Harengon of the Northern Forest

The Harengon subculture in the Northern Forest is seen as a captivating blend of mystique and vitality. Known for their vibrant, leporine features and boundless energy, they are often viewed through a lens of wonder and awe. Their village, hidden in the forest's depths, is a bastion of agricultural success, thriving despite isolation. Tales of their fey luck and their remarkable agility fuel legends of these Beastwalkers dodging danger with almost supernatural grace. The Harengons' reclusive nature only adds to their larger-than-life image, with outsiders imagining them as elusive and enigmatic figures. Their interactions with the Tieflings and gnomes, along with their rare appearances, further mystify their true nature. This combination of striking appearance, legendary fortune, and isolation crafts an aura of extraordinary charm and allure, making Harengons a subject of fascination and myth for those who hear their stories.
The Harengons were initially created when a wild magic burst transformed the rabbits and hares of the Northern Forest into Harengons, which created a population of approximately 250 Harengons. The wild magic burst created an instant and dramatic shift in the genetic makeup and physical structure of the rabbits and hares in the Northern Forest. The transformation was abrupt, turning these creatures into Harengons with bipedal forms and humanoid traits. The magic reshaped their bodies, granting them the ability to walk upright, develop humanoid features, and possess advanced cognitive and social skills. Their fur colors and long, powerful legs were part of this instantaneous change. While the transformation was sudden, the wild magic's influence might have also infused them with fey traits, explaining their keen senses and a touch of fey luck. This strange transformative history is what makes them different from their fey cousins. In addition, their culture has developed much differently than their fey counterparts.

Naming Traditions

Feminine names

Feminine names use roots from forest flora and weather phenomena.  These names evoke nature’s beauty and strength, suitable for Harengons who embody grace and vitality.  Some examples would be:

• Elara
• Sylvana
• Liora
• Violetta
• Celestia

Masculine names

Masculine names are derived from forest terrain, fauna, and nature-related terms that emphasize strength, resilience, or leadership. They avoid references to rabbits or hares to maintain a distinct masculine identity.  Some examples would be:

• Garrik
• Thorn
• Bran
• Drake
• Roderic

Unisex names

Unisex names are inspired by specific characteristics, behaviors, or symbols of rabbits and hares, reflecting attributes common to both genders. These names avoid gender-specific connotations, making them versatile and suitable for any Harengon.  Some examples would be:

• Thumper
• Binky
• Warren
• Snip
• Bracken

 

Family names

The initial burst of wild magic converted 20 families of rabbits and hares into Harengons.  They developed family names based on what they used to be and the Northern Forest environment that they live in.  These 20 family names have been handed down through the last 500 years:

Bramblespring	Thornwhisker	Furrowleaf	Haremoon
Brambletail	Leafhopper	Thistleflame	Warrenwind
Rushpaws	Fernbloom	Cloverfoot	Grovehollow
Mosstripe	Hollowear	Squirrelbrush	Moonwarren
Glimmerfur	Willowhop	Brackenstone	Hazelbrisk

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

The Harengon society in the Northern Forest speak Common and Sylvan languages. 

Culture and cultural heritage

The Harengon culture is deeply rooted in nature and community. They cherish their forest home with art and architecture harmoniously integrated into trees. Their cultural heritage includes vibrant festivals, a strong sense of family, and storytelling traditions. They value freedom and peace, reflecting their fey origins and love for nature.

Shared customary codes and values

Harengon society holds respect for nature, the importance of community and collaboration, personal freedom and individual expression, independence, bravery, courage and honor, cultural heritage, empathy and compassion, adaptability, and innovation as the greatest values of their society.

Average technological level

The Harengon excel in sustainable agriculture, woodworking, and weaving. Their treehouses feature advanced carpentry, and they use pulleys and rope bridges for accessibility. They craft tools and simple weapons, preserve food through drying and smoking, and rely on herbal medicine. Oral tradition and simple record-keeping maintain their history. Transportation is primarily on foot, with animal-pulled carts for heavier loads. Their technology harmonizes with their environment.

Common Etiquette rules

In society where community collaboration and sense of belonging are balanced by personal freedoms and individual expression, most of the common etiquette standards center on respect.  The Harengon exchange a respectful greeting when they meet by with a soft touch of their ears and a slight bow of their head.  Harengons also maintain a respectful distance during personal interactions to allow for each individual's personal space.
Other common etiquette practices are sharing of food during a meal, listening during stories, and offering assitance.  When dining, it’s customary to offer a portion of one’s food to others at the table as a gesture of hospitality and community spirit.  During storytelling or community gatherings, attentive listening and refraining from interrupting are valued to honor the speaker and the tradition of oral history.  It’s common to offer help with tasks or problems to others, reflecting their value of community and mutual support. This can include assisting with farming, repairs, or other daily activities.

