The Rats were a gang (or "Hanza") of criminals which was smashed by Leo Bonhart. The bounty hunter killed all the members except for Ciri, for whom he had a separate, special contract. The group had formed during the Lammas celebration in the village of Glyswen in Geso. The gang's ringleader was Giselher. They were known for stealing from the rich and giving to the poor, so thanks to this practice they were loved by the poor Nilfgaardian citizens and farmers.
| “ | They met at the Festival of the Harvest. Grim, black-haired, lanky Giselher. Thin, long-haired Kayleigh, with his malevolent eyes and mouth set in a hateful grimace. Reef, who still spoke in a Nilfgaardian accent. Tall, long legged Mistle, with cropped, straw-coloured hair sticking up like a brush. Big eyed and colourful Iskra, lithe and ethereal in the dance, quick and lethal in a fight, with her narrow lips and small, elven teeth. Broad-shouldered Asse with fair, curly down on his chin.
Giselher became the leader. And they christened themselves the Rats. Someone had called them that and they took a liking to it. They plundered and murdered, and their cruelty became legendary. |
” |
— pg. 327 – 328,
Οι Καιροί της Περιφρόνησης (UK edition)
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The band also became fashion icons for the rich youth of Thurn in particular.
The Rats, except for Ciri, were buried in Jealousy, the village in which they were slaughtered. Members of the Rats included:
- Asse
- Falka (Ciri)
- Giselher
- Iskra
- Kayleigh
- Mistle
- Reef