Written by AstroClouds and Tristrian
A massive shoutout to AstroClouds in perticular for writing the history of the Lapine ancestors in details <3
Prologue
In what was originally white and black, motes of the angels and akuma, there was a spark of color. The Divine Dance of Dragons, expanding the breadth of Eternia’s distinctive hues. The Constants took their seats for the unseen laws, the Divine Beasts were born, the Realms were young, men were cultivated to the image of the angels, and monsters were painted in the mirage of the akuma. Some powerful, nascent primordials, too, emerged from this era.
Few of those entities, termed as ‘Friends of the Realms,’ came in various aspects. Be it the Constant of Life, Alacritas, the Primordials known as Gaia (of Nature) and Verdion (of the Underlands - creator of Lapine), or even considerably the Pantheons of Aschea (of Balance and Harmony - creator of Teraphim) and Nemea (of Forest and Hunt - creator of Faeborne), they are all said to have eventually been intertwined in their paths - befriending one another to some degree, as written in the narratives of yore. How much of that is true is left up for debate.
Much is known of most recognized deities, though very little by those that passed on in earlier ages where history of their people were eventually lost to time.
One of these beings, listed as a ‘Friend of the Realms,’ is known as Verdion, Rootkeeper of the Realms - Primordial of the Underlands and caretaker of Yggdrasil.
Verdion, Rootkeeper of the Realms
Written in history towards the beginning of time, it is said that Verdion was nothing more than a little rabbit in the Realm of Yggdrasil, burrowing around the world tree’s sapling and ridding the early stages of this location from any debris that it deemed potentially harmful to the environment. This effort was nothing more than a precaution in securing the protection of its home that it felt most safe around. This era was during the period of Hel, Constant of Despair, taking on the title “Moros.”
The rabbit’s endeavor did not go unrecognized by some, however. Alacritas eventually intervened, seeing as this little creature had more mind and awareness than most of its species that the Constant observed for months. For one that protected life and the safety of its home, providing a form of nurturement, could give more life - and for that, she had met with, held, and blessed this little creature with more of that very aspect under the guidance of her’s and Nyssa’s woven flow of the Lifestream, connecting Verdion to Yggdrasil on a hugely spiritual level.
The abilities to sustain life, protect the world tree by overseeing the growth of its roots and lands below the surface, as well as ensuring the sanctity of the many Realms throughout Eternia was essential for a young world to grow away from the directions of aspiring evils that appeared during this era.
This gift would prove beneficial, as the World Tree reaches its full potential, and fairies are born. Magics become more mainstream, and baptisms of the gods by utilization of the Lifestream grows common due to these ambitions and labor.
Since the beginning of time, prior to the history of his name and people becoming lost, he was well known as Yggdrasil’s caretaker, helping to sustain the young World Tree in its growth and sustaining the Great Wonder by caring immensely for the ‘unseen’ natures of the tree - the Roots.
Thus, his title as the Rootkeeper of the Realms became sacred amongst his people as something of symbolism and spirituality when it came to earthen elements and practitioners of Verdion’s mission.
Verdion was once represented as a large lagomorph with sizable antlers, carrying a bulky composure. He originates from the Realm of Yggdrasil, said to have been born in Vanaheim with soft, golden furs.
His tendencies were similar to that of a pacifist, though prepared to defend the lands when necessary against dangers imposed that could damage the world to significant degrees. Due to his efforts, he has become hugely familiar to the earthen elements of Eternia, acclimating to them and accustoming himself towards the aspects of magical abilities to help bring fertility to the lands and sustain life.
As Yggdrasil reached the pinnacle of its life, Verdion eventually left the Spirit Realm to join the material realm and explore the lands as a kindred spirit, taking on the form of a humanoid beastkin that is familiarly known as the Lapine in present-day Eternia.
The Origins of the Lapine
From within the depths of Esshar’s Greatwoods, where strange magical activity occurred that allowed vegetation to thrive beyond its standard stature, a tribe once lived. They were said to be nothing more than your average human in the wilderness - surviving on the instincts of the forestry that surrounded the centralized kingdom of Myllenoris, originally known as Moonfall. These humans familiarize themselves with the primary elements of the Greatwoods, drawing in upon nature’s essence and earthen structures from minerals below the surface of ground, and crafting abilities in the honor of these incentives to give back what they felt was provided most to them - thriving life and nourishment.
