I was curious if anyone here were familiar with the concept of Rhyming away rats and if they'd considered using it in game as something of a quaint practice and/or legend among Ratcatchers. While the idea might be too whimsical for your average, digging in the ditches and offal, type of hunter, I could see a more sophisticated Ratcatcher who might make a living in the open of upper class neighborhoods who used and perpetuated the myth. (or, mayhaps it turns out to be an actual talent?)
One way to represent this mechanically might be to allow said Ratcatcher (instead of having a pet) use some of the offensive social skills against rats and other vermin. (including Skaven) To invoke the ability the Ratcatcher would have to pronounce a rhyme at the target, or - if it were an ongoing effect - tack a written copy of the rhyme to the wall of an area one wanted to influence. (this tacking up rhymes to walls to chase away vermin is also part of the myth, though I can't seem to find a good source for that online at the moment) Effects such as "Devious Manoeuvre", "Conundrum", "Fear Me", and "Steely Gaze" would all work well in this.
Optionally you might allow the Ratcatcher to apply the effects of any ongoing action to a room for a number of days equal to its recharge time. (so it would lose one recharge token a day rather than a round) These effects would only apply against vermin or those dealing with vermin in the area, however. (vermin in this case would include Skaven - making the Ratcatcher a very useful ally in adventures featuring these creatures)
Anyone else have thoughts or ideas on this?
Myself, I really like the idea of a upper class Ratcatcher/poet - could make for some very fun rp.