Kitsune
Tricky Multi Tailed Foxes
Kitsune are magical shapeshifting fox people that roam the world. Using their natural-born magic, they play tricks on people or help them in battle. All kitsune share two defining traits, creating illusions and having control of an element. They start with one of the basic eight elements. Because of these quirks, kitsune are rather dangerous.
Kitsune have two forms. One looks like a regular fox, while the second is a human. However, their humanoid form has the ears of a fox and their tail. In addition, higher-level kitsune are capable of switching at will. Using these forms, they're able to go into the world, unnoticed except by the keen few that can see through their disguises.
Despite all of this, kitsune have one fatal weakness. The tail is the most sensitive part of a kitsune's body, and it's also the source of a kitsune's magic. If someone forcefully grabs their tail, they will feel discomfort and be unable to use their magic. If their tail ever gets cut off, they may die from the sheer amount of pain they're in, or if they survive, they will never be able to use their magic again. However, besides knowing how to guard against this weakness, touching a kitsune's tail without permission is one of the most disrespectful things someone can do. And could lead to the toucher's death.
One thing that's for sure, these magical tricksters are very fickled people. They could be enjoying sake one second and trying to murder the next. So, be careful when dealing with them.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Kitsune are much like humans in terms of anatomy. What sets them apart is their fox ears and tail. Kitsune also tend to have more lithe builds compared to other species.
Growth Rate & Stages
As a kitsune gets stronger/older, they grow more tails. The number of tails a kitsune has represents its magical power. Some even theorize with each new tail comes an ability. The maximum amount of tails they can have is nine. Once they reach this state, they can use their full power without issues.
Ecology and Habitats
Because of their secretive nature, they tend to live in secluded areas. Some live on mountain ranges; however, some clans use their illusionary powers to hide in plain sight. They often disguise themselves as humans to either not cause alarm or trick people.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Kitsune have a very similar diet to humans. The only notable thing about the diet is that it is heavier on vegetables than meat. They also tend to have rice and other grains.
Additional Information
Social Structure
The more tails a kitsune has, the more respected they are. It is also assumed the more tails they have, the wiser they must be. It is not uncommon to see multiple kitsune elders nearing their ninth tail, leading their respective villages.
Facial characteristics
Their facial features are pretty similar to that of a human. However, some might have distinct markings covering their face. Although, there's a few cases of a kitsune born with a face of a fox. This mutation causes people to think that they are fox beastmen.
Average Intelligence
Kitsune are very intelligent creatures. By using their illusionary skills and senses, kitsunes can fool the brightest and get away with almost anything. But, at the same time, some kitsune have grown overconfident in their skills. As a result, some end up being tactical geniuses while others are reckless idiots.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Like most races, they have the five senses, but their hearing is where they shine. Some use their magical abilities to detect if someone is coming closer to them.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
A Kitsune's name can come from any number of things. First, their name can stem from their clan or pre-existing family members. Second, their name could come from any oddities parents might find. Like being born on a full moon, their fur bearing traits from both parents or strange markings. The third option is waiting to see their element and basing their name around that.
Average Technological Level
While kitsunes mainly stay within their villages and clans, they have developed hundreds of magical rituals and techniques. They are not averse to using modern technology, but most decide to stick to either tradition or empowering their mystical abilities.
Common Dress Code
While all clans have a different dress code, they share an oriental style. Recently, the younger generation has decided to try wearing clothes provided by the outside world. Elders and high-ranking officials prefer to stay with their tradition to honor their ancestors, and some believe that their clothing empowers their spell-casting.
For certain ceremonies, Elders and shrine maidens wear exclusive outfits. It typically depends on the event or the time of year.
Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals
Kitsunes seem to gravitate or get assigned jobs based on their elemental affinity. At first, it may seem unfair, but many agree that avoiding accidental fires near farmlands is a good idea. As a general guideline, kitsune with offensive magic have jobs defending/patrolling the village, while those with more passive magic get inside jobs. However, that does not mean you wouldn't see a cook using fire magic or a potter using earth magic.
Common Taboos
One rule is touching another kitsune's tail without permission. It is seen as a cowardly tactic and quickly angers the touched kitsune. Furthermore, if done within the village, the offender will swiftly receive punishment. On a more serious note, revealing clan secrets is a serious crime. Depending on the reason and the leaked information, the perpetrator can receive various punishments, all differing in severity.
Common Myths and Legends
As most of you know, the tale of the nine-tailed fox is all over the place. When a kitsune reaches its ninth tail, it becomes extremely powerful. These few kitsune who have, have done incredible things. For example, shape the land, get into power struggles, and master multiple magics. However, people might not know that there are distinctly good kitsune and evil kitsune. Enter the Kiko and the Chiko. The Kiko is the good kitsune that help humanity, while the Chiko is their bane. While it isn't confirmed if these variants ever existed, stories of the Kiko helping others and the Chiko damning others still float around to this day.
Average Physique
Because of their natural usage of magic, kitsune tend to have lighter, frailer builds. However, they use this to their advantage. Some of the more athletically gifted make for excellent runners or rogues.
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Typically, kitsune have the colorization of their fox counterparts. Some of their fur/hair come in reddish brown/tan, black, white, silver, and gold. Although this is the standard, it isn't outlandish to see kitsune with other colors. Their skin typically depends on the region they live in and their parents, and most if not all kitsune have some form of making on them. This marking appears either in their fox form or humanoid form.
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