Lepus

Proclus Carus, current Montiac Emperor, dressed in the ceremonial attire of the Emperor

## Societal Information

### Notable individuals

* Arruns Montiaco
* Decimus Montiaco
* Nonus Montiaco
* Appius Salvian
* Vel Agorix

### Also known as

* Rabbit
* Hopalong
* Long-ears
* Montiac

### Language

Monti

The **Lepus** are a species of Rabbit-folk. Residing primarily in Calast, the Lepus are the founding and primary species of the Montiac Empire. A number of Lepus also live in Montiac colonies in Meridian and Calor. Though much of Lepusian culture and history being based around the Empire, nearly each Montiac province has a distinct culture and therefore Lepus culture as a whole is only a generality with only a handful of universal cultural norms.

### Origins

Released during the first Awakening, the Lepus were one of the first species to begin repairs on ancient Human ruins. This gave them a greater understanding of Human technology than other species, which would be vital in the eventual creation and expansion of the Empire. These ruins would also serve as the foundations to numerous Lepus city-states.

In the final decades of the Awakening Era these city-states began clashing across the Domunian Peninsula, though no single state would go to control a significant amount of territory until years later.

### Montiac Era

#### First Century

Montiacos quickly became the dominant force on the peninsula, and its conquering of the Atronius clan led to the start of the Montiac Era. Originally only conquering small local clans and cities, Arruns Montiaco's rise to the throne in ME 33 saw Montiacos rapidly expand. In just 15 years, under Arruns rule, Montiacos became the sole surviving state on the peninsula save for Isara. The two states would eventually go to war, and a further civil war in Montiacos led to the establishment of the Montiac Empire. Though initially struck with widespread poverty and famine, the Empire would eventually become the chosen home for the majority of Lepus as it expanded across Calast.

#### Second Century

The 2nd century saw the spread of the Lepus into Central Calast, as the Empire sought to extend its territory. This migration across the continent contributed heavily to the large cultural differences between the Lepus, with distance from the capital and general development of a province affecting life in that area.

The first other species that integrated into the Empire were the Petra, which were encountered in ME 123. the Nibayr followed in ME 140, and the Scrofans were forcefully integrated after the Portan War.

The 1st century saw Lepus reach Nix and Viridi, though this exploration was stopped after the disappearance of Vel Agorix and his crew. A small number of Lepus also migrated to the newly encountered Shanorin Dynasty, though their status after Abdiel's rise to power is unknown.

#### Fourth Century

Present-day, the Lepus have the highest population of any species in Calast.

With the beginning of the Second Emergence in recent weeks, the Empire and its provinces has been overrun by the Lyrac, unable to form a proper frontline against the overwhelming number of the bats.

## Description

On average, Lepus stand between 5'5 and 6'2, though rare outliers have grown up to seven feet tall. Their size largely depends on their diet and local environment. Despite having a frail body, rarely acquiring any muscle mass, they make up for it in their speed and agility. An average, untrained Lepus can run up 30km/h and jump upwards of 11ft. As well, Lepus are light on their feet and if trained properly, can be deadly covert soldiers. This was most prevalent during the late stages of the Northern War, when the Empire deployed small groups of specially trained soldiers to take out Ursidae encampments. These soldiers would later become the Pugiones, in direct service of the Emperor.

All Lepus possess the same physical characteristics, with only small differences between them (i.e. fur color, ear length, size, etc.). There are also some Lepus born with blue, green, or red colored fur. These Lepus are considered ugly in some provinces, and are outcast. Lepus stay virtually the same for most of their lifespan. When a Lepus gets close to the end of their lifespan, they begin to wither away at a slow rate, and usually die within two years of that. As Lepus wither, they lose most if not all of their agility by the time they die, and it is sometimes seen as generous to end their life when the withering begins. The average Lepus lives to be around 36 years old, with their physical peak coming between ages 18 and 24.

Lepus possess a high intelligence, being one of the first species to make use of ancient Human ruins and technology.

### Anatomy and Physiology

Lepus smell with the use of two nostrils, each slightly in front of and below the eye socket, though their sense of smell is fairly underdeveloped compared to other species. the Lepus have small pawed feet, each possessing 6 pads and 2 small claws, and pentadactyly hands. Like most species, they evolved a thumb sometime between the storing of embryos in Habitats and the start of the Awakening Era through unknown means. Their legs are digitigrade, and they possess hairy soles on their feet to improve grip. Lepus also have distinctive, elongated and mobile ears, and they have an excellent sense of hearing.

