Weapons
A NOTE ABOUT WEAPONS:
Most weapons in Ratcatcher have two components; Body and Core. The “body” refers to the standard form of the weapon, while the “core” refers to the weapon’s transformed state or special ability. For example, the Dart Cane has the Body of a cane. It looks like a cane, and untransformed means you whack the enemies with the cane. The Core is the dart. Transforming the weapons causes the dart to shoot from the cane, dragging a chain with it. This is why the transformed cane is a whip. Using the transform command as an attack means you can hit faraway enemies with the dart as it shoots out. By transforming back to the cane form immediately, you can drag the darted enemy back towards you. The dart core seems to have been intended for use as a grapple to traverse levels as well.
More interestingly, there was a system in place that allowed the players to swap the Cores between weapons. So, if a player liked the Dart Core, but preferred using a greatsword to hitting enemies with a cane, they could take the Dart Core off the Dart Cane and put it on the Snapsword’s body instead. Now, instead of the greatsword splitting into two saw blade swords, the greatsword’s transform would be the blade shooting from the hilt, pulling the chain behind it. Apparently, the system allowed for the different weights and lengths of weapons, so the “whip” form of this greatsword/dart combo would be heavier, harder hitting, and slower than the whip form of the Dart Cane. Makes sense since you’d now be swinging a huge sword blade at the end of a chain, but it’s still a very nice touch. This also seems like it was (or would have been, since it’s unknown how far this system got into development) incredibly time-consuming to make, since the developers would have to account for every possible weapon body/core combination.
The weapons listed above are in the body/core combinations that are the game’s default. These are how the weapons would be when the player first acquires them, with their associated flavor text. Once the player swaps cores to a non-default choice, the game would name it with the developer’s choice of name, and give it a default flavor text of “the body of the [BODY NAME] hides the [CORE NAME].” So, the Dart Core on the Snapsword’s greatsword was called “Great Dartsword” and had the favor text, “The body of the greatsword hides the Dart Core.”
The Broken Blade is a weird one, since it doesn’t appear to have a swap-able Core. It’s possible that Ratcatcher was canceled before one could be created, but the Broken Blade is also odd in that it’s the only weapon the player could pick as their starting item. The “starting weapons” listed above are available at some point after character creation, possibly offered by a trader NPC, while the Broken Blade can be picked within character creation.
Mainhand Weapons
Dart Cane
The body of an elegant walking cane hides the spring-loaded dart and chain, making this a sword, whip, and grapple all in one. While notoriously requiring more skill to use than other weapons, the Dart Cane is a favorite of Ratcatchers who take on the persona of a gentleman, to put common citizens at their ease.
Note: This is one of three potential starting weapons to choose from, not counting the Broken Blade. It also seems to be the developer favorite, since concept art of the player character features this weapon frequently.
Snapsword
The body of powerful greatsword hides a saw-toothed mechanism, allowing the blade to split into two arming swords, each with an edge of blood-letting teeth. Ratcatchers who favorite versatility praise this weapon for its ability to dispatch rats both great and small. The noble sword evokes the image of a knight, an illusion quickly broken when sawing through flesh.
Note: This is one of three potential starting weapons to choose from, not counting the Broken Blade.
Artist:
Rat Pole
The body of a rat catching tool hides a swivel hinge, allowing the pole to become a long-reaching spear. Any Ratcatcher would appreciate a fast chopping tool for dispatching city vermin when that tool can also become a way to reach rats in their holes.
Note: This is one of three potential starting weapons to choose from, not counting the Broken Blade.
Artist:
Broken Blade
The remains of an ancient sword. Shattered and dull, one wonders why anyone might have kept this for so long.
Note: This is the only weapon that a player could pick as a starting item during character creation. It also seems to have been able to be picked up in one of the zones, if the player did not start with it.
Artist:
Headsman’s Hope
There was once a clergyman who felt he could better serve his flock by lending his strength to the killers of rats. So beloved was he that many of his acolytes followed him, and were swiftly killed. The clergyman conceived of this weapon, which could become a bell whose ringing could be heard from blocks away, in the hope that someone might hear and rush to help.
Spina
An elegant rapier with a sliding hilt, allowing the position of the grip to change. A quick weapon that can become lightning fast with dual points. When making one’s argument, two goods points are better than one.
Note: Judging by the “rapier” description, I believe this piece of art features the Spina.
Artist: n1ck_wonders
Torch
A simple pine resin torch. Good for lighting up dark places, and keeping the rats at bay.
Note: This one can be equipped as a mainhand or offhand weapon.
Artist:
Offhand Weapons
Parry Dagger
The beauty of this dagger is its simplicity. Prized by Ratcatchers who prefer to hunt silently– and have absolute confidence in their skills.
Note:
Ratcatcher’s Pistol
Standard issue pistol for new Ratcatchers. Effective, but loud. When one wishes to be able to retaliate at a moment’s notice, a pistol is a good friend.
Note:
Ratcatcher’s Crossbow
A few Ratcatchers swear by this alternative to the pistol. It may be slower, but the range is just as good, and its aficionados tout the crossbow’s silent nature.
Note:
Hunter’s Rifle
A beautiful flintlock rifle with impressive range. This as well as its stopping power more than make up for the time needed for reloading.
Note:
Ratcatcher 