Katsue
Winged Fox
Among the mundane animals of the forest live the katsue; a fox-like creature with strong wings made for bursts of flight and agile maneuvers. These clever and nimble animals are known to be curious and friendly towards travelers but have learned to be wary, especially of humans.
The most common breed fully resemble foxes with golden or auburn feathered wings, tipped with snowy white to match their tails. There are also many rare breeds of katsue with strange and vibrant colouration. Hunted nearly to extinction long ago, there is now a profitable luxury trade in breeding and training these intelligent animals. Killing domestically bred katsue for their skins is frowned upon, but purchasing an exotic pet for the purpose in not unheard of.
It is no longer permitted to hunt wild katsue for sport or for their hides as trophies among the lands of the Mansa. Accidentally injuring or killing a katsu is not immediately punished but frequently recorded transgressions can levy fines or indentured service in strictly lawful lands.
Now, most katsue on Allegri are partiallly domesticated and their numbers are on the rise. Although expensive, domestically bred katsue are extremely popular because of their attractive features, despite still having rather wild instincts.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Katsue physically resemble the common red fox. Lean and agile carniverous quadrupeds, katsue tails split into either two or three independant apendages. There are stories of seeing katsue with more tails, although these seem to be mostly hearsay and bards tales.
Commonly found in temperate, deciduous forests, katsue have powerful feathered wings that span twice their length. When not in use, their wings fold closely against their body and do not interfere with their movements on the ground or through burrows. Their powerful wings allow for quick and precise bursts of limtied flight but are not useful for extended travel.
Natural variations in their pelt include all natural colours found among foxes, brown, red, orange, and rarer colours not known among common beasts. The katsue with vibrant colours; rich burgundies, vibrant purples, mossy greens, and saffron yellows, were overhunted centuries ago for their hides until nearby cultures began to discriminate against such behaviours and the katsue migrated away from the human capitals.
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