It would seem the recurring setting is in an ancient era, where people who possess great spiritual powers are known as cultivators. However, it is uncertain why recurring names come up in different eras, and if it is common to transform into rabbits.
Part of the Lan family, which sometimes is referred to as "sect" or "clan". Of serious character but has proved to have a very sensitive spirit in many transmissions, often playing the guqin and longing for a beloved (one that seems to have passed in some transmissions). Is referred to by different titles or terms of endearment, such as "Hanguang-jun", "Lan-er- gege", or "Zhan-er". Seems to be very fond of rabbits, and in some transmissions, is found to also transform into a rabbit himself (see Bunji or Hanguang-bun).
Seems to also be part of the Lan family by marriage to Lan Wangji, but it seems unclear at times. Often found to be loud, boisterous, and smiling, more often than not. There is apparently a connection between him and Lan Wangji's rabbit fondness, but it is unclear what it is exactly. He seems to be called "Wei-qianbei" at times by Lan juniors, and might also be referred to as "Yiling laozu", but this is a speculation. Transmissions show that his intentions are good and he can care for bunnies when needed (but some jokes are not for everybunny).
A young boy often reported as member of the Lan sect, who seems to be Lan Wangji's son and related somehow to Wei Wuxian. He is proper and kind, but seems to still not be too sure of how to deal with unexpected issues. Referred to as A-Yuan at times, especially in transmissions where he is still a child. As a Lan, it is possible he might also transform into rabbit in some transmissions.
A young boy also part of the Lan sect, good friend of Lan Sizhui. While it seems most people of the Lan sect are very proper, he is described as "un-Lan" due to his rather loud personality in some transmissions. He seems to be very honest, saying what he thinks almost without filter, but respects Lan Wangji deeply and refers to him as "Hanguang-jun". Unlike others, he doesn't seem to be referred to by other names. Possibly a rabbit shifter, as well.
In this transmission, the subjects of this universe appear to be living in a universe very similar to the E-ST universes, capable of advanced space travel and exploration. The rabbit population seen in multiple transmissions in this section also make an appearance here.
It started, as so many things do, with his brother’s blatant weakness for half-breeds. Not that Wei Ying isn't weak for anything unusual, or for one half-breed in particular. Jiang Cheng’s ship and crew are (generally speaking) better for it, and so far that's been enough to justify his antics to Cultivation Central. The bunnies, though. That could have been a tough sell.
In this transmission, we see an example of a population of rabbits, living in the location known as the Cloud Recesses, that appear very similar to the Rabbit of Caerbannog (as described in the E-BTVS1997 universe).
So I thought I’d do a mashup between Mo Dao Zu Shi / The Untamed and Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
In this transmission, we see an iteration of the legendary Bunnicula, appearing among the rabbit population living in the Cloud Recesses.
Shortly after A-Yuan had arrived at the Cloud Recesses, he'd found and bonded with a small black and white rabbit. The rabbit was only awake at night, could seemingly escape locked cages, and any vegetables it bit turned white. That's not normal rabbit behavior, right?
In this transmission, the rabbit population of the Cloud Recesses (which appear to be a significant echopoint in this universe) described appear to be nothing but mundane rabbits. Caring for them is a catalyst for the beginning of a friendship between Subjects Lan Yuan and Lan Jingyi.
All the best friendships start over rabbits.
Mentions of pet rabbits appear a couple of times, showing how common it was to have them in pairs. A very interesting piece on human emotions and of humans engaging on rabbit-like behavior post-marriage. The timeline is uncertain, but would appear to be in the early 21st century.
Warning: this transmission is for adult bunnies only!
An interesting case of humans transforming into animals. This suggests that not everyone possesses this ability, only certain families do and have been able to from generation to generation. New word entry for Bunji, currently defined as "shapeshifter Lan Wangji whenever he transforms into a bunny, term exclusively used in this situation, not interchangeable with his name if he is in human form."
This transmission is rather bittersweet in the descriptions of life as an unwanted bunny that must be taken care of by a human instead of his mother. A particular case where Wei Wuxian appears to be a bunny, not by shapeshifting, but by birth. This not only reinforces the reincarnation theory that has been discussed in this section, but it also shows that a human reincarnating into an animal is not seen as something particularly positive.
A very interesting approach to mourning and the way a child's mind works when a parent is sad. It is good to know that Lan Wangji is very fond of rabbits and that they make him happy. This humble archivist wouldn't mind being carried in a basket if they can make Lan Wangji happy. Yes, I'm leaving it like this, don't tell the head archivist I'm letting my emotions show in the reports.
An interesting turn for shapeshifting, where it seems to happen only from time to time in order to compensate for a lack of emotional and energy outlet from the Lan sect. In this transmission, Lan sect members seem to still have their personality even as unwillingly transformed rabbits. As to why the whole sect would transform into rabbits at the same time, for the same amount of time, there does not seem to be enough information in order to have a clear answer.
This transmission proves useful to show that Lan sect members indeed transform into rabbits more often than not, while also having other rabbits wandering around Cloud Recesses. Before it is clear that Lan Wangji is a shapeshifter, however, Wei Wuxian does not seem too taken aback with knowing that the rabbit he encountered might be able to speak exclusively to Lan Wangji, which is not common in Earth transmissions.
Original idea of owner loving their pet refuted, but interesting discovery of use of the word rabbit in this context. Glad to know that this archivist is not the only one misguided. What other uses of "rabbit" are there that we are not familiar with yet? Further investigation required, must expand on the use of "bunny" as well. In an interesting turn of events, the subjects who had previously made appearances as men, are women in this transmissions. Reincarnation theory is reinforced.
Warning: this transmission is for adult bunnies only!
There is an undeniable link between rabbits and the Lans in every transmission so far. Whether it is as pets, or as the Lans being shapeshifters themselves, rabbits are mentioned specifically whenever Lans are involved. With each transmission, these humble bunny archivists feel a sensation of safety and strange familiarity whenever Lans are mentioned.
Most transmissions talk about rabbits kept as pets, but there are some where members of the Lan sect transform into rabbits. It is true that the pet rabbits don't seem to be able to communicate with humans, but it has been mentioned how this proves to be difficult during a transformation. This is only a speculation, but could it be possible that the pet rabbits in some transmissions are actually Lans that stayed in rabbit form?
Many transmissions seem to be set in an ancient time where robes were worn, as is shown in the Notable People section. However, transmissions from what seems to be the 21st century, and the 23rd century have come up during research, and the people described is the same. There appear to be some mentions of someone having had a previous life, so it might just be that we're seeing multiple cases of that.
Most transmissions mention the Cloud Recesses, where the Lans live and the bunnies seem to thrive. It is unsure whether it is a place where bunnies have always lived there (possibly because they are also Lan sect members), or they were taken in as pets at a certain point, but without a doubt, rabbits are abundant there. It seems that nobunny is in distress or exposed to predators in the Cloud Recesses, and are able to move in a rather ample green space under the sunlight. Sounds like a wonderful place to live in as a bunny.