Inariin (ee-NAH-ree-in)

The Inariin are a rare and dwindling race of fox-like nature spirits, believed to be the cunning offspring of Igmut, the Trickster God, and a powerful greater Fae whose name has been lost to time—or intentionally hidden. Unlike their chaotic father, the Inariin embody the subtler, elegant aspects of trickery: misdirection, transformation, curiosity, and cleverness. They are not inherently malicious, but they are never to be underestimated.
Their forms shift between foxes, humanoids with vulpine features, and fully anthropomorphic hybrids. Their magic is woven into the natural world—illusion, charm, spirit-walking, and subtle manipulation of energy. Each Inariin is born with a single tail, and as their power grows, so too do their tails. Very few ever live long—or grow wise—enough to earn more than two or three. The mythical nine-tailed Inariin are said to hold secrets even the gods covet.
Most Inariin live in seclusion, guarding ancient places, forgotten groves, or hidden paths between realms. Some walk among mortals as travelers, performers, or spiritual guides, rarely revealing their true nature. They are deeply tied to the land, to fate, and to balance—less like fire, and more like smoke: elusive, persistent, and impossible to contain.
Their numbers are few now. Hunted, misunderstood, or simply fading into the folds of history, the Inariin are whispers of a story nearly ended—but not quite.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Inariin are born in a form nearly identical to large fox kits, though even at birth, they are noticeably bigger and carry a certain unnatural poise. Their eyes gleam with an unnatural intelligence, and their bodies radiate subtle spiritual energy to those attuned to it. Each Inariin is born with a single tail, though their tails split and multiply as they age, grow in power, and undergo spiritual milestones. These transformations are often painful, symbolic, and deeply personal—tied to emotional growth, arcane mastery, or encounters with divine or fae energies.

At full maturity, an Inariin may possess up to nine tails, each one a conduit for spiritual force, illusion, elemental influence, or manipulation of fate. Most Inariin never surpass three or four.
While their natural form is vulpine, they possess shapeshifting ability, after the formation of their fourth tail,—able to take on humanoid or hybrid forms with varying degrees of physical transformation. These forms often retain foxlike ears, tails, or eyes, and their true nature is rarely concealed unless they will it.
Their fur colors range from rich flame-reds and burnt golds to moonlit silvers, deep shadows, or even iridescent hues, depending on lineage and elemental affinity. Their spiritual energy can manifest visually in the form of flickering lights, subtle auras, or glowing runes in the fur or skin during moments of heightened emotion.

Genetics and Reproduction

Inariin reproduction is rare, deliberate, and steeped in spiritual significance. Unlike most mortal species, they do not reproduce frequently or by accident. The conception of a new Inariin is an event—often tied to celestial alignments, ancient rituals, or the will of powerful beings. It’s said that when an Inariin is born, it is not just a union of two spirits, but a spark of intent from the world itself, guided by the unseen hands of fate, the fae, or even Igmut himself.
Inariin cannot reproduce with non-Inariin. Attempts at crossbreeding result in stillbirths or beings without soulfire—the spiritual essence that makes them what they are. This has contributed heavily to their dwindling numbers, as true pairings are rare and often based on deep spiritual compatibility rather than biology alone.
They do not form large families. Most Inariin are only children, and many are born after centuries of spiritual preparation by their parents. Others are found, born not through physical union, but spontaneously in the wake of a powerful ritual, natural event, or place of great magic—these are considered wildborn or soulborn, and are often treated with reverence and caution.
Once conceived, gestation occurs entirely within the spirit realm for most of the pregnancy, with the kits only manifesting into the material plane late in development. Birth is typically solitary and sacred, hidden from all but the most trusted kin. Newborns emerge already aware, silent and watchful, bearing a single tail and the unmistakable spiritual signature of their lineage.
Tails are not inherited, but earned. A kit from two powerful parents may still remain one-tailed for life if they lack discipline, connection, or growth. Likewise, a low-born Inariin with a strong soul can surpass their ancestors in power. Spiritual strength, not genetics alone, defines potential.
Due to their dwindling numbers and their inability to breed outside their kind, every Inariin life is precious. Some among them have tried to find ways to preserve their people through binding rituals, reincarnation pacts, or even tethering themselves to ancient fae domains to delay death. But nothing has yet reversed the slow decline of their race.

Behaviour

The Inariin walk the line between instinct and intellect, spirit and form. Their behavior reflects their dual nature—one foot rooted in the wild, the other in the arcane. From birth, they are both fox and something more: introspective, observant, and unnervingly aware of things most mortals overlook. To many, they seem quiet, even aloof, but beneath that calm exterior is a mind in constant motion—analyzing, adapting, listening.

