Lapine

Infamous across Lavandul for chewing through garden roots and sleeping in your clean laundry, Lapines are remarkable mammals most closely related to the once-endangered wild rabbit - albeit larger, louder, and armed with botanical flair.

Their name comes from the Lapine flower, a lavender-blooming herb that early naturalists thought they resembled. This was due in part to the unique quill-like structures that can sprout from their neck and along their spine, mimicking the sway and texture of local flora. While “Lapine” now refers to the species as a whole, some individuals have evolved to resemble daisies, hyacinths, or even buckbrush depending on their habitat.

In the wild, they’re usually kept in check by predators like Shriekers. But in food-rich years, Lapines breed in excess, overrunning fields and homes alike. Their population control is an ongoing struggle, sometimes managed through controversial means like "forced" companionship and culling.

As companions, Lapines are equal parts delightful and maddening. They tend to develop unusual colorations, exaggerated features, and a total disregard for your belongings. Despite their flower-like appearance, they do not smell like lavender. They smell like exactly what they are: oversized rabbits. With opinions.

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Lapines may be charming companions, but they are still prey creatures. They are nervous, nimble, and more than a bit nosey. When bonded with a faunid, they tend to imprint quickly. The will do so especially if offered consistent shelter, a quiet space to groom, and foraging freedom that mimics their natural habits.

However, keeping a Lapine safe isn't just a matter of treats and tickles. With predators roaming many regions freely, it's not uncommon for poorly supervised companions to fall victim to predation. While accidental predation isn’t seen as a moral failing, it is considered poor stewardship of your companion. After all, a sensitive and careful companion - like the lapine- puts full trust in their caretaker to keep them safe.

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