During the era of a druidic Moonfallen village, prior to the witches taking over the lands, the peoples of the village were protected from invaders by the individuals of the Greatwoods. In exchange for protection and services, the Moonfallen peoples helped bolster their magical potency by providing more insight on the care for the cycles of plant life, harvesting, and resource foraging. These strangers of the forest thrived, granting more for the village than just basic necessities to protect - eventually, they integrated themselves within the community.
They believed they were made for nothing more than to live happy and healthy, provided by the nature that they wished to see just as sustained as themselves.
By this point in time, Verdion sheds his true form in order to emerge amidst a location near the borders of the Greatwoods, from the Spirit Realm - said to be an already thin line here that was accessible for crossing compared to other spots in the material Realm, he finds himself traversing through the forestry. Deeper and deeper inside.. The Primordial ultimately discovers a society that prompts him to join under the guise of a man in order to gain an understanding of humanity. His appearance was that of golden hair, golden eyes, and rabbit-like traits - a unique appearance during his existence in the material realm; considerably, he was the ‘first’ of the Lapine beastkin. With interactions between himself and the Moonfallen, he learned of their ways. With more, they learned of his.
It is in this time that occultic magics began infiltrating the young nation.
Intrigued by the kind heartedness of the Greatwood’s peoples and how they differentiated from the Moonfallen, Verdion acknowledged their acts throughout the years by teaching more of his virtues and talents, giving them titles based upon mastery of specific expertise they all pursued. In trust, he divulged his story as Alacritas’ chosen son, having transformed from your standard rabbit, and being capable of assisting the Lifestream in various ways for protecting the lands below the surface of Eternia, just as he had done for Yggdrasil long ago.
It was in the forest people’s own customs and beliefs, communications of Life, and desire to be more closely aligned with nature that they requested a gift from Verdion in exchange that they would continue what they were doing, spread the words of the Underlands and how Rootstock is an important factor to organic support in Eternia, and protect all Realms in their livable life and Spiritual life.
Thus, in a private liturgy of the faith by Verdion, trusting of his instincts and their acceptance, his blessings were extended and bestowed, granting the first of the Lapine kind to resemble his own appearance - due to this endowment by the Rootkeeper of the Realms, these people were granted a natural affinity for the grounds whilst taking on the traits bearing leporidae features; long ears and a bushy tail.
A new epoch is marked in Esshar, and a new beastkin has emerged with the wooded areas - these locations were a reasonable and usual sanctuary for the Lapine during that time period.
“His blessings have brought a new form of people - our people. We, the Lapine, will care for the Undergroves of the lands and ensure that, just as he cared for Yggdrasil, the World Tree, we will continue his missions to provide for the Realms. We all promised.”
The Lapine of Myllenoris
With years to follow Verdion’s blessings of the Lapine, the Rootkeeper’s children became more common in the Moonfall village. Though they were oblivious to the circumstances of the Moonfallen’s occultic activity and affairs of their people, of business kept greatly in the dark, the Lapine continued being loyal in aiding them in the sustenance of the lands surrounding the Kingdom - meanwhile, Verdion was building a special grove for the Lapine near the thin veil between the Spirit Realm and Eternia as an entrance point for himself and a future project that would never see the fruits of his labrous work, called the ‘Verdant Grove’ - made for their druidic rites and communication with the Spirits, closely intertwined with the very boundaries of the World and nature.
Due to these circumstances, these children and Primordial were nescient to the Moonfall’s pursuits, reserved to themselves, until it became more widespread and threatening.
Despite his growing awareness, Verdion maintained a pacifist approach, pleading against what they were doing. He sought not to fight back against their people, having grown attached - many of his Children struggled to interpret how to approach the ordeal until..
“Our tribesmen do not wish to question the ways of Verdion, but many of us feel compelled to take action. We are afraid of their power, afraid of death, but more fearful of how life here will persist if we do not help. We are afraid of repercussions against our father’s ideals, even if he does not take aggressive stances; we will not oppose his points of view and deem them appropriate. We do not feel that the inactivity will be beneficial to the Verdant Grove.
-1686 AC”
Just as the pinnacle of the Coven’s power peaked and ambitions were exposed, Verdion suggested that he and his children reel away to allow higher powers to intervene on their behalf. Fleeing to Verdant Grove, the Lapine began taking caution to defend the locations nearest the Woodlands in which they now resided. Many were unsure; the Primordial’s natural instincts boiled around the sensations of a prey animal. Few saw this as naught more than cowardice, and his inaction would prove to be the downfall of many..
