Hkrats

Hkrats are a fictional genus of small, rodent-like mammals that appear in various works of speculative fiction, as well as in community-driven world-building projects and tabletop role-playing games. In most portrayals, hkrats range in size from roughly 10 to 25 centimeters in length and are covered in soft fur that can vary in color from gray-brown to russet. They are commonly depicted as omnivorous or herbivorous, with sharp incisors and agile, hopping locomotion.

The origin of the term is uncertain; it appears in fan wikis and collaborative writing circles dating from the early 21st century, with no single canonical source. Because multiple authors contribute, physical descriptions, behavior, and ecology of hkrats vary between works.

In-universe biology and ecology, hkrats are typically described as nocturnal or crepuscular and social, living in small family groups or loose colonies. Some sources emphasize a prehensile tail used for balance and foraging, while others minimize tail adaptations. Diet often includes seeds, fruit, foliage, and occasionally insects. Reproduction and lifespan are variable across sources, reflecting the fictional nature of the concept.

Culturally, hkrats have appeared as characters in novels, tabletop RPG campaigns, and digital wikis. They are sometimes used as mascots or symbolic stand-ins for resilience, adaptability, or resourcefulness. Designers often employ them to illustrate ecological relationships in a simplified world-building context.

Because hkrats are fictional, there is no scientific taxonomy, conservation status, or population data. The term functions primarily as a narrative or world-building device rather than a real biological category.