public face of the Ratkin nest on Caliburn.

NeoTomaRama is a sprawling roller skating rink that radiates an almost whimsical charm. Bright neon lights illuminate the entrance, casting a colorful glow on the polished exterior. Inside, the expansive rink is bustling with activity, featuring a blend of retro and futuristic decor. The smooth, glossy floor is perfect for skating, while upbeat music fills the air, adding to the lively atmosphere.

—ST Description

Beneath this vibrant facade lies a hidden world, a labyrinthine network of mechanical, sewer, and utility systems that serve as the true heart of NeoTomaRama. Here, the Rat King and his colony of ratkin reside, unseen by the rink's patrons. The subterranean realm is a maze of tunnels, pipes, and secret chambers, perfectly suited for the ratkin's unique needs and lifestyle.

Organization

The Rat King: King Malachi.

Courtiers:

• Vespera, a Rodens ratkin, is known for her agility and grace. Her sleek, brown fur and bright, inquisitive eyes make her a captivating presence in the court. She serves as Malachai’s chief scout, often venturing into the maze-like tunnels to gather intelligence and ensure the safety of the colony. Vespera’s loyalty to the Rat King is unwavering, and her keen senses and quick reflexes make her an invaluable asset.
• Thorne is a Rodens ratkin with a robust build and a fierce demeanor. His fur is a deep, charcoal gray, and his eyes are a piercing blue. As the enforcer of Malachai’s court, Thorne is responsible for maintaining order and discipline within the colony. He is respected and feared by many for his strength and combat skills, ensuring that the Rat King’s decrees are followed without question.
• Lyra, a Rodens ratkin, is the court’s healer and spiritual advisor. Her fur is a soft, sandy color, and her eyes are a gentle green. She possesses a deep knowledge of herbs and ancient rituals, using her skills to tend to the wounds and ailments of her fellow ratkin. Lyra’s calming presence and wisdom are crucial in maintaining the colony’s morale and spiritual well-being.
• Rook, with his jet-black fur and sharp, cunning eyes, serves as the court’s strategist and planner. He excels in devising complex schemes and navigating the political intricacies of the colony. Rook’s sharp mind and strategic prowess make him an essential figure in Malachai’s inner circle, always ready to outwit potential threats to the Rat King’s rule.

Other members of the Nest include:

• Shoes, a Homid ratkin and the nest's Runt.
• Scratches-at-eyes, another Homid ratkin, also known as "Butthole".
• Yoshi, a Rodens Tunnel Runner and Greased's younger brother
• Greased Lightning, a Shadow Seer and Yoshi's older brother, also known as "Just Greased" or Hamato

Layout

The underground network is an intricate web of tunnels and pathways, some as narrow as a ratkin's width and others large enough to house entire gatherings. These tunnels connect various parts of the island's infrastructure, allowing the ratkin to move unseen and swiftly from one place to another. The walls of these tunnels are reinforced with discarded metal and wood, ensuring they remain stable and secure. Many tunnels are marked with symbols and signs known only to the ratkin, guiding them through the maze without getting lost.

At the heart of this underground network lies the Warren, the primary living quarters of the ratkin. The Warren is a sprawling, multi-chambered area where the ratkin make their homes. Each chamber is uniquely decorated with items scavenged from the surface, creating a blend of practicality and personal expression. Here, ratkin families live and work together, fostering a strong sense of community and belonging. The Warren is also equipped with communal areas for gatherings, feasts, and important meetings, all centered around the Rat King's grand chamber.

The Rat King’s throne room, deep within the bowels of NeoTomaRama, is an impressive sight. Adorned with artful arrangements of discarded treasures and symbols of his reign, the grand chamber serves as both a seat of power and a sanctuary. The walls are lined with old, faded tapestries and curious trinkets that reflect the Rat King's eclectic taste and storied past. At the center of the chamber sits Malachai’s throne, constructed from salvaged metal and cushioned with plush fabric, symbolizing both his strength and the comfort he brings to his people.

Additionally, the ratkin have ingeniously integrated the island’s utility and mechanical systems into their own infrastructure. Pipes carrying water and steam provide warmth and resources, while old electrical systems have been repurposed to provide lighting and power. The constant hum of machinery creates a rhythmic backdrop to life underground, a reminder of the world above that the ratkin have so cleverly adapted to their needs.

The sewers are perhaps the most crucial part of the ratkin’s domain. These dark, winding tunnels not only serve as pathways but also as defensive barriers. The ratkin have installed traps and hidden passages throughout the sewers, making it nearly impossible for intruders to navigate without insider knowledge. The sewers also provide a natural habitat for the rodens ratkin, who are adept at moving through these damp, narrow spaces with ease.