..but a rise of a new kingdom.
Provoked - upon the call of a darker Spirit, the veil between Eternia and the Spirit Realm collapses, and Aschea, Pantheon of Balance and Harmony, emerges to fight back against the village overtaken by the Coven. The plight of occultism is pushed back; Verdion’s Lapine begin joining the fight for the sake of the village people who do not want to be under the control of the Coven. Many of both lost their lives, including Aschea, who took her last breath in this dire moment - signifying the end of her life, but newfound power of the Teraphim - her blessed children.
A new era - Moonfall has been taken back, dubbed as Myllenoris; it is free of any depraved influence. A new generation of the Lapine and Teraphim grow close, helping to rebuild what is lost. The rise of the Teraphim brought a form of nobility to the valley while the Lapine remained dutiful towards the lands with the lesson in mind of more awareness, for they could not allow these infiltrators to take advantage of them again.
People across the lands recognized and believed that Verdion’s inaction was cowardice rather than pacifism. Word spreads, garnering the attention of many deities that looked upon him with disdain, causing him to grow distant for a period and reserved to the Verdant Grove near the Vale left in the wake of Aschea’s emergence to the material realm. A reminder of his failures, but lands that he graciously kept up on maintenance in her honor.
Some shunned Verdion for his lack of bravery, though none knew his story, or his inheritance of a rabbit’s natural-born instincts as a prey animal. Thus, in lack of knowledge, Verdion is worked against. Having grasped the attention of none other than the Divine Panther of Night, Ixchel, the Rabbit Deity is stalked, and approached on a lit, high moon night.
“The Panther saw Verdion’s inaction as a form of betrayal after her fall from grace by Azrael, the Betrayer. For one that sustains life, he did not fight for it. The Betrayer has won. The Witches took someone great. His own people of Gehenna suffered greatly due to the Betrayer.
He speaks - our father’s power goes to waste and should be used for action against these evils. Our father did not hesitate to agree. Ultimately, he did not have a choice. It led to the end of his life at the hands of the Great Panther Spirit.
His death led to many of our sacred tunnels to collapse. Much of the Verdant Grove fell without his power. We could not maintain what stability the system needed. The main rooms remained intact. We dug out a hidden passageway where father’s crystals will stay protected.
Some of our father’s children departed in kind with the Panther to fight another day, believing that his power will be used for the same purpose, with more action against the rise of the corrupt. I do not blame them. What’s left of us will help Aschea’s children and preach our father’s views.
I’m sorry, father Verdion. I pray that your Spirit will be kept in this crystal, even if you are now powerless and cannot speak to us right now. May this ritual recover you, in time.
-1687 AC”
A variety of the Lapine departed that night with Ixchel, towards a new life, with similar purpose, but to ensure that their father’s power was used for the betterment of Life in fighting the corrupt. The remainder of Lapine pledged loyalty to the lands of the Greatwoods and Myllenoris’ Teraphim.
“This may be my last entry, father Verdion. In your passing to follow Lady Aschea, we’ve promised to care for her children and forge a new friendship. She protected us. We tried to protect her. We do not hate you, father Verdion. We never did. We understood that you were scared. We were, too.
I wish we could have saved you from the Great Panther, even if it was your own choice. I pray your Spirit will never be discovered here in this Verdant Grove. Your burrow will always be the most sacred and blessed of these lands. I will upkeep your beliefs in the Roots of our Realms and their support systems. We are your children. We will not abandon your views of Life. Grandma Alacritas made the right choice to give you more, and more, as you have given us.
I love you, father. Thank you for this purpose in Life.
-1688 AC”
The Lapine, continuing to establish the faith and beliefs of Verdion throughout time, grew more widespread from Myllenoris - eventually, the mentions of Verdion, Rootkeeper of the Realms, became less and less talk, until it was no longer acknowledged by his children of later generations; lost to time. The Rootkeeper’s Overseers passed on their torches, until there was the last, who never recorded his name. Only few entries following this tragic time period were ever made - taught by the former that passed away in kind and has been buried below the grounds of the Grove.
“Her children are becoming more insistent, father. I do not know what we should do, despite the past memories surfacing and suggesting action. She reminds me of Aschea, but she also does not. A strange woman named Lady Savarra. There is fear in my heart, and fight amongst the Teraphim. Some have taken more to impulse than logic. Her presence raises my alertness. If only the last Overseer, Mister Sanders, could be here to give me advice.
