Kitsune

Kitsune are the enigmatic progeny of two worlds—the mortal-bound Vulpin and the elusive yokai of the Spirit Realm. Brought into being by Tobari, the cunning and clever Fox Animal Lord, the Kitsune are creatures of inherent duality, born of union between flesh and Spirit, reason and mystery. They dwell at the intersection of reality and illusion, shaped by the dreams of foxes and the whispered secrets of spirits. Their very nature is a living testament to Tobari’s desire to bridge the primal cunning of beasts with the ethereal magic of the spirit world.

In form, Kitsune possess an unearthly beauty. Their fox-like traits are more refined and otherworldly than their Vulpin kin—glowing fur, tails that shimmer like starlight, and eyes that pierce through lies and veils. As they age, they gain additional tails—symbols of their spiritual growth and arcane mastery. Most bear between one and nine, though only the eldest and wisest have achieved the mythical ninth tail. Each Kitsune exudes a presence that blurs the line between corporeal and spectral, a constant reminder of their yokai heritage.

What sets Kitsune apart is their innate talent for illusion and transformation. They can seamlessly shift between their natural fox-like form and a humanoid guise—sometimes indistinguishable from mortals, sometimes hauntingly beautiful with subtle animal features. This shapechanging ability is more than trickery; it is a sacred gift passed from Tobari, used to walk both the mortal world and spirit realm without boundary. Whether as silent observers, sly manipulators, or benevolent guides, Kitsune navigate the world with calculated grace and uncanny insight.

Socially, Kitsune are secretive and often solitary, though small familial covens exist, bound by shared ancestry or magical affinity. Some dwell among the Vulpin, revered as mystics or feared as omens. Others live near Spirit Realm crossings, guarding ancient thresholds or guiding the dying to peace. Their culture is rich with oral traditions, riddles, and rites—many of which trace back to their yokai ancestors. They value cleverness, loyalty, and the balance between restraint and mischief. Kitsune rarely act without purpose, and their motives are often layered in riddles as intricate as their illusions.

Tales abound of Kitsune meddling in mortal affairs—sometimes for love, sometimes for revenge, sometimes merely to see what might happen. They might appear as a wandering bard, a forgotten noble, or a masked Oracle whose words reshape destinies. Yet behind each tale is the thread of Tobari’s legacy: a being created not only to deceive, but to reveal hidden truths through clever disguise.

Genetic Ancestor(s)
Geographic Distribution

RGttYR

Kitsune

HUMANOID (YOKAI)

Kitsune Traits

Size: Medium (5-7ft)

Speed: 35ft

As a Kitsune, you have these special traits.

Ascendant Form.

You have the power to take on a magical, ascendant form. As an action, you can radiate bright, white light for 1 hour or until you end the effect as a bonus action. This light penetrates magical darkness, shedding bright light in a 10-foot radius and dim light for an additional 10 feet. Creatures of your choice in the light can add 1d4 to their Intimidation, Perception, and Persuasion ability checks. While in this form, when a creature within 10 feet of you misses an attack roll or fails a saving throw, you can use your reaction to add 1d4 to the result, potentially turning a miss into a hit or a failure into a success. Once you use this trait, you can’t do so again until you finish a long rest.

Darkvision.

You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can’t discern colour in darkness, only shades of grey.

Fox’s Wedding.

You know the druidcraft and produce flame cantrips. Once you reach 3rd level, you can cast the disguise self spell once with this trait as a 1st-level spell, and you regain the ability to cast it this way when you finish a long rest. You can also cast either of those spells using any spell slots you have of the appropriate level. Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma is your spellcasting ability for these spells (choose when you select this race).

Kitsune Guile.

You have proficiency in one of the following skills of your choice: Deception, Persuasion, or Stealth.

Language of Motion.

You can articulate ideas through motion, as well as speech. If you spend 1 minute moving your tails and ears, you can communicate a simple message, which can be contrary to any words you may be speaking aloud. This communication is undetectable to any creature that doesn’t speak Kitsune. A creature within 60 feet of you that can see you and speaks Kitsune can understand this message.

Shapeshifter.

As an action, you can transform into the shape of a fox. When you do, your clothing and equipment meld into your form, and you gain no benefits from them while transformed. You determine the specifics of your appearance in fox form, including your colouration and size (choosing from Tiny or Small when you transform). All your other game statistics remain the same. You can’t cast spells that require material or somatic components while in this form, but you can still concentrate on spells and speak as normal. You remain in this form until you use an action to revert to your true form or you die.


This species has multiple parents, only the first is displayed below.
All parents: