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 said diet is that it is a bit heavier on the vegetable side of things than on the meat side.

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. You would often find multiple kitsune elders who are 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. Using their illusionary magic, they can fool the brightest and get away with anything. But, at the same time, some kitsune have been too cocky for their good. 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

Since IDQ is in a video game world, there aren't any authentic naming traditions. However, there are some that typically people go by. For example, since kitsune are from Japanese mythology, sometimes their names draw from different kanji. Sometimes they could be named after the element they wield or their fur.

Common Taboos

One rule is touching another kitsune tail without permission. It is seen as a cowardly tactic and quickly angers the touched kitsune. Furthermore, touching a kitsune's tail is strictly prohibited.

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.

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.