Tanuki

Basic Information

Anatomy

Humanoid

Biological Traits

Tanuki are an interesting and pleasant folk. Tanuki are also known as "racoon dogs" and resemble bipedal versions of those animals, fur and all. Sticking close to forests and river cities, the Tanuki are known as a highly religious people due to their magical ability to give blessings to those that earn their favor. They also have illusionary magic similar to Kitsune, leading many to get competitive with each other. They are also able to change their form, and while they cant fully shapeshift they can change their form enough to look like a completely different member of their race. They are also known as highly charismatic, making them skilled merchants and they also have an unnaturally keen sense for treasure. Their final ability is one known as "bayashi", in where they drum their belly to produce a mysterious noise either from them or somewhere else. While strange, being able to produce sound away from you can be very useful when sneaking around.

Genetics and Reproduction

Tanuki reproduce sexually, with gestation being about 5 months.

Growth Rate & Stages

Tanuki reach adulthood at around the age of 10

Additional Information

Facial characteristics

Snout with whiskers and black eyes similar to their animal brethern.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

They prefer to be around forests and rivers of Kantō, and cities near said places. They also have been known to hang around places of significant religious value, such as shrines.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Tanuki have perception capabilities similar to humans

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Typically share a naming structure to the Kantōnese

Major Language Groups and Dialects

Tanuki speak Kantōnese and the language of the yokai.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Tanuki are a highly spiritual people, sometimes considered to be the priesthood of the yokai world. They have since the first days of their discovery integrated largely amongst the Kantōnese as merchants, priests, and fun loving city dwellers. However they do still have communities in forests near rivers, where they have many shrines to the Kami gods, and enjoy a peaceful existence as fishers and farmers, and start and end everyday with prayer to the Kami gods.

History

Tanuki are a strange bunch, and like many yokai do not have a set history. However it is believed that they appeared soon after the first samurai helped save the Emperor. A samurai named Atagi Sai, would wander around, for she was still young and new to her life as a samurai. She would hear a crying sound and would find a racoon dog wounded in the leg. She took pity on the creature, and though she was no healer she did what she could. The racoon dog was glad of young Atagi's mercy and went about its way. Atagi proceeded on, and would come across a beggar, poor and hungry upon the road. Atagi did not have many rations, but at the same time she took pity on the beggar and did give him some of her rations and simply bow and go upon her way. Upon the path she walked, she came across a weeping child, who she approached and asked why they child did cry. The child told Atagi that they cried because they didn't know what was the most important value in life. The question was surely a strange one to weep over, but Atagi did think for a minute before speaking: "Faith. Faith in the Divine and that after horrible days, good days will follow some day." The child stopped weeping and thanked the samurai for its advice and went about its day. As Atagi reached a tree she realized she was starving and had no rations, when she went to the tree to sleep to save her energy, she awoke to Tanuki around her, and they did give her a chest full of gold. 
They explained that the past experiences on the path were tests of her character and wished to reward her. However Atagi, ever the paragon of humbleness, politely said that while she was truly thankful for their tests, she simply couldn't accept this gold and simply wished for food and drink, and a way home. The Tanuki smiled, as the gold disappeared, revealing it to be a final test that she passed. They took her with them to one of their homes where she was treated to a great feast, and when they asked to follow her to the city she gladly accepted and they both returned to the nearby city as friends. Since than, the Tanuki have been a highly respected people of Kantō

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Tanuki have earned their place in Kantōnese society as highly valued and respected yokai. They help in much of the religious ceremonies, and even are a popular choice for being the "priest" to marry two partners in a wedding ceremony. They also have been known to be skilled merchants, and as such sometimes travel far and wide to sell their wares. Tanuki as well are highly curious folk, and love to be around adventures to look for treasure.

Lifespan

While it was previously thought to be 50 years, due to their ability to change their features it could possibly be alot loner, and is simply the Tanuki playing pranks by making people think they are different people

Average Height

Rarely above 3ft tall

Average Physique

Typically described as portly furry creatures

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Range from varrying degrees of orange, white, and black, with a multitude of patterns.