Common Dress code

Overall, the attire of the Harengons balances functionality with cultural expression, embodying their deep connection to their environment and traditions.
Given the environment, Harengons wear clothing designed for mobility and protection. This often includes durable, weather-resistant fabrics suited to the forest’s climate and varying conditions. Layered garments are common, with removable or adjustable layers for adaptability.  Their attire is primarily made from natural materials such as woven plant fibers, leather, and fur. 
Clothing may feature intricate patterns or embroidery inspired by forest flora and fauna, reflecting their connection to nature and to Moi Shua.  These decorations are often symbolic, representing personal or familial ties to the land.  Harengons favor earthy tones that blend with their forest surroundings—shades of green, brown, and gray dominate. Bright colors are used sparingly, often for ceremonial or festive occasions.

Art & Architecture

Harengon treehouses are seamlessly integrated into the forest canopy, built around massive trees. They feature living walls of woven branches and leafy thatched roofs. Elevated platforms are connected by rope bridges, providing panoramic views of the forest. The structures blend naturally with the trees, enhancing their environmental harmony.  Central areas of the village include communal spaces such as gathering halls and markets. These spaces are open and designed to accommodate the entire community, often featuring large, communal fire pits or cooking areas.  The primary building materials include wood, stone, and woven plant fibers. Roofs are often thatched with leaves or grasses, and walls may be constructed from interwoven branches or bark.
Harengon art is heavily influenced by their surroundings, featuring intricate depictions of forest flora, fauna, and landscapes. Common motifs include vines, leaves, and animal figures, often rendered in a stylized, symbolic manner.  Art in Harengon society frequently has a utilitarian aspect. Pottery, textiles, and tools are adorned with decorative patterns that also reflect their cultural stories and values.  Artisans create delicate carvings and woven tapestries using local materials like wood, vines, and plant fibers. These pieces often serve both functional and decorative purposes, such as intricately carved wooden bowls or woven mats with elaborate designs.  Many art pieces are created to narrate historical or mythical stories, preserving the oral traditions of their culture. Murals or sculptures may depict significant events or figures in Harengon lore.

Foods & Cuisine

The Harengons are vegetarians and eat mainly crops from their farms or foraged items from the forest.  Root vegetables like carrots, beets, and turnips are staples and are often roasted or put into stews.  Fruits and nuts provide fresh seasonal flavors.  Wild greens, such as dandelion leaves, are often used for salads or for flavoring along with herbs.  Oats and barley, used for porridge and breads, are cultivated in small, sustainable plots.  Foraged foods like mushrooms and wild herbs enhance the Harengon diet with diverse flavors. 

Common Customs, traditions and rituals

Some of the observed traditions and ceremonials in Harengon society are:

• The Welcoming Ceremony - A celebration of the rarity of birth of a new litter
• The Journey of Endurance - Coming of Age Rite
• The Time of Remembrance - Funeral Ceremony

Birth & Baptismal Rites

The birth of a litter of Harengon is seen as a blessing from Moi Shua. Harengon only have one litter in their lifetime. The litter can have between four and six babies in it. Each birth is cause for celebration throughout the Harengon society. Once the babies are born, a village wide festival begins with music, singing, dancing, and feasting. Everyone gathers to praise Moi Shua. A sacred Welcoming Ceremony occurs where the people gather together and pray for Moi Shua's blessing on the new litter of babies. The people offer the very best of their recent goods, harvests, and art and sacrifice it to Moi Shua in a ceremonial central fire. It is hoped that through these sacrifices, the babies might live to see adulthood. The mortality rate is very high in the Northern Forest, so the Harengon will do whatever they can to help protect these young miracles.

Coming of Age Rites

Survival is incredibly difficult in the Northern Forest. Thus, the time of a Harengon child reaching adulthood is a trial of strength and perseverance. The Harengon society celebrates this joyous time with a special coming of age rite called The Journey of Endurance. This is a special ceremony thanking Moi Shua, the community, the parents, and the littermates for their part in the survival of the individual(s) for the sake of the community. The community comes together to tell stories about the individual(s), highlighting moments of Resilience, Endurance, Strength, and Courage. The individual(s) take part in a set of challenges that showcase their individual abilities based on their special interests, bravery, independence, and innovation. Then they go through a ritual where they give their own individual thanks to Moi Shua, and then give a special token or charm that they have personally created to each of their parents, littermates, and each member of the community as a way of thanking them for their help, empathy, and compassion over the years.