Lepus have leathery skin covered in hair, which they quickly grow after being born. Their coats can take on a variety of colors, but will generally keep the same color over their entire lifespan. Sexual dimorphism exists, with females being smaller and more frail than males. All Lepus have either a brown, black, red, or blue sclera and Iris.

## Society and Culture

Overall support for the Montiac Empire is high, especially in its inner provinces. Military service is also deemed important in these provinces, and though service is not required, it's frowned upon to not support the military in some capacity. Generals and other high-ranking members of the military are the most respected citizens, and will usually move into politics following their retirement.

Lepus in Isara still largely remain culturally independent from the rest of their species. Monti is the official language of the region but is mainly only spoken by politicians and the upper-class. Most Isaran residents instead speak Issaric, the native language of the Lepus. Isarans are also very hateful to outsiders, especially those of other species. Although not universal, many Isarans see themselves as the "pure" Lepus, and aspire to create a state of pure blooded Lepus. Isarans are usually formed into their own legions, separate from soldiers from other provinces.

Constantia is unique in that, aside from Eryx, villages utilize burrows rather than buildings, with entire cities made underground. As the burrows can be hard to locate for regular traders, Eryx acts as the hub for outsiders in Constantia. Because the burrows are undesirable for most Lepus outside the province, few choose to migrate here. This means that the streets of Eryx are rather empty compared to other major cities around the Empire. Most of its residents either run and work in inns and taverns or are employed in the local guard. Those that reside in the burrows will occasionally travel to Eryx to purchase what can't easily be naturally obtained. Individual burrows maintain little contact with each other. Most will operate farmland above ground and mines below, making them self-sufficient, and therefore trade is seen as redundant. Though they are apart of it and don't actively oppose it, the secluded nature of the burrows makes its residents extremely dethatched from the Empire on most levels. Laws are officially in place, but the city guard commonly look the other way in exchange for smut and money. Because of this, the burrows have become a popular hideout for smugglers, mercenaries, and criminals alike. Those that aren't will usually be Rabium monks, or folk who wish to escape typical Montiac life. Burrow communities are tightly knit, and outsiders are rarely welcome.

The Rabbit-folk are known for their love of the performing arts. The theaters in major cities showcase various plays, and gladiator-style competitions are popular though they usually involve athletic contests rather than lethal combat. The Lepus have a distinct form of dance, often performed in large groups during celebrations. Visual arts such as sculpture and mosaics are also highly valued, often depicting scenes from historical events or mythical tales.

### Architecture

Provinces around the Empire use the same architectural style, with stone and brick being the most commonly used material in major and minor cities. While villages near the heart of the Empire will often utilize those same materials, most use wood and bits of stone to build small huts and houses. Due to the structure of their legs, Lepus don't use stairs or ladders. Ramps are used in place of stairs while ladders are seldom used, with most Lepus simply jumping up to higher platforms. Rooftops gardens are common, providing not only aesthetic beauty but also contributing to a sustainable lifestyle.

Villages in Constantia utilize burrows rather than buildings. These cities utilize simple, somewhat primitive designs. Wood planks are used as supports for the tunnels, while grated mats are placed on the ground to prevent dirt buildup. Bioluminescent fungi and crystals illuminate the burrows, acting as a natural light alongside lanterns and torches. The center of the burrow is a massive hollowed out space, serving as the administrative and cultural hub and home to the markets square of the community. These burrow cities can take years to fully complete and, present-day, newly built burrows are a rarity. Burrows in the west are often home to Lugarist cultists. Lugarists will construct hidden chambers, using them to carry out their brutal sacrifices.

### Clothing

Togas are the most commonly worn clothing in the inner provinces, while more casual garments are worn in the outer and frontier provinces, even among the elite. These togas are intricately embroidered with patterns representing family lineage and history. Casual garments often incorporate nature-inspired designs and practical elements for comfort and mobility. Most Lepus remain barefoot, with the few that use footwear using sandals.

