Kitsune (kɪtˈsuː.neɪ)

A playful and wise race that is known widely for its mischievous ways despite seemingly being very sparse of population. They are a species of humanoid shapechangers who possess low-light vision. They as a baseline live around one century. When they undergo a mental or spiritual awakening, often brought on due to meditation or training, their lifespans double. Upon achieving their ninth tail their lifespans become effectively unlimited. Physical frailty is halted though they can still be slain by action or forgo their physical existence to become a parishioner to their deity willingly. Kitsune can come from two known sources, the first, and also the initial way they come into being is when a fox is born with a nature spirit infused into it. This young fox will show heightened signs of intelligence and an extremely extended lifespan. If the fox reaches one hundred years of age it will grow a second tail, and will be bestowed with a humanoid form. The second is to be born to a kitsune. Kitsune can interbreed with nearly any species and always produce kitsune but, due to low fertility and a not well understood limiting factor on their species they are rarely able to have more than one or two children. Kitsune develop their tails as they train and undergo meditative contemplation. On average one tail will be around 15 percent of the population. 2 to 3 tails makes up 47 percent, 4 to 6 make up 30 percent 7 tails make up a 4 percent, 8 tails make up 1 percent and only a hand-full are known to have achieved 9 tails.( 2 known on Tavan and 1 who is an ancestor to a character named Abel Veldwalker on Kaladar).
A kitsune’s magic is tied to their tails. As they grow in power they grow more tails. They can lose their tails through a few factors as well. A kitsune that is marked as dishonored in the eyes of its deity can lose them. A kitsune can also lose them if their magic is stripped from them. If they lose all their tails they become an Oni called a Nogitsune. They are demonic foxes that attack the humanoids, sow destruction, and for the more sane ones corrupt the innocent.
A kitsune has a specific humanoid form that is unique to them, and either an animal form or hybrid form. A kitsune may gain the ability to take any humanoid’s form through training. The animal and hybrid forms have access to appropriate natural attacks. Kitsune can have natural access to a variety of illusion and mind affecting magics, and the ability to generate an attack called foxfire.
Typically kitsune blend into human or other races settlements and tend to live placid lives. Young kitsune will often take up an adventurous bent. When not travelling they can often be found studying, meditating, or if caught playing pranks on the locals.
A kitsune can establish a relationship but if they find the one that spiritually matches them best, they will feel it. It will be an overwhelming feeling of rightness for them that will leave them struck dumb for several moments, which could actually be seen as if they were gawking insensately.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Tend to choose names that fit into the societies they mingle with.

Scientific Name

Vulpes-sapien