I have come to visit you each day in the Verdant Grove, but each day feels as though there are more eyes on me. If I must take action, I will do what I can to protect you and ensure your Spirit here is safe in these crystals. One day, you may be free again, even if you will never be at full power.
The Grove seems to have more questionable activity around it.
-1812 AC”
“I believe they have become blind in their paths and faith. The Mistseers have taken refuge in Aschea’s Temple, but I fear there is something sinister. There are not many Lapine left of father’s children. Most of the Teraphim have departed, and their population is in decline.
The activity around the Verdant Grove is quiet, but more webs have been seen in the forest surrounding it. I may be oblivious, but my stomach tells me that I must protect this Grove at all costs, even at the cost of my life force.
Forgive me, father Verdion. I may pass here, but I will protect your sacred grove from the forces that may be trying to take hold of it.
Bless father Verdion, and may his teachings remain for the future.
-1870 AC”
The last entry of the book is made, closed and in the arms of what appears to be a skeleton of the last known Overseer of Verdion in the Verdant Grove, deep in the forests of Myllenoris and its Greatwoods. This body rests near an abundance of never-before-seen crystals. A gentle power emanates from within, though it is not strong - one thing is for certain.. It holds a great sense of Spiritual essence.
Liturgies of the Lapine
Various rites include:
The Rootkeeper and the Lapine
Verdion’s title as Rootkeeper is a sacred title, representing the symbolism and spirituality of the internal earthen aspects below the surfaces of Eternia. Rumored as nothing more than a title bestowed upon individuals throughout time that have shown profound guardianship of the lands below, any Rootkeeper is responsible is to oversee and protect the foundations of Life that pertained to growth, stability, and connections with nature and the Realms.
The teachings by a Rootkeeper show the bravery and resolution of the Lapine; they are considered a form of ‘Wardens’ for humanity, as their natural affinities are said to assist in making a race of prey animals into a more stalwart and tenacious people. They are clever, agile, and familiar with various forms of architecture.
Lapine have an organic sense of community due to their upbringing and are often perceived as teachers, advisors, councilors, and scholars. They are very emotional.
Despite the once known deity of the original Lapine tribes of the past, Verdion is no longer a spoken name. The origins of the rabbit-beastkin has become unknown; many deem them as a godless people. It is not uncommon that a Lapine lives in the confines of nature, especially burrowing below the lands of Eternia for safety and protection. They oft take to these locations with a big heart and care for it. These instincts may have become lost to time, or are not taught to modern/present-day Lapine.
Much of the history for the Lapine has since been lost due to these generational, non-spoken children and lack of acknowledgement by their ancestors.
Lapine Today:
Lapine today that take on the original form of their ancestors are more rabbit-like - they take on a more reserved and gentle demeanor. Their appearance comes off more soft, smaller, and rounder.
Followers of Ixchel from ages past are more known to have hare-like features, are stronger built, slimmer, and tall.
Lapine are spread out and can be found in most corners of Eternia. They are a lesser sight than other beastkin, such as the Kitsune or Ookami. Many smaller clans can usually be found in the depths of forests - more particularly, in Groves underground.
Due to Lapine falling away from their roots, their instincts have shifted as time went on. Originally a more passive race has become more integrated to communities with less reservation to themselves and ambitions.
But lately, arround the year of 2125AC, the rediscovery of the Verdant Grove allowed a small group of people within Meranthe to find the origins of their ancestors. The Faith may once more return for its people.
A massive shoutout to AstroClouds in perticular for writing the history of the Lapine ancestors in details <3
Prologue
In what was originally white and black, motes of the angels and akuma, there was a spark of color. The Divine Dance of Dragons, expanding the breadth of Eternia’s distinctive hues. The Constants took their seats for the unseen laws, the Divine Beasts were born, the Realms were young, men were cultivated to the image of the angels, and monsters were painted in the mirage of the akuma. Some powerful, nascent primordials, too, emerged from this era.
Few of those entities, termed as ‘Friends of the Realms,’ came in various aspects. Be it the Constant of Life, Alacritas, the Primordials known as Gaia (of Nature) and Verdion (of the Underlands - creator of Lapine), or even considerably the Pantheons of Aschea (of Balance and Harmony - creator of Teraphim) and Nemea (of Forest and Hunt - creator of Faeborne), they are all said to have eventually been intertwined in their paths - befriending one another to some degree, as written in the narratives of yore. How much of that is true is left up for debate.
