Homebrew Harengon (credit: The_Summoning_Dark with some edits) Species Details

The old man’s long, peaceful hike was abruptly interrupted by a hard pebble knocking his hat off. The man swore and spun around, his wild eyes searching the surrounding woodland for his assailant. Then he saw it. Standing on a tree stump was an oversized rabbit on two legs. The creature’s pointed ears swiveled one way and then the other as they picked up noises too faint for the man to hear. The rabbit boy’s furry face twisted into a brief grin revealing oversized front teeth. The child, for the creature couldn’t have been fully grown, thumped his large foot on the stump creating a loud, hollow beat that reverberated through the forest. A similar thumping sound echoed in the distance. Before the old man could do anything, the rabbit child flashed one more buck-toothed grin and darted into the underbrush, out of sight. 

-Buck Longtooth, Down the Rabbit Trail: A History of the Harengon

The harengon are a race of rabbit-like humanoids that originated in the feywild. They are a seldom seen people who prefer living in the woodlands with their kind rather than traveling into unknown territory. A harengon’s life is filled with family and friends and they know how to find pleasure in the small experiences of life. 

Nimble and Whimsical

In the rich tapestry of the realms, harengons stand as living embodiments of the untamed spirit of the Feywild. These enchanting beings, known to some as rabbitfolk, blend the whimsy of their origins with the agility of nature’s swiftest creatures.

Harengons are lithe and nimble, their slender bodies built for speed and agility. They stand between three and four feet tall, though some may grow to be five feet tall, with powerful hind legs that propel them with remarkable swiftness. Their fur, which covers their entire form, ranges in color from the soft browns and grays of the forest floor to the striking whites and blacks of the winter snow, often speckled or streaked in patterns reminiscent of the wilds they inhabit.

Their faces are a blend of the rabbit and the human, with large, expressive eyes that gleam with curiosity and mischief. Their long ears, which can stand tall or flop gently depending on the harengon’s mood, are keen, capable of picking up even the faintest sounds of the world around them. These ears are often adorned with trinkets, feathers, or beads, tokens of their journeys or gifts from friends.

Harengons possess an innate grace, their movements fluid and swift, as if the wind itself guides their steps. They are often clad in light, practical garb that allows them to move without restriction, though many incorporate vibrant colors and patterns, reflecting their fey heritage. Some even wear cloaks of leaves or woven grasses, blending seamlessly with the natural world.

Yet it is their presence, more than their appearance, that truly sets them apart. There is an energy about harengons—a sense of boundless enthusiasm and a zest for life that is infectious. They are the essence of the Feywild’s unpredictable nature, always on the move, always seeking the next adventure, with a smile on their lips and a twinkle in their eyes.

A Hunted People

The harengon are small and many creatures take this to mean that they are vulnerable. However, the harengon have honed the necessity of evasion down to an art. They are always ready to make a daring escape at the drop of a hat and they realize that there is strength in numbers. Because of this necessity, some harengon have become paranoid and fearful, drilling safety measures into their heads and the minds of their children. They are very careful to stay on well traveled rabbit trails and to avoid all new places.

Not all harengon are this timid. Some have become so sure in their evasion skills that they become incredibly cocky daredevils. These rabbits will antagonize a predator and steal from dangerous hunters and farmers just for the excitement of it. 

Most harengon fall in between the others. They know that the world is dangerous and so they are cautious. Still, they always love a good prank and trickery is an enjoyment.

Exciting Lives

Because harengon are often hunted by dangerous predators, they find that their lives are filled with excitement. This makes some of them truly appreciate and long for quiet times when they do not need to fear the danger of a predator behind every bush or tree. 

Others get addicted to the excitement, seeking out danger and adventure and often finding it. These harengon are often warned that they will wind up in a rabbit pie. 

Most harengon though, learn to appreciate peaceful times and can find excitement in the small things. Hearing about a berry picking trip is enough to thrill these harengon, and the sight of a beautiful butterfly or a bubbling brook pleases them greatly. These people know how to enjoy the little wonders of the world. While most big folk will overlook a small flower for a much bigger one, a harengon sees the beauty in both.

Rabbit-folk Society

Harengon usually dwell in small burrows they have dug themselves or in other homes like a large hollow tree or log. Their homes are usually located in distant countrysides and peaceful meadows and forests. If human civilization creeps too close or a dangerous predator disrupts their safety, a family group will often leave in search of new, safer grounds to call home.

There are a few harengon civilizations called Warrens that are set up in massive burrows underground. The rabbit-folk that live there dwell in close-knit communities that look out for one another. 

When a harengon needs to leave their home for fear of their safety, they often travel to a Warren where they can find protection and comfort in numbers.

