Painted Ones

Species: tree rats

Appear In: The Legend of Luke, Mattimeo, The Long Patrol, and Doomwyte




This rat tribe - so named because they are covered with coloured paint and tattoos that act as camouflage - reside in pine trees and considered to be quite vicious, not hesitating to kill any who enter their territory. They are terrified of fire and move very swiftly through the canopy until they attack, eating their victims before leaving the bodies on the branches. The tribe first appears in The Legend of Luke where they meet Martin's group and try to catch them using nets, but the mouse Warrior uses his sword to cut the nets and scares them away. Innumerable seasons later, during the time of Mattimeo, they attack Slagar's gang who are wandering through the pine forest and kill at least three slavers as well as wound Auma. Some time later, when Matthias's group arrives, they snatch up Cheek and threaten to slay him until Jess captures their leader and Log a Log uses torches to scare them. Both hostages are safely returned, and the vermin do not attack as the pursuers are still holding torches. During the events of The Long Patrol they appear again when they assault Russa and Tammo, and it is here where their species is finally revealed. They are led by one called Shavvakamalla and capture Tammo who is rescued by his squirrel friend when she shoves the leader out of a tree; he is then briefly used as a hostage by the Long Patrol to safely navigate through the area. By the events of Doomwyte the vermin have learned how to speak and appear to be more intelligent. During this time they are led by Chigid, have families, are smaller and not as strong, and live in a five-topped oak within Mossflower. Members wield blowpipe with darts that, when embedded in flesh, immediately deaden the muscles of victims. After being defeated by the GUOSIM and Redwallers they are banished to the Western Plains.


Known Members
Shavvakamalla (leader during The Long Patrol)
Chigid (leader during Doomwyte)
Gadik
Jeg
Tala