Much is known of most recognized deities, though very little by those that passed on in earlier ages where history of their people were eventually lost to time.
One of these beings, listed as a ‘Friend of the Realms,’ is known as Verdion, Rootkeeper of the Realms - Primordial of the Underlands and caretaker of Yggdrasil.
Verdion, Rootkeeper of the Realms
Written in history towards the beginning of time, it is said that Verdion was nothing more than a little rabbit in the Realm of Yggdrasil, burrowing around the world tree’s sapling and ridding the early stages of this location from any debris that it deemed potentially harmful to the environment. This effort was nothing more than a precaution in securing the protection of its home that it felt most safe around. This era was during the period of Hel, Constant of Despair, taking on the title “Moros.”
The rabbit’s endeavor did not go unrecognized by some, however. Alacritas eventually intervened, seeing as this little creature had more mind and awareness than most of its species that the Constant observed for months. For one that protected life and the safety of its home, providing a form of nurturement, could give more life - and for that, she had met with, held, and blessed this little creature with more of that very aspect under the guidance of her’s and Nyssa’s woven flow of the Lifestream, connecting Verdion to Yggdrasil on a hugely spiritual level.
The abilities to sustain life, protect the world tree by overseeing the growth of its roots and lands below the surface, as well as ensuring the sanctity of the many Realms throughout Eternia was essential for a young world to grow away from the directions of aspiring evils that appeared during this era.
This gift would prove beneficial, as the World Tree reaches its full potential, and fairies are born. Magics become more mainstream, and baptisms of the gods by utilization of the Lifestream grows common due to these ambitions and labor.
Since the beginning of time, prior to the history of his name and people becoming lost, he was well known as Yggdrasil’s caretaker, helping to sustain the young World Tree in its growth and sustaining the Great Wonder by caring immensely for the ‘unseen’ natures of the tree - the Roots.
Thus, his title as the Rootkeeper of the Realms became sacred amongst his people as something of symbolism and spirituality when it came to earthen elements and practitioners of Verdion’s mission.
Verdion was once represented as a large lagomorph with sizable antlers, carrying a bulky composure. He originates from the Realm of Yggdrasil, said to have been born in Vanaheim with soft, golden furs.
His tendencies were similar to that of a pacifist, though prepared to defend the lands when necessary against dangers imposed that could damage the world to significant degrees. Due to his efforts, he has become hugely familiar to the earthen elements of Eternia, acclimating to them and accustoming himself towards the aspects of magical abilities to help bring fertility to the lands and sustain life.
As Yggdrasil reached the pinnacle of its life, Verdion eventually left the Spirit Realm to join the material realm and explore the lands as a kindred spirit, taking on the form of a humanoid beastkin that is familiarly known as the Lapine in present-day Eternia.
The Origins of the Lapine
From within the depths of Esshar’s Greatwoods, where strange magical activity occurred that allowed vegetation to thrive beyond its standard stature, a tribe once lived. They were said to be nothing more than your average human in the wilderness - surviving on the instincts of the forestry that surrounded the centralized kingdom of Myllenoris, originally known as Moonfall. These humans familiarize themselves with the primary elements of the Greatwoods, drawing in upon nature’s essence and earthen structures from minerals below the surface of ground, and crafting abilities in the honor of these incentives to give back what they felt was provided most to them - thriving life and nourishment.
During the era of a druidic Moonfallen village, prior to the witches taking over the lands, the peoples of the village were protected from invaders by the individuals of the Greatwoods. In exchange for protection and services, the Moonfallen peoples helped bolster their magical potency by providing more insight on the care for the cycles of plant life, harvesting, and resource foraging. These strangers of the forest thrived, granting more for the village than just basic necessities to protect - eventually, they integrated themselves within the community.
They believed they were made for nothing more than to live happy and healthy, provided by the nature that they wished to see just as sustained as themselves.
By this point in time, Verdion sheds his true form in order to emerge amidst a location near the borders of the Greatwoods, from the Spirit Realm - said to be an already thin line here that was accessible for crossing compared to other spots in the material Realm, he finds himself traversing through the forestry. Deeper and deeper inside.. The Primordial ultimately discovers a society that prompts him to join under the guise of a man in order to gain an understanding of humanity. His appearance was that of golden hair, golden eyes, and rabbit-like traits - a unique appearance during his existence in the material realm; considerably, he was the ‘first’ of the Lapine beastkin. With interactions between himself and the Moonfallen, he learned of their ways. With more, they learned of his.