There are many Warrens established in peaceful places in the Feywild. These fey touched Warrens have hidden holes that lead from the rest of the Material Plane to their city. Many small children have fallen down a rabbit hole to find themselves surrounded by welcoming rabbit-folk. 

Harengon hide-outs, homes, and Warrens are often connected by a network of rabbit trails which are often undetectable by other races.

 

Harengon Pantheon:

Name                                           Domain                                      Details

Michabo	Life, Nature	Michabo is the king of the gods in rabbit lore. He created the world and now resides in his heavenly meadow in the Beastlands where the faithful harengon are led when they die.
The Moon Rabbit	Twilight, Light	The Moon Rabbit is said to live in the moon. If you look up at the night sky you might be able to see him looking down at you from up there.
The Burrow Mother	Life, Peace	The Burrow Mother is the goddess of hearth and home. She protects the homes of harengon from harm and helps mothers in childbirth.
Thunderhopper	Tempest, War	Thunderhopper is a massive buck who dwells among the clouds. He carries a sack of golden acorns and throws them down to the ground to create lightning when he is angry. Thunder comes from the thumping of his feet.
The Passing Rabbit	Grave	The psychopomp of rabbit lore. She guides the dead to the Meadow of Michabo.
The Passing Fox	Death	Worship of the Passing Fox is strictly forbidden. Only the darkest cults would dare to call upon his name. He hunts the souls of dead rabbits.
Flittra	Nature	Flittra is the goddess of plant growth and prey. She is said to be the voice whispering in your ear when danger is near.
Jacklop	Trickery	Jacklop has the antlers of a deer and can mimic any voice he hears. He is a trickster god who plays many pranks and has often helped the harengon in times of need.

 

Death and the Afterlife:

According to harengon lore, when one of the rabbit folk dies, the Passing Rabbit comes to them. The Passing Rabbit is a silver furred doe who guides the Harengon spirit to a meadow in the Beastlands where Michabo dwells. The Passing Rabbit is one of Michabo’s children. In the Meadow of Michabo, the deceased harengon live in paradise and safety. The Passing Rabbit leads the dead rabbit to the Meadow of Michabo, and helps the spirit they guide to avoid the Passing Fox. The Passing Fox is the enemy of the Passing Rabbit and eternally hunts the Passing Rabbit as she leads the dead Harengon spirits to the Beastlands. The Passing Fox ultimately wishes to catch and devour the Passing Rabbit, but if he comes across any harengon, he will hunt them and swallow their soul. Only the faithful and good Harengon are permitted to dwell in the Meadow of Michabo. All others are left by the Passing Rabbit and they are usually caught by the Passing Fox quite quickly. Some, however, manage to evade the Passing Fox and survive on in spirit form, constantly on the run and seeking refuge from the predator. These ghostly Rabbit-Wraiths are greatly feared by the harengon and are used as a sort of bogeyman to make sure their kits behave.

 

Harengon Names

The typical Harengon has one first name and then a family name that comes after it. Male and Female Harengon have different first names, and a family's last names are often a description, deed, or attribute of one of their ancestors. First names are usually a sort of nickname that can change depending on the behavior of the harengon.

Male rabbits are called bucks, females are called does and children are called kits.

Male First names: Haven, Peter, Gander, Hillard, Davin, Wren, Nickoli, Nevin, Acorn

Female First Names: Bedelia, Poppy, Trinia, Daffodil, Dandelion, Rose, Bonnet, Flopsy, Goldpetal

Family Names: Highhop, Longjump, Swiftfur, Cottontail, Pinepounce, Pricklelick, Hawkhater, Hillhopper, Warrenward, Burrowbound, Liftquick, Flatstride, Meadowrun, Quickflee, Dewhop, Tricklelick, Treespot, Hiphop, Gloompeeper, Flickfoot

 

Harengon (credit: The_Summoning_Dark with some edits) Traits

Harengons share the keen senses and powerful legs of leporine creatures and are full of energy, like a wound-up spring. Harengons are blessed with a little fey luck, and they often find themselves a few fortunate feet away from dangers during adventures.

Ability Score Increase.

When determining your character’s ability scores, increase one score by 2 and increase a different score by 1, or increase three different scores by 1. You can't raise any of your scores above 20.

Hare Trigger.

You can add your proficiency bonus to your initiative rolls.

Leporine Senses.

You have proficiency in the Perception skill.

Lucky Footwork.

When you fail a Dexterity saving throw, you can use your reaction to roll a d4 and add it to the save, potentially turning the failure into a success. You can't use this reaction if you're prone or your speed is 0.

Rabbit Hop.

As a bonus action, you can jump a number of feet equal to five times your proficiency bonus, without provoking opportunity attacks. You can use this trait only if your speed is greater than 0. You can use it a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus, and you regain all expended uses when you finish a long rest.