### Food

Lepus primarily eat only vegetables, as their teeth are too weak to regularly chew meat. Celery, Broccoli, and Basil are very popular meals for any time of the day. Bread is eaten on the side with most meals, covered in grass spread. Carrots are cultivated in specialized farms in Constantia and are presented in elaborate dishes during important occasions. Wine is also quite popular, and most Lepus will have a glass at least once a day. Vineyards are common across Lepus lands, and each region boasts its unique blend.

Lepus avoid wasting food whenever possible, and there are strict cultural norms against doing so. Meals are expected to be eaten with families unless one is away on official or military duty.

While eating meat is possible, it's seen as barbaric and therefore usually only occurs in the outer and frontier provinces of the Empire. Acheta meat is the most commonly eaten.

### Holidays

Adunatio Day is celebrated across the Empire, both by Lepus and the other species of the Empire. Held annually on the 13th of Callanius, Adunatio Day celebrates the end of the Montiac Civil War.

### Influence of Humanity

Many Lepus in the 1st century had a fascination for ancient Human states discussed in the codices of Habitats. Most notably Appius Salvian, who oversaw the adoption of similar architecture, language, and clothing into the Montiac Empire. Numerous replications of known Human monuments were constructed during the early years of the Montiac Empire, but outside of major cities these have largely been abandoned and left to nature present-day. Remote monuments act as meeting sites for those still devoted to Humanity. Occasionally, physical mutilation was done to achieve the look of a Human. This mutilation mainly focused on cutting off the majority of ones ears and tail, but some individuals would go as far as to flatten their face with a blunt object. These mutilations were so widespread that Lars Bellicus, Emperor from ME 156 to 164, had undergone self mutilation. Ironically, Bellicus would be the one to outlaw these mutilations.

Though less prevalent than in the past, Human influence can still be seen across the Empire in many forms. Though self mutilation is outlawed, it's still sometimes practiced in remote areas of the Empire. Those who continue to practice this view self-mutilation as a form of rebellion against the Montiac Empire's control.

### Language

Monti is the most commonly spoken language by the Lepus. Lepus in isolated areas may speak Issaric, but even then will use the Monti language in some way. Monti has regional dialects, and the language continuously evolves with influences from neighboring regions. Due to trade and cultural exchange, many Lepus are multilingual, proficient in languages spoken by neighboring species.

Monti is heavily derived from the Human Latin language, which the Lepus found in the codex's of various Habitats around Calast. As the codex's are thousands of years old, much of the language was pieced together and is therefore not entirely faithful to Human Latin.

Issaric is a barbaric language. The traditional language of the Lepus, it bears no similarities to the more civilized Monti spoken by most.

### Religion

The Lepus are unique in that their religion, Rabium, doesn't include a creation myth as the existence of Habitats largely disproves any. Instead, the Lepus believe that a pantheon of gods control the flow of the world but all species simply came from natural evolution. Although Lepus pray to these various gods, most believe that their fate is out of their control and simply go about their lives. No afterlife exists in Rabium, but it's believed that several planes of existence exist, and they can only be reached by the living with a lifetime of effort, or by accomplishing some great task. Because of the great deal of effort required, it's rare to see individuals attempt to reach these other planes, and those that do are usually extremely devoted followers. These followers will often engage in philosophical debates and discussions about the nature of existence with others, and are seen as annoying by those less devoted.

Temples devoted to the Rabium pantheon of gods are scattered throughout Lepus lands. Each major city will have a central temple devoted to whatever major god they worship, sometimes multiple, while smaller shrines are present in villages. Rabium has no central authority or church.

Other religions exist, usually province specific. As well, Lugarists can be found in the far reaches of the Empire.

### Sports

Novago is the most popular sport with Lepus. They have historically dominated, both due to laws in their favor and natural skill. Gambling in general is also quite popular, with Novago games and Acheta pit fights commonly bet on.

## Relationship with other Species

Unsurprisingly, the Lepus are mostly cordial with the other species in the Empire. This includes the Nibayr, Canisians, and Petrans. Scrofans are seen less favourably due to the Portan War, but are still treated fairly well.

The Ursidae are seen as barbaric, but due to the low number residing in the Empire, many Lepus have never physically encountered one. The few Anurians that reside in the Empire's major cities usually operate market stalls, and because of this many Lepus see their species as nothing more than devious merchants. Most Chasa are seen as arrogant, though again, they are rarely encountered.