Homebrew Lapin (Rabbitfolk) Species Details

Few know the true magnitude of the Lapin empire whose underground dominions spread far and wide across the world. They’re the last line of defense and perpetually locked in combat with the Drow, the Illithids, and the other horrors of the depths. Complex systems of government and hierarchy compose a labyrinth of interconnected cities, colonies only Lapins have the ability to navigate. Lapins are loyal to home and country, a secretive race largely disconnected from the surface world. Most jobs within Lapin society are conducted entirely underground, and only agriculture is primarily done above the surface. 

This seclusion is due to longstanding superstitions, like many races, Lapins mature quickly and have a short natural lifespan. Hower, they are unique in the respect that their lifespan increases the more it is supplemented by the bonds of love, camaraderie, and trust they form with family, friends, and comrades. Lapins in positions of power or prestige live exponentially longer than their fellows, and are ruled by a queen whose bonds with all her subjects make her functionally immortal. A common superstition is that a Lapin can only create bonds with other Lapins, and thus to leave the colony shortens ones lifespan, this superstition is proved false but is easy to believe, as Lapins rarely leave their colonies they may become easily alienated and distrusting of the outside world. 

A Lapin society is largely socialist, all members of a community are valued and treated equally, it is considered a failure of the community when a single Lapin goes hungry or becomes homeless, and even those who are unable to work, such as the sick and elderly, are allowed to find the niche in which they can contribute. Lapin society sees little stratification, individual aspirations to accumulate material wealth are discouraged, and strict policies within Lapin government tax and redistribute money back into the community so it does not stagnate. Even the queen and high-ranking government officials live in dwellings that are not much more ostentatious than the average Lapin home. 

Where other societies may deem homemaking to be women's work, or war to be fought by men alone, Lapin society carries no such stereotypes. Lapins have short gestation periods and often bear many, many children which mature quickly, and are cared for by the community to foster independence and introduce children to a wide variety of skills. When these children are old enough, they are given a public education, which then branches off into vocational schooling depending on what profession each individual Lapin decides to take. Common Lapin professions include farmers, architects, apothecaries, merchants, politicians, artisans, entertainers, and soldiers. 

The army draws in those wishing to serve the people, or looking to forge more bonds as they defend the underground. In battle, Lapins prefer close combat, overwhelming the enemy with numbers and precise formations, wielding simple melee weapons, clubs, shields, and their powerful legs clad in armored plating and spikes. As they fight underground, the environment is a deciding factor in battle. Lapins are able to maneuver quickly in tight spaces, using the caves and tunnels to their advantage. Some Lapin soldiers serve as navigators, pinpointing the location of the enemy, while others are bombardiers, who set traps and collapse tunnels using explosives. 

Lapins are not much inclined towards the arcane or the divine, only a select few scholars practice magic, and usually leave the colonies to do so, and Lapins have little in the way of religion. Lapins do have some knowledge of natural magic and mysticism, though this knowledge is one of the few things that its practitioners guard closely, as it is the foundation for one of their most dangerous and sacred traditions: The Lagomorphs, or "Those of The Long Shadows". 

Lapin Fighters, Barbarians, and Rogues are common, Druids, Rangers, and Monks are uncommon, with Wizards and Bards being rare, and Clerics, Paladins, Sorcerers, and Warlocks being almost unheard of. Take this into account when making a Lapin character, their class may be a driving factor in their decision to leave the colonies in search of adventure. 

Lapin (Rabbitfolk) Traits

Despite individual variation in professions and physical aptitude, all Lapins share common traits.

Ability Score Increase:

Your Wisdom score increases by 1, and your Dexterity score increases by 2. 

Lifespan:

Alone and without bonds, Lapins rarely live longer than 30 years, and are considered mature by age 10. However, forming strong bonds with family, friends, and those you leave a strong impression on increases your lifespan, the average Lapin can live a century or sometimes more if they are exceptionally social or in a position of power.

Alignment:

Lapins live in close-knit communities, trusting in and looking out for one another. They are typically good, and tend towards lawful alignments. 

Size:

Lapins are typically 3-4 feet tall not counting their large ears. Your size is Small.

Speed:

Your speed is 30 feet. 

Darkvision:

Adapted to living underground, sometimes in low-light conditions, you can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can’t discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.

Superior Legs:

When calculating the distance of a jump, you can use your Strength or Dexterity score, whichever is higher, and you can make long jumps without a running start. In addition, you have advantage on Strength (Athletics) and Dexterity (Acrobatics) checks to escape or avoid a grapple. 

Sensitive Hearing:

You have proficiency in Perception, and can automatically determine the distance and direction of sounds you hear. 

Underground Sense:

You have advantage on Survival checks made to determine direction, position, and depth while underground. In addition, while you are underground and able to make physical contact with natural, non-magical earth or stone, you can concentrate for one minute and extend your perception of your surroundings to detect vibrations given off by sound and movement within 60 feet of your current location. 

Languages:

You speak common, and can read and communicate in Tunnel Sign, a system of symbols, sound cues, and vibration patterns used by Lapins while underground to communicate short messages about cave-ins, nearby settlements, enemies, etc.