Where~
On the side of Poppy Hills, close to the water though no one ever approaches it from within the warren, having their own underground water system.
About The Warren~
The moon is seen as their true goddess, so rabbits of this warren sleep during the day and are mostly active at night.
The warren itself is well hidden within a maze of tunnels, and kits must be trained as soon as they can walk to navigate the extensive network in order to get within the warren itself.
Though the maze is always dark to fool the beasts of the hills, once you are within the dens themselves you will catch the soft glow of the strange fungi that light the dens and passageways of the inner warren, and the warmth of the warren that comes with it.
Rabbits of this warren are used to the soft light and recognize each other by scent more than sight, and a stranger would be identified right away.
guards are split into two groups: Moons and Suns. Those that watch the warren during the day and keep the tunnels lit by tending the fungi with water are seen as the braver force, facing Sun-followers and the hill beasts that are awake to defend the warren. Moon Guards are the ones who are active at night, keeping the warren in line and watching out for their leaders.
All types are found within the warren, from storytellers to crafters to regular rabbits. Stories are commonplace within the dark, though usually song is the more adored pastime. The leaders themselves were of the most enthusiastic for song as a kit, and that would be why they were named for such.
Upon death of a member, the rabbit will be lain within the flowing river on a piece of driftwood and all the warren will mourn the loss, usually humming a soft choir until the body of the deceased has floated from view and into the arms of the goddess waiting just ahead.
Appearance~
Rabbits of this warren will be leaner built in stature than those who follow the sun, often with soft, glistening fur from their constant contact with their underground river. Both genders will have larger eyes with wide pupils and wider, shorter ears to better take in their dark surrounding, as well as shorter legs accustomed to dwelling within the warren and rarely outside, where they have no need to outrun hill beasts. They can sometimes be coated in fragments of glowing fungi along their chest and face from constant contact with it, which is washed off in the river before they go out scouting or leave the warren in the dark, when they can be easily seen. The introduction of outsider blood allows for variations, however.
Resources~
Though they follow the moon, most of their gathering of food is done at twilight, the earliest they can possibly go out to avoid full exposure to the sun and see for any hill beasts. Most of what they gather is standard, though from time to time guards and those more dedicated to avoiding the sun are known to eat roots instead, being something that needs no sun to grow downwards into the ground. [Usually the much, MUCH older warren members are the ones eating roots. Younger generations prefer outside foods.]
Water is found within the warren itself, as upon digging the original warren, the queen does had discovered a water source that had flowed in from the surface surrounded by plant-life growing on driftwood that would glow in the darkness. The plants were carefully lifted with pieces of the original wood and placed along tunnels and pathways, and a superstition arose that if you ate the source of the lights or so much as nibbled at them, you would be claimed by the goddess and curse the rest of the warren back into darkness for forsaking her mercy on their ancestors. There are always nibbles here and there from the random kit trying to prove himself, but no one would ever openly admit to disgracing the goddess with pride unless they wanted to be removed from the warren.
Views on Outsiders~
Though not openly hostile towards outside influences, they choose not to involve themselves with quarrels between neighboring warrens unless they should become directly involved in some way.
The wars of the sun followers were not their own, as they chose to follow the moon goddess. If a stranger should want to join them, there is an initiation process where the outsider will have to wash him or herself in the underground waters and be accepted by the Queens after waiting a few days to greet the warren itself, though kits are kept away from them for the time being. A member of the warren must also speak on behalf of the newcomer, usually a Sun Guard who has seen the stranger from the day's view and can vouch for them.
Should a stranger prove to be a threat, it is up to the guard who originally encountered him to exile or kill him/her as they see fit, though the crime usually fits the punishment.
Outsiders who are just visiting or passing through are more likely to not know the warren is there, given they don't interfere with sun-followers often. Should a visitor occur, however, they will be welcomed warmly, but kept at an arm's distance within the warren. Sun-followers are seen often as one would view a kit; as someone who isn't aware of the world just yet and who can be taught should they choose to listen.
Leader~
The Leading Does [usually 3 total at once] bear themselves in a way that strikes fear into others, though they don't seem to be aware of it. By merely standing in a crowded den, they can silence it and bring attention to themselves in a time of crisis.
However, they are better known for their ability to stay level-headed and calm in any given situation, even if the den should collapse around them.
Rules~
-Kits are not allowed outside the warren, period.
-Members of the warren are free to travel at night, so long as they know the risks of the outside world. Warren members are to sleep during the day, but those who wish to travel must seek the permission of an guard on duty to do so. The life of that member is that guard's responsibility should they allow them to wander.
-The river is perfectly within limits, however any who should choose to follow the river downstream will be cast out, as they have pushed the boundaries of the moon goddess and are a risk to the rest of the warren for their curiosity. Kits are warned from a young age that downstream is the goddess's secret lair and she doesn't like to be bothered.
-When the first full moon rises after the ice is melted from the edge of the river, the entire warren hold a celebration to honor the Moon Goddess. Food is stored heavily all year round for this reason, often within pools at the water's edge to keep it fresh, so that they may feast until their bellies are full on this night. [Held in late February or early March, depending on the moon] |
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