In a bittersweet farewell, Henry Cavill’s Geralt bids adieu to The Witcher as its final volume of the third part graces the screens. While disappointment lingers over Cavill’s departure, the last three episodes offer a satisfying conclusion for eager viewers. As Ciri embarks on her journey, she stumbles upon a misfit and outlawed group; a group that holds secrets far beyond what meets the eye – The Rats.

Meet the enigmatic group of outlawed teenagers, known as the Rats, in Andrzej Sapkowski’s riveting books. These young misfits have a fate intertwined with that of Ciri, the protagonist.

Who are the Rats?

In the realm of Sapkowski’s intricately woven narrative, a lone verse exists solely for the Rats. A group of misfit teenagers, deeply scarred by the ravages of Nilfgaard’s war. Driven by their tragic victimization, they resort to thievery and violence to fulfill their heart’s desires. Initially composed of six members under the guidance of Giselher, their fate takes a momentous turn when Ciri becomes their seventh member, adopting the moniker of Falka.

In the books, the portrayal of this group can be quite harrowing, with instances of cruelty including their distressing depiction, apart from morally corrupting Ciri. However, viewers can find solace in the fact that Hissirich has taken creative liberties and chosen to present them in a more likable light, focusing on their misfit nature as teenagers. While the series deviates from the books, it promises to showcase these characters as intriguing and relatable individuals. As per the original storyline, the Rats’ arc is expected to culminate with Leo Bonhart.

Prepare yourself for a thrilling departure from the book’s portrayal of the Rats, as the series gears up to introduce a spin-off dedicated solely to this group, titled The Rats.

A separate spinoff as a prequel

Get ready to delve deep into the intriguing backstory of the Rats with the spin-off series, The Witcher: Riff Raff, set to premiere on Netflix. Serving as a thrilling prequel to the momentous encounter between Ciri and the group, this series will unveil the untold origins of the misfit teenagers. While the exact length of the series remains a mystery, rumors suggest that some episodes may have been cut down due to concerns surrounding the reception of other spin-offs.

Prepare for a riveting twist in the plot as the Rats, fueled by their daring and rebellious spirit. They embark on a monumental heist that will send shockwaves through the world of The Witcher. Their audacious target? None other than Dominik Bombastus Houvenaghel. Unbeknownst to them, their audacious act catches the attention of Brehen, the Witcher from the School of the Cat. Brehen will be hired by Houvenaghel to take on the cunning group.

Were you aware of the story of the Rats in the books? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.