Harengon

Sundered Race

Created by the chaotic energies of the Sundering, this race has no patron deity that claims them.

The Harengon of Aethria are a Sundered Race, their origins woven into the chaotic tapestry of the Sundering. They bear a striking resemblance to humanoid hares, standing upright with fur that ranges from earthy browns and grays to snowy whites and mottled patterns. Their large, expressive ears swivel to detect the faintest sounds, while their powerful legs give them remarkable agility. They often stand between three and four feet tall, with wiry frames built for speed and endurance. Their eyes, often in shades of amber or green, gleam with an alertness that reflects their untamed nature.

Harengon are known for their indefatigable optimism and quick wit. Though born of chaos, they possess an innate ability to adapt to even the harshest circumstances. This resilience often manifests in their tendency to laugh in the face of adversity, using humor and cleverness to disarm foes and defuse tensions. While fiercely independent, they are deeply communal, valuing bonds of friendship and cooperation. Their mistrust of higher powers, stemming from their abandonment by the gods, fosters a unique form of pragmatism and self-reliance.

Culture

Culture and cultural heritage

The Harengon are a nomadic people, their lives centered around movement and exploration. They traverse the wilds of Aethria, forming tight-knit caravans that serve as both family and community. Their culture emphasizes storytelling, with elders recounting tales of the Sundering and their forebears’ transformation. Music and dance are integral to Harengon life, often serving as a means of preserving history and bringing their communities together.

Their craftsmanship leans toward practicality; they are adept at creating portable shelters, lightweight tools, and traps. Despite their modest resources, Harengon caravans are often adorned with colorful banners and trinkets, reflecting their vibrant spirits.

Harengon distrust organized religion but are deeply spiritual in their way. They pay homage to the land and its natural cycles, seeking harmony with the elements rather than supplication to deities. They believe that the chaos of their creation imbued them with a unique purpose—to thrive and find beauty where others see only ruin.

Common Myths and Legends

The Harengon speak of a time during the Sundering when the land itself was shattered by wild, uncontrolled magic. In the depths of the chaos, unassuming forest hares became caught in the maelstrom. The gods, overwhelmed by the catastrophic upheaval, turned their gaze elsewhere, abandoning these creatures to their fate. Yet, instead of perishing, the hares were transformed into sentient beings, infused with the primal energies of the earth and air.
The Harengon believe they were created as a testament to resilience. Their transformation was not an act of divine mercy but a raw, chaotic accident. Rather than lament their abandonment, the Harengon see their independence as a gift. In their mythos, they claim, "We were not forgotten; we were forged in freedom." They consider their existence a defiance of despair, a proof that even amidst destruction, life finds a way to adapt and endure.
This perspective underpins their belief that they are the world's wanderers and caretakers, destined to travel the fractured lands of Aethria and uncover the beauty hidden within its scars.

Parent ethnicities

• The Sentient Races