Fast, alert, clever: these are all words that are typically used to describe the harengon people. Appearing as bipedal rabbits or hares, they typically have long, upright ears and powerful back legs that enable them to leap larger distances than most other humanoids. They often make their homes in woodland villages and country hamlets—sometimes in the company of tunnel halflings, who share their affinity for building elaborate underground warrens.
Though they appear docile and delicate, harengon are formidable warriors, both in direct combat and as skirmishers. Those who venture beyond their warrens often find themselves employed as scouts and members of elite vanguards, where their speed and martial prowess are on full display. But those who remain at home are not to be underestimated either; harengon warrens are fiercely guarded, and these guards often remain unseen before it’s too late.
Characters with the harengon heritage share a variety of traits in common with one another.
Age. Harengon age at a similar rate to humans.
Size. Harengon are similar in size to humans, typically standing between 5–6 feet tall (not including their ears) and weighing between 120-150 lbs. Your size is Medium.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet. Alert Ears. Your long ears grant you superior hearing ability. You gain an expertise die on Perception checks based on hearing.
Powerful Legs. Your long legs are specially designed for power. You gain proficiency in Athletics and an expertise die on Athletics checks made to jump. Additionally, when you take the Attack action, you may use your bonus action to kick your opponent. On a hit, you deal 1d6 + your Strength modifier bludgeoning damage.
In addition to the traits found in your harengon heritage, select one of the following gifts.
Hide in Plain Sight. Sometimes, hiding is more advantageous than a direct assault. You gain proficiency in Stealth. When you take the Hide action, roll your check with advantage.
In a Single Bound. You have mastered your natural-born ability to dart and leap. Your Speed increases by 5 feet. When calculating how far you can jump you are always considered to have made a running start (even if you are stationary), and when executing a long jump you may jump a number of feet equal to three times your Strength score.
Lapine Luck. Whether it’s through quick thinking or just preternatural luck, you have a knack for avoiding bad outcomes. Once per long rest, if you fail a d20 roll for an ability check, attack roll, or saving throw you may immediately reroll the die (or one die if you rolled with advantage or disadvantage). You must use the result of the second roll.
When you reach 10th level, you become a better harengon and gain one paragon gift from the following list.
Covert Cover. You have learned to leverage terrain to the greatest degree. You gain the benefits of full cover when you would normally have three-quarters cover, and three-quarters cover when you would have half cover.
Quick Reflexes. You learn the First Blood combat maneuver. This does not count towards the number of maneuvers you know and you may activate it without consuming exertion. Once you have used this ability, you cannot use it again until you complete a long rest.
Rapid Kick. When you use your Powerful Legs feature to attack, treat your attacks as magical for the purposes of overcoming damage resistance. Additionally, when you hit with your kick, you may make a number of additional kick attacks equal to half of your proficiency bonus (rounded down).
Typically found in woodland areas and country hamlets, harengon are a gregarious sort who form large, extended families that often span generations. The sheer size of their families is partially due to the fact that instances of twins and even triplets are higher among harengon than other humanoids. Harengon—especially those who are in positions of authority—take great pride in mapping out their often convoluted family trees, with many of them keeping large illustrated versions of their familial connections on the walls of their homes. Venerable harengon patriarchs and matriarchs can spend outs espousing the fame and reputation of their ancestors, cousins, and even great-great-grandchildren.
Harengon homes are elaborate underground warrens that are cozy and warm despite their subterranean locations. Because of their preference for living underground, many harengon communities develop alongside tunnel halflings, leading to incredible villages that are completely hidden from view. In fact, their large and well-tended vegetable gardens are often the only part of a harengon home that is above ground.
While it’s not unheard of for many harengon to stay with their families in their community to help care for their elders, more than a few venture out into the world in the name of fame and fortune. Though they may not appear formidable, many harengon have natural martial capabilities. Their long legs, in addition to granting them superior jumping abilities, are also powerful weapons. Those harengon who choose to leave home often find themselves in the employ of mercenary bands or elite forces, where their natural martial inclinations are put to good use. Those who possess the uncanny ability to seemingly hide in plain sight find gainful employment as scouts, rangers, or covert operatives, disappearing from view before they can be caught. But, not all harengon seek a life of derring-do, instead choosing the quiet life as farmers, florists, or other, less dangerous careers.
While you may choose any culture for your harengon character, the following cultures are closely linked with this heritage: settler, tunnel halfling, villager, wildling.
Note: Based on the Coney Heritage from Hearth and Home