It was once implied that bilge rats would take a more "exiting" and active path in the development of the Sea of thieves, and therefore, their identity would have been made concrete upon the game. Disappointingly, the opposite has happened: We have seen them drop in importance. Where as before they would sell different colored cosmetics for some of the most unique in game purchasable themes, they now barely sell anything save for a few voyages, measly gold, and reputation. It was evident that the Bilge Rats were loosing the little bit of identity they had left
As a result, I got to thinking of what a Bilge Rat meant, what they would do, and how they would act.
Rat symbol
It's a given that the Bilge Rats symbol is a rat. These creatures are scroungers which does well as a focus for these pirates who may be considered scoundrels. In other words, the bilge rats are scoundrels who scrounge or scavenge for items, sometimes lost and sometimes owned by others.
Values
What does this mean in terms of values upheld by the Bilge Rats?
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They are a neutral party, mediators between trading companies and reapers alike
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They like to lie, which doesn't make them too trustworthy as one can never tell when they are telling the truth. They are quick witted, and will deceive if it means they end up getting what they want.
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They like to scavenge for items, this might include things not limited to messages in a bottle, lost relics, and even stolen items from other emissaries. If there is gold to be made, they don't care where it comes from
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Their trade emphasizes doubloons
proposals
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I propose that the Bilge Rats should be in charge of selling specialized "messages in a bottle" such as the barnacle bottled messages that lead to siren tears for a couple of doubloons. Furthermore, any limited event and future messages in a bottle type voyages created should be sold by the Bilge Rats.
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Bilge rat voyages should focus around finding lost items and trinkets, or stealing from other emissaries
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Future events in the game that involve races or battles against other emissaries should be held/ maintained/ started by the Bilge Rats
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Bilge rats may sell bomb like weapon and self depleting weapons like the ashen breath skull or tridents for doubloons
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Some future voyages for the bilge rat should have twist endings where you end up being caught in traps as a result of the bilge rats selling you out to the enemy. Digging x marks the spot voyages will have a higher chance of finding a keg as a trap (as soon as you dig them up they blow up), items that yield doubloons, or even cursed chests.
