Fox Spirit (fɒks ˈspɪrɪt)

Fox spirits are a form of spirit that is, whole unknown to many, incredibly prevalent in human life and history. These spirits, with their illusions and shape-shifting are known to be quite tricky and occasionally mischievous.  To become a fox spirit, it is said that they must live to fifty or a hundred years old as a normal fox, however these claims are unknown to be true. 
Fox spirits, despite the fact they can easily transform themselves into humans on their own, occasionally are known to posses human beings. Either on purpose, or by accident. Their soul merely drifting into the body of someone recently deceased. In the second case, both the fox spirit and the human mind merge in a sense, becoming one, almost. They are still two different souls in the end, meaning it is more like there are two voices in one mind, instead of both human and spirit combining themselves. When this is the case, communication between the fox and the human can be telepathic, but in some cases it is better to speak out-loud, giving the appearance of someone talking to or arguing with themselves.
Finally, fox spirits are spirits primarily, and thus they often serve the Gods. Because of these actions, fox spirits can travel between spheres, though they rarely tend to do so. Such travel is usually reserved when travelling between the Third Sphere and the Gods Sphere. Though they can distribute throughout the worlds and their spheres, they prefer to be worshipped, and thus stick to certain ares in the Third and Gods Spheres.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Fox spirits can transform themselves into whatever form they wish, yet in their natural form they tend to be similarly built to foxes. Fox spirits tend to be closest to the appearance of red foxes, so close in fact that they are indistinguishable from an actual red fox. Complete with all four legs, a tail, and the skeletal structure of a fox.

Biological Traits

Fox spirits often look exactly like the red fox, so even if one is keeping an eye out, they most likely will not recognise if one is a spirit or not. While they do collect more tails over the centuries, that is one of the few changes that can distinguish a fox spirit from a red fox.

Growth Rate & Stages

Fox spirits, in their natural state, don't tend to change very much throughout their lives with several exceptions. It is believed that every hundred years a fox spirit gains a new tail, until they have acquired all nine. When they reach this age, the age of 900-1000 years to be exact, it is said that their fur changes from the reddish color they were born with to white or gold.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Fox spirits are often quite picky over what they eat. Rice is often a nice staple to a fox spirit's diet, but their favourite foods are fried tofu slices, or noodle-like foods such as udon.

Behaviour

Fox sprirts can be either benevolent or malevolent. Some more cruel forms of fox spirits can purposefully try and mess with humans for the purpose of the human's misery. Sometimes going as far to create an unknown parasitic relationship with a family that can last for generations, dwindling away the family's resources and money. However, there are kind fox spirits as well, who prefer to help those in need, or at the very least they don't intend to cause harm to those who do not deserve it. Even so though, even benevolent spirits will still use shape-shifting and illusions as it is in their nature, though they rarely intend to hurt anyone by doing so.

Additional Information

Facial characteristics

In fox form they tend to have long snouts and reddish fur going across their face with large and pointed black-tipped ears. In human forms they sometimes tend to have sharper teeth and unnatural eyes, such as yellow.

Average Intelligence

Relatively intelligent. Even the less intelligent fox spirits tend to be craft and a little clever

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

The abilities of a fox spirit are very varied. These spirits often have the abilities to shape-shift into any form they desire, craft illusions, and even create 'foxfire'. These illusions they create can be incredibly complex and realistic, sometimes even making the victim of the illusion unaware they are experiencing an illusion. As for foxfire, it is actually just a form a magic taking on a fire effect, not fire in itself. Foxfire can be created either by the spirit breathing or wagging their tail/s. Finally, as for shape-shifting, they can appear to be a normal -if not incredibly beautiful- if they like. The only draw back is if a fox spirit is surprised, caught-off-gaurd, or drunk, they may slip up and reveal their natural teeth, ears, tails, or even fur. However, they are most careless about their tails. If a fox spirit becomes to comfortable, a tail or two can appear and reveal their true identity.

Civilization and Culture

Beauty Ideals

Fox spirits have no beauty ideals of their own, they can prefer to conform the the beauty ideals of the humans they are surrounded by.

Common Myths and Legends

There are countless myths and legends relating to fox spirits. One story tells how a black fox spirit was reincarnated into the stars as the big-dipper constellation. Another tells of a white fox spirit that possessed a war lord of sorts, and, with their new combined knowledge, led him to victory.

Scientific Name

Vulpes vulpes

Lifespan

Unknown, can live to 1000 years old

Conservation Status

Vulnerable

Average Height

35-50 centimeters at shoulder

Average Weight

Usually 4-6 kg

Average Length

39-43 inches

Average Physique

As a fox, their physique is, well, fox like. In human form however, they decide their own physique

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

These foxes tend to have reddish fur that starts across their face and spreads down their sides and tails with pale-white underbellies, throats, and chins. They also tend to have the iconic, fluffy, white-tipped tail synonymous with red foxes. Moreover, fox spirits also have black feet. When they reach the age of 9000 years old, some foxes' fur can turn golden or white.