It is in this time that occultic magics began infiltrating the young nation.
Intrigued by the kind heartedness of the Greatwood’s peoples and how they differentiated from the Moonfallen, Verdion acknowledged their acts throughout the years by teaching more of his virtues and talents, giving them titles based upon mastery of specific expertise they all pursued. In trust, he divulged his story as Alacritas’ chosen son, having transformed from your standard rabbit, and being capable of assisting the Lifestream in various ways for protecting the lands below the surface of Eternia, just as he had done for Yggdrasil long ago.
It was in the forest people’s own customs and beliefs, communications of Life, and desire to be more closely aligned with nature that they requested a gift from Verdion in exchange that they would continue what they were doing, spread the words of the Underlands and how Rootstock is an important factor to organic support in Eternia, and protect all Realms in their livable life and Spiritual life.
Thus, in a private liturgy of the faith by Verdion, trusting of his instincts and their acceptance, his blessings were extended and bestowed, granting the first of the Lapine kind to resemble his own appearance - due to this endowment by the Rootkeeper of the Realms, these people were granted a natural affinity for the grounds whilst taking on the traits bearing leporidae features; long ears and a bushy tail.
A new epoch is marked in Esshar, and a new beastkin has emerged with the wooded areas - these locations were a reasonable and usual sanctuary for the Lapine during that time period.
“His blessings have brought a new form of people - our people. We, the Lapine, will care for the Undergroves of the lands and ensure that, just as he cared for Yggdrasil, the World Tree, we will continue his missions to provide for the Realms. We all promised.”
The Lapine of Myllenoris
With years to follow Verdion’s blessings of the Lapine, the Rootkeeper’s children became more common in the Moonfall village. Though they were oblivious to the circumstances of the Moonfallen’s occultic activity and affairs of their people, of business kept greatly in the dark, the Lapine continued being loyal in aiding them in the sustenance of the lands surrounding the Kingdom - meanwhile, Verdion was building a special grove for the Lapine near the thin veil between the Spirit Realm and Eternia as an entrance point for himself and a future project that would never see the fruits of his labrous work, called the ‘Verdant Grove’ - made for their druidic rites and communication with the Spirits, closely intertwined with the very boundaries of the World and nature.
Due to these circumstances, these children and Primordial were nescient to the Moonfall’s pursuits, reserved to themselves, until it became more widespread and threatening.
Despite his growing awareness, Verdion maintained a pacifist approach, pleading against what they were doing. He sought not to fight back against their people, having grown attached - many of his Children struggled to interpret how to approach the ordeal until..
“Our tribesmen do not wish to question the ways of Verdion, but many of us feel compelled to take action. We are afraid of their power, afraid of death, but more fearful of how life here will persist if we do not help. We are afraid of repercussions against our father’s ideals, even if he does not take aggressive stances; we will not oppose his points of view and deem them appropriate. We do not feel that the inactivity will be beneficial to the Verdant Grove.
-1686 AC”
Just as the pinnacle of the Coven’s power peaked and ambitions were exposed, Verdion suggested that he and his children reel away to allow higher powers to intervene on their behalf. Fleeing to Verdant Grove, the Lapine began taking caution to defend the locations nearest the Woodlands in which they now resided. Many were unsure; the Primordial’s natural instincts boiled around the sensations of a prey animal. Few saw this as naught more than cowardice, and his inaction would prove to be the downfall of many..
..but a rise of a new kingdom.
Provoked - upon the call of a darker Spirit, the veil between Eternia and the Spirit Realm collapses, and Aschea, Pantheon of Balance and Harmony, emerges to fight back against the village overtaken by the Coven. The plight of occultism is pushed back; Verdion’s Lapine begin joining the fight for the sake of the village people who do not want to be under the control of the Coven. Many of both lost their lives, including Aschea, who took her last breath in this dire moment - signifying the end of her life, but newfound power of the Teraphim - her blessed children.
A new era - Moonfall has been taken back, dubbed as Myllenoris; it is free of any depraved influence. A new generation of the Lapine and Teraphim grow close, helping to rebuild what is lost. The rise of the Teraphim brought a form of nobility to the valley while the Lapine remained dutiful towards the lands with the lesson in mind of more awareness, for they could not allow these infiltrators to take advantage of them again.
