Lapine
Of all of the beast-folk of Firnus, none are as populous, well travelled, and culturally enlightened as the Lapine people. While it is rumoured that they originate from Panthalia, the Lapine know no country as home, and in that way often see no countries borders or claims as true. Lapine are herbivores and sport tall, large ears, large eyes, and long swift legs that are used to bound across the land. They have been hunted in the tales of all carnivore cultures, but in their own history have been trickers, leaping a whiskers breadth out of danger and utilising their wits to slip out of the teeth of their predators.
The Lapine have a culture that revolves around stories. The earliest records of Firnus' past come from oral tellings of the 1000 tales of trickery, a collection of stories that transpired during the time of the first people. Perhaps due to having exeptionally long lives with some living up to 500 years old, or due to having exceptional memories, the Lapine see themselves as destined keepers of lore. Many families (or leaps) pass stories down generations to preserve them and practice the facts over and over like prayer. The hope is for the Lapine people to prosper by learning from the past, and to foster a better world by teaching the history of the people they live among.
While safety used to be found solely in numbers in modern eras when a Lapine reaches their 50th year travelling with their leap they will be sent on a journey out into the world. This journey will see them gather their own stories and discover deeper truths about themselves. As they do, many will look to a spirit known as A'rah for safety. This diety has long protected the Lapine people and appears in many historial accounts. Known to some as the Lord of Trickers, A'rah has taught the fleet-footed many tricks, shown them safe refuges, and inspired bards who suffered a lack of inspiration. A'rah once told their people that luck comes to those who make it.
It is somewhat rare to come across a Lapine warrior or adventurer as those devout to the teachings of the past have taken the lesson that the Lapine must be impartial. They choose to live only as vessels for the events around them, meaning that many leaps shun Lapine who become heroes. Instead they much be supporting roles for the righteous. This has lead many to see the Lapine as pacifists or even spread word that they are bystanders when atrocities are done. Simply recording terrible acts without moving a muscle to prevent awful occurences.
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