Kitsune
Trickster Spirit
Basic Information
Anatomy
Kitsune resemble anthropomorphic foxes, both small and slender in posture compared to other humanoids. Those with experience in magic have also multiple tails, to as many as nine. As shapechangers, they can change their appearance between a spectrum of fox and humanoid, ranging from vulpine-eared humans to full-on foxes. Most hide their true nature behind such forms to blend in, while others display their true form regardless.Biological Traits
Celestial Souls
Kitsune descend from Titans and therefor carry a Celestial spark within their soul, something responsible for their innate magic ability. This part of them warps their soul into something unique, drawn out more by those who practice magic and the fundementals of existence. Whereas deceased souls break down in the Ethereal Veil, a Kitsune's spirit clings together long after their passing, even without an outside force to protect it. Such longevity can last anywhere from decades to centuries, allowing many to live a second life as an ethereal being. A few bypass the borders between life and death to live, taking on corporeal form through possession or magic. Only powerful magic users even seem capable of doing such a feat, although those with intense willpower may also manage to break the barrier between worlds. Others find beings from either world to aid them instead, either through mortal cults or divine guidance.Shapechanging
All Kitsune are capable of changing their appearance.Kitsune Magic
Genetics & Reproduction
Civilization and Culture
Major Organizations
The Kitsune Sisters
The Kitsune Sisters are the granddaughters of the First Empress, who have sworn to ensure she never breaks free from her prison. Each owning a bit of land around the rock she is sealed inside, the trio consists of Tamamo, Yakumo and Inari.
Cult of the Nine-Tailed Fox
The Cult of the Nine-Tailed Fox is a small group still devoted to the First Empress found in eastern Fabulae. Determined to break her free once more, they seek to find a way to break her seal and give back her power.
Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals
Kitsunetsuki
Many Kitsune enjoy possessing the bodies of other beings to use them as vessels for festivals and entertainment. Hijacking a mortal's body, they go around to dance and party until their body is tired, only to leave the person with the headaches and exhaustion.
Kitsune no Yomeiri
When Kitsune marry, they like to do it in a traditional ways of Zipangu. However, to avoid interference of any mortal, they cause it to rain in the area, even if the sun might be out. Should the wedding be held at night though, they instead use Foxfire lights to scare off anyone interrupting their wedding.
History
Origins
Little is known where or how the first Kitsune was born. Some believe them to be once gods now imprisoned in bestial forms, others as monsters from prehistoric pasts. All across Tai their imagery has bee found in caves and shrines alike, making the first ones eons old at best.
Rise & Fall of the First Empress
The sun shines when I demand it, the rice grows when I require it. Mortal and Kami shall obey my word, or die daring to defy it.
One of the most notorious historical events involving Kitsune is the rise and fall of the First Empress. Said to have come from inland Hua Xia, she conquered early Zipangu civilisation and ruled it with an iron fist.
Her reign lasted for decades, destroying any rebellions as she seemed fit and seeding fear into the hearts of mortals. A tormentor that toyed with her subjects and saw almost everyone as less than her. Many tried to best her but inevitably failed to stop her, in her twisted amusement.
That was, until her encounter with Sun Wukong at the coast of Hua Xia during an invasion. After a humiliating defeat, she returned back home to be only met with the Titan Daidarabotchi and her own folk seeking to end her tyranny. Enraged, she prompted to slay man and god alike, fighting like the beast she was.
With losses counting in the hundred thousands, eventually they were able to strip her power and seal her away... At a price. Without her to control said power, it tore loose the Ethereal Veil across Zipangu, spilling out Yokai from what became known as the Kimon.
The Second generation of Kitsune
From the leaking of the Ethereal Veil, Yokai flooded Zipangu's mainland. And with it, new Kitsune were born from the foxes living there. As such, nowadays the island nation has become the most densely populated area of Kitsune.Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
Kitsune have a long and conveluted history with other species, both as wicked spirits and benevolent messengers of the gods. Depending on who you ask, their interactions with the fox folk either is welcomed or hated by the natives. Although rarely are many seen as truly malevolent.
They're seen as one of the major three of Yokai-kind, alongside Oni and Tengu. As such, many Yokai respect them to some extension. Whether that be as servants of the gods, or as cunning masters of sorcery. Although many have rivalries with the fellow tricksters known as Tanukis.
Amongst other races, their supernatural nature makes them a bit of an outcast, but also a great arcane ally. Thanks to their shapeshifting, many hire them for infiltration and espionage, using their human disguise to blend in.
Subgroups
Amongst Kitsune-kind, there are two distinct subgroups:
- Nogitsune: Making up most of the Kitsune population, these mischievous tricksters like to use their newfound magic to prank and deceive mortals. Few care about the higher duties of gods and kami alike, instead going around entertaining themselves on mortal pleasures.
- Zenko: Also known as good foxes, they often are the messengers of gods and kami alike. In their enlightenment, they seek to improve and hone their skills, ascending the ranks of Kitsune. While many act as mere scouts and servants, those with enough dedication soon sit alongside the greater deities of pantheons.
Kitsune have an hierarchal social structure meant to determine the age, power and status of each one. As of today, following ranks exist:
- Ashireoko: The lowest rank of Kitsune, indistinguishable from most foxes. They make up the vast majority of all Kitsune kind.
- Chiko: Kitsune who are at least 100 years old. By now they have begun sprouting more tails as well as master their spellcasting. For most Nogitsune, this is the highest rank possible.
- Kiko: Kitsune who have lived between 500 to 1.000 years. By now they have begun shedding their mortal coil, working in service of gods as messengers and helpers of humanity. As such, many appear as spectral entities, capable of taking on any form.
- Tenko: The highest possible rank for a Kitsune to achieve, on par with gods and kami alike. Only a few ever achieve this rank, as it takes millenia worth of dedication to even reach this level of power and ascension.
Kitsune Players
Kitsune revel in trickery but have an affinity for culture. As such, they always seek to explore the arts and traditions of society, whether it be from the shadows or in the open. For some they only do this for their own amusement, while others see it as a way to enlighten themselves with a better undersanding of things. Some just do both.
Incredible detailed and very well written. I especially like your use of so much BBCode for the layout.