People across the lands recognized and believed that Verdion’s inaction was cowardice rather than pacifism. Word spreads, garnering the attention of many deities that looked upon him with disdain, causing him to grow distant for a period and reserved to the Verdant Grove near the Vale left in the wake of Aschea’s emergence to the material realm. A reminder of his failures, but lands that he graciously kept up on maintenance in her honor.
Some shunned Verdion for his lack of bravery, though none knew his story, or his inheritance of a rabbit’s natural-born instincts as a prey animal. Thus, in lack of knowledge, Verdion is worked against. Having grasped the attention of none other than the Divine Panther of Night, Ixchel, the Rabbit Deity is stalked, and approached on a lit, high moon night.
“The Panther saw Verdion’s inaction as a form of betrayal after her fall from grace by Azrael, the Betrayer. For one that sustains life, he did not fight for it. The Betrayer has won. The Witches took someone great. His own people of Gehenna suffered greatly due to the Betrayer.
He speaks - our father’s power goes to waste and should be used for action against these evils. Our father did not hesitate to agree. Ultimately, he did not have a choice. It led to the end of his life at the hands of the Great Panther Spirit.
His death led to many of our sacred tunnels to collapse. Much of the Verdant Grove fell without his power. We could not maintain what stability the system needed. The main rooms remained intact. We dug out a hidden passageway where father’s crystals will stay protected.
Some of our father’s children departed in kind with the Panther to fight another day, believing that his power will be used for the same purpose, with more action against the rise of the corrupt. I do not blame them. What’s left of us will help Aschea’s children and preach our father’s views.
I’m sorry, father Verdion. I pray that your Spirit will be kept in this crystal, even if you are now powerless and cannot speak to us right now. May this ritual recover you, in time.
-1687 AC”
A variety of the Lapine departed that night with Ixchel, towards a new life, with similar purpose, but to ensure that their father’s power was used for the betterment of Life in fighting the corrupt. The remainder of Lapine pledged loyalty to the lands of the Greatwoods and Myllenoris’ Teraphim.
“This may be my last entry, father Verdion. In your passing to follow Lady Aschea, we’ve promised to care for her children and forge a new friendship. She protected us. We tried to protect her. We do not hate you, father Verdion. We never did. We understood that you were scared. We were, too.
I wish we could have saved you from the Great Panther, even if it was your own choice. I pray your Spirit will never be discovered here in this Verdant Grove. Your burrow will always be the most sacred and blessed of these lands. I will upkeep your beliefs in the Roots of our Realms and their support systems. We are your children. We will not abandon your views of Life. Grandma Alacritas made the right choice to give you more, and more, as you have given us.
I love you, father. Thank you for this purpose in Life.
-1688 AC”
The Lapine, continuing to establish the faith and beliefs of Verdion throughout time, grew more widespread from Myllenoris - eventually, the mentions of Verdion, Rootkeeper of the Realms, became less and less talk, until it was no longer acknowledged by his children of later generations; lost to time. The Rootkeeper’s Overseers passed on their torches, until there was the last, who never recorded his name. Only few entries following this tragic time period were ever made - taught by the former that passed away in kind and has been buried below the grounds of the Grove.
“Her children are becoming more insistent, father. I do not know what we should do, despite the past memories surfacing and suggesting action. She reminds me of Aschea, but she also does not. A strange woman named Lady Savarra. There is fear in my heart, and fight amongst the Teraphim. Some have taken more to impulse than logic. Her presence raises my alertness. If only the last Overseer, Mister Sanders, could be here to give me advice.
I have come to visit you each day in the Verdant Grove, but each day feels as though there are more eyes on me. If I must take action, I will do what I can to protect you and ensure your Spirit here is safe in these crystals. One day, you may be free again, even if you will never be at full power.
The Grove seems to have more questionable activity around it.
-1812 AC”
—-------
“I believe they have become blind in their paths and faith. The Mistseers have taken refuge in Aschea’s Temple, but I fear there is something sinister. There are not many Lapine left of father’s children. Most of the Teraphim have departed, and their population is in decline.
The activity around the Verdant Grove is quiet, but more webs have been seen in the forest surrounding it. I may be oblivious, but my stomach tells me that I must protect this Grove at all costs, even at the cost of my life force.