Inariin are naturally curious, drawn to novelty, puzzles, and hidden truths. They are easily fascinated by art, music, language, and emotion—not because they don’t understand them, but because they see layers others miss. They’ll listen to a lie just to admire its construction, or watch a leaf fall to observe its spiral. Their attention often shifts quickly, not from lack of focus, but from deep pattern recognition: they’ve already seen where the moment leads, and they’re already chasing the next thread.
Despite their trickster ancestry, Inariin are not inherently chaotic. Most value balance above all. They’ll stir the pot if it reveals a deeper truth, but they rarely act without purpose. Their sense of morality is fluid but deeply personal, shaped by spiritual insight and individual experience rather than societal law. An Inariin might steal from a noble to humble their pride, or deceive a tyrant to protect a stranger. To them, intent weighs more than outcome.
They are naturally solitary or small-group-oriented, rarely forming large communities. Trust is sacred. Bonds take time. But once loyalty is earned, it runs deep—quiet, watchful, and unwavering. They don't display affection the way humans might. Instead, they protect, guide, or test those they care for. An Inariin’s love may come in the form of a warning dream, a subtly placed illusion, or a whispered truth at a moment of doubt.
Emotionally, they tend toward restraint. Outward displays of anger or grief are rare and often feel unsettling when they happen—like the forest going still before a storm. Only those who have earned their trust see the depth beneath: the fear of extinction, the loneliness of age, the ache of wisdom gained through too much loss.
Above all, the Inariin crave meaning—in relationships, in knowledge, in existence. When they act, it's with precision. When they stay silent, it’s intentional. And when they run... it’s often toward something others haven't seen yet.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

The Inariin possess remarkably heightened physical senses, even from birth. Their olfactory and auditory systems are far more developed than those of any natural fox, capable of detecting subtle spiritual fluctuations, the emotions of nearby beings, and the presence of arcane or divine energies. Their vision is sharp in both daylight and darkness, though they rely less on sight and more on an intuitive blend of sensory data when navigating their environment.
Where the Inariin truly diverge from natural creatures is in their extrasensory awareness. Even as kits, they can perceive threads of intention—subtle patterns in body language, scent, and magical residue that betray lies, aggression, or deceit. This makes it exceptionally difficult to surprise or manipulate them, and many are known to stare unnervingly at those who hide the truth, as if watching their very thoughts unravel.
Once an Inariin gains its second tail, this intuitive perception deepens into a low-level spiritual awareness. They begin to sense spirits, lingering emotions tied to locations, and even glimpses of nearby planar veils. By the third tail, they can begin to push beyond the material realm—communing with lesser spirits, walking through dreams, or touching memories.
True shapeshifting—the ability to take on a humanoid form that affects the physical world—is impossible until the fourth tail. Before that point, Inariin can craft illusions, sometimes even complex ones that mimic movement and voice, but these are not physical transformations. Their humanoid guise at this stage can pass casual inspection but falters under touch, magic, or prolonged interaction.
After the fourth tail, they gain the ability to inhabit a fully functional humanoid form. These bodies may still retain foxlike features—ears, tails, golden or slitted eyes—but are tangible and sustainable. This form marks a major rite of passage among the Inariin, often celebrated as a coming-of-age or ascension into higher spiritual awareness.
Inariin with five or more tails have access to deeper extrasensory talents, including:

• Reading surface thoughts or emotional currents.
• Seeing through illusions or magical deception.
• Dreamwalking, where they may enter or influence the dreams of others.
• Tracking individuals through spiritual resonance alone.

Their sensory capabilities, combined with their natural cunning, make them exceptional observers, manipulators, and protectors—depending on which path they choose to walk.

To meet an Inariin is to be seen, not just with eyes, but with knowing. They walk like foxes and speak like riddles, but beneath every word is truth sharp enough to bleed. You may think them beautiful, or dangerous, or lost—but you will not forget them.

— Scholar Iveran Thorne, "Whispers of the Hidden Folk"

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Fae

Scientific Name

Inarius faethrix

Lifespan

600–800 years

Conservation Status

Endangered (Mythically rare)
Once far more widespread, Inariin are now scarcely seen in the wilds of Tanaria. Their dwindling numbers are attributed to centuries of spirit-hunting, planar corruption, and the fading of ancient magic. Most live in seclusion, cloaked by illusion or tied to hidden spiritual loci.

Average Height

Fox Form: 3 to 4 feet (0.9 to 1.2 meters)
Human Form: 5'8" to 6'2" (173–188 cm)

Average Weight

Fox Form: 120–180 lbs (54–82 kg)
Human Form: 150–210 lbs (68–95 kg)

Average Length

6 to 9 feet (1.8 to 2.7 meters, especially with multiple tails)

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

The Inariin are striking, otherworldly fox spirits whose appearance reflects their spiritual depth and power. Born with vivid fur—ranging from ember-reds and forest-greens to moonlit silvers—their bodies shimmer subtly in natural light, as if touched by magic itself. Each additional tail not only marks an increase in power but also enhances their glow, with tips that may flicker like flame or pulse with faint, ethereal light. Arcane markings often emerge across their bodies as they mature—swirls, glyphs, or rune-like patterns that respond to emotion or magic. Their eyes are luminous, often gold or silver, and seem to look straight through the soul. No two Inariin look exactly alike; their form is a living reflection of the spirit within.