Originally commissioned by The Empire of Daqin to allow its citizens to survive in the most severe, adverse conditions, the Rat Form is now the backbone of numerous civilian-side maintenance and logistics roles. It is unbelievably small, with the absolute maximum height measuring in at 12" ( 30.5cm).
Despite their absurdly small, diminutive size, they possess incredible resilience to nuclear, biological and chemical threats. The major tradeoff however, appears to be their small size. When not working within the innards of machines or in their own miniaturized habitation zones, full body bionetic prosthetics that they are able to ride within the skull are very popular, as these allow them to act on the same size scale as the general populace.
Appearance
In sharp contrast to many other forms that the Daqinren can take, the Rat Form is exceedingly small and diminutive, with with the absolute maximum height measuring in at 12" ( 30.5cm). Most rats have physiques that are lithe and thin which only emphasizes their smaller statures. However, unlike most other Daqinese types, they can gain weight as a survival mechanism, first becoming thicker overall before picking up the majority of additional mass at the thighs and waist. Though useful in more dangerous environments where food can be scarce, its cosmetic desirability is low, prompting most Rat Forms to watch their weight as a result.
Another feature of the Rat Form, which is considered less than pleasing by many, would be their practically trademark tail. Relatively long and flexible, the hairless, scaled length is prehensile to add additional utility. In addition to being capable of wrapping around and grasping objects, these tails perform the vital role of sensory and electronic interface organs. Finally, rats feature distinctly rounded ears which may move about to better ascertain the direction of a noise source. These ears are typically a soft, peachy pink in color, and are also covered in soft peach fuzz.
Enhancements
Like all Daqinren, the Rats feature the basic genetic augmentations that give them enhanced physical characteristics, abilities and fitness. However, it is their survivability that sets them apart from the rest. Geared towards enduring and even thriving in apocalyptic conditions, the rats are highly resistant to radiation, disease, poison and toxins.
In order to achieve this level of extreme survivability, every cell contains four copies of the individual's genome, which is further organized into tightly packed toroids for ease of repair. Their cells also contain enhanced means of repairing DNA, with dedicated organelles and specialized enzymes made for the purpose.
Meanwhile, the white blood cell system is particularly adept at identifying and eliminating disease causing bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites while working from a lymph system with additional nodes to act as bases. These very same cells also assist in the elimination of dangerous compounds, gathering them up and shipping them to the kidneys to be removed, or if particularly dangerous, to the liver to be deactivated first. Due to its importance, their liver is also larger and divided into 12 segments in comparison to the average 8 found in typical Daqinren and the humans that made their predecessors.
Their senses are also improved for survivability as well, with their hearing being perhaps the first thing noticeable. Rats already have mobile ears which search out various sounds, but their ability to process auditory information is excellent, allowing them to cut through various forms of interference to use their audio recognition and ascertain if there is a threat in the vicinity. Meanwhile, their sense of touch extends to both vibrations in the ground as well as in the air itself, allowing them to physically feel movement around them. Notably, their sense of taste and smell is heightened and very fine tuned to details, allowing them to pick out or ignore certain notes or specifics. This aids them in determining if poisons, toxins or various forms of contamination are available, but just as importantly, also allows them to endure the stink of the apocalypse as well.
Perhaps most key and disturbing regarding the Rat Form is its advanced reproductive features. During peacetime, this is toggled off in their mental space. During apocalyptic scenarios however, their bodies shift and are capable of producing multiple offspring that mature very quickly in both body and mind.