Forgive me, father Verdion. I may pass here, but I will protect your sacred grove from the forces that may be trying to take hold of it.
Bless father Verdion, and may his teachings remain for the future.
-1870 AC”
The last entry of the book is made, closed and in the arms of what appears to be a skeleton of the last known Overseer of Verdion in the Verdant Grove, deep in the forests of Myllenoris and its Greatwoods. This body rests near an abundance of never-before-seen crystals. A gentle power emanates from within, though it is not strong - one thing is for certain.. It holds a great sense of Spiritual essence.
Liturgies of the Lapine
Various rites include:
- The conjuration of Harmony, wishing for naught but balance upon a location that is experiencing the deprivation of Life and decreasing vegetation, unable to sustain itself. Inducements of this derived from the Teraphim that wished to honor Aschea’s purpose.
- The gentleness of Verdion’s blessed Lapine, attuned with the lands, by bringing together their natural affinity for earthen elements to perform unique ideas in mind. This rite is more open-ended, as his teachings pertained to the notion that the locations below the lands are not oft considered when it comes to the health and growth of an environment, or how important it is to be nurtured- thus, these are special rites performed by Lapine to help assist those teachings and cite them.
- The Lifestream’s energy, utilized to supplement a summons for regeneration of a location, an object of nature and its roots, or a structure built on the frameworks of Verdion’s mission - whatever those may be, it is up to the Lapine or other followers to accurately see that the Underlands are never forgotten for these liturgies.
- Others that are unlisted, but mentions of timely harvest rituals throughout the seasonal changes are not unspoken of.
The Rootkeeper and the Lapine
Verdion’s title as Rootkeeper is a sacred title, representing the symbolism and spirituality of the internal earthen aspects below the surfaces of Eternia. Rumored as nothing more than a title bestowed upon individuals throughout time that have shown profound guardianship of the lands below, any Rootkeeper is responsible is to oversee and protect the foundations of Life that pertained to growth, stability, and connections with nature and the Realms.
- These namely peoples safeguard the health of the earthen grounds below, restoring nature per their duties.
- Stability in nurturing is a priority of the Lapines, helping to revitalize the natural sanctity of Eternia’s lands - above and below.
- Their sense of community is fostered by the beliefs that all Life is connected, utterly sacred, and that the foundational aspects of Life should be upheld in purity, genuity, and that Life can flourish from the ground up.
- Because of these beliefs, roots are a sacred symbol to the Lapine - they constitute the organic cycles that are continuous and interconnected, vital for the persistence of these cycles and growth. Due to this, Lapines believe that what lies below the lands of Eternia are to be protected and nurtured for the world’s continued sustenance.
The teachings by a Rootkeeper show the bravery and resolution of the Lapine; they are considered a form of ‘Wardens’ for humanity, as their natural affinities are said to assist in making a race of prey animals into a more stalwart and tenacious people. They are clever, agile, and familiar with various forms of architecture.
Lapine have an organic sense of community due to their upbringing and are often perceived as teachers, advisors, councilors, and scholars. They are very emotional.
Despite the once known deity of the original Lapine tribes of the past, Verdion is no longer a spoken name. The origins of the rabbit-beastkin has become unknown; many deem them as a godless people. It is not uncommon that a Lapine lives in the confines of nature, especially burrowing below the lands of Eternia for safety and protection. They oft take to these locations with a big heart and care for it. These instincts may have become lost to time, or are not taught to modern/present-day Lapine.
Much of the history for the Lapine has since been lost due to these generational, non-spoken children and lack of acknowledgement by their ancestors.
Lapine Today:
Lapine today that take on the original form of their ancestors are more rabbit-like - they take on a more reserved and gentle demeanor. Their appearance comes off more soft, smaller, and rounder.
Followers of Ixchel from ages past are more known to have hare-like features, are stronger built, slimmer, and tall.
Lapine are spread out and can be found in most corners of Eternia. They are a lesser sight than other beastkin, such as the Kitsune or Ookami. Many smaller clans can usually be found in the depths of forests - more particularly, in Groves underground.
Due to Lapine falling away from their roots, their instincts have shifted as time went on. Originally a more passive race has become more integrated to communities with less reservation to themselves and ambitions.
But lately, arround the year of 2125AC, the rediscovery of the Verdant Grove allowed a small group of people within Meranthe to find the origins of their ancestors. The Faith may once more return for its people.