Funerary and Memorial customs

A funeral in Harengon society is a time of great sadness. The community has been weaken and the diversity of individual expression has been lessened. The whole community gathers to mourn their fallen member.  Each member of the community lights a candle to open the funeral ceremony, which is called The Time of Remembrance.  They share stories about the person who has passed away and moments that that person had made an impact on the community.  The community honors the contributions that the individual made and they reflect on the past.  Each member of the community who had received a special token at the individual's coming of age rite brings the token and it placed in a ceremonial fire at the end of the funeral ceremony.  Prayers are said to Moi Shua, asking that the individual's spirit is guided into the next life. 

Common Taboos

Given the deeply interconnected and community-oriented nature of Harengon society, along with their reverence for Moi Shua and their survival challenges, taboos in Harengon society would include:

• Disrepecting Nature
• Neglecting Community Duties
• Refusal to Participate in Community Celebrations
• Ignoring Moi Shua
• Selfishness
• Breaking Promises or Oaths
• Disrespecting Elders and Ancestors
• Interfering with the Journey of Endurance
• Withholding Help
• Dishonoring Tokens from the Journey of Endurance

Common Myths and Legends

The Great Hare of the Forest:

In ancient times, a colossal hare named Brindyl led the first Harengon to the Northern Forest. With its powerful leaps, it created the rivers and lakes, and its wisdom taught the Harengon to farm and live harmoniously with nature, blessing them with bountiful harvests.

The Wild Magic Storm Challenged by Moi Shua:

A wild magic storm once threatened to engulf the Harengon village. As the storm approached, a brave Harengon shaman named Eldrin channeled Moi Shua’s power, calming the storm with a mighty incantation. This act protected the village, and Eldrin’s staff became a revered artifact.

The Phantom Protector:

Legend speaks of a spectral Harengon warrior named Thistledown who appears during times of dire need. Cloaked in moonlight, Thistledown’s spirit guards the village from predators and astral horrors, striking fear into their hearts and ensuring the safety of the Harengon people.

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

Harengon beauty ideals reflect the Harengons’ deep respect for nature, their leporine heritage, and their emphasis on vitality and grace.  A rich, diverse palette of fur colors is valued, with unique and striking patterns being particularly admired. Natural hues that blend seamlessly with the forest are seen as harmonious.  Incorporating natural elements like floral or leaf motifs in clothing, accessories, or body art enhances beauty. These elements are seen as a way to celebrate their connection to the forest. Distinctive markings or fur patterns that set an individual apart are celebrated. Unusual or rare patterns are seen as marks of uniqueness and personal beauty.
Elegance in movement and posture is highly esteemed, reflecting the agility and nimbleness of their leporine ancestors. Harengons who move with fluidity and grace are considered attractive.  A well-maintained, healthy body that showcases their active lifestyle and connection to nature is preferred. Muscularity or lean build, depending on the individual’s role or lifestyle, is seen as ideal.  Expressive, clear eyes are valued, symbolizing vitality and insight. The brightness and clarity of their eyes are considered a sign of health and liveliness.

Gender Ideals

In Harengon society, gender ideals are shaped by the values of harmony, respect, and individual strengths rather than rigid stereotypes.  Each Harengon, regardless of gender, is valued for their unique traits and abilities. Gender is not a determinant of one’s worth or role in society; personal skills and contributions are what matter.  Harengon society encourages flexibility in roles and responsibilities. Both traditionally "masculine" and "feminine" tasks can be performed by any Harengon, and individuals are free to pursue interests and occupations that align with their personal strengths and preferences.  
Harengon leadership is based on merit, wisdom, and capability rather than gender.  Cooperation and collaboration are highly valued.  The society celebrates diverse expressions of identity and individuality. Harengons are encouraged to express themselves in ways that feel authentic to them, whether through clothing, behavior, or personal interests.  Equality is a core value in Harengon society. All Harengons have equal access to opportunities, resources, and respect, ensuring that no gender is privileged over another in social, economic, or personal spheres.

Courtship Ideals

In Harengon society, courtship ideals emphasize mutual respect, shared interests, and emotional connection. Relationships are built on genuine compatibility and open communication, with no rigid gender roles dictating behavior. Courtship involves mutual exploration, understanding, and appreciation, valuing personal qualities and the joy of shared experiences over traditional expectations.

Relationship Ideals

Like Harengon courtship ideals, their relationship ideals seek a strong foundation in mutal respect, shared interests, equality, and emotional support.  Open communication and personal growth are valued in any relationship.  Relationships are built on trust, understanding, and the celebration of individuality. Love and companionship are nurtured through empathy, collaboration, and a deep appreciation for each other's unique qualities and aspirations.

Related Items

• Symbol of Moi Shua

Related Locations

• Northern Forest