Tanuki
Big Bellied Merchants
If you can offer me a good bottle of sake, then I might give you a discount!
Amongst the countless Yokai of Zipangu, one of them is the business-oriented Tanuki. Known as tricksters with a love for trade, they ensure the land's economy does not fall apart.
Some might even say they are the ambassadors between the spiritual and mortal world. Granted, if they can make a profit while doing so.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Tanuki have the general appearance of a raccoon dog, but share more anthropomorphised features. Short and pudgy in figure, they stand on their hind legs while balancing it with their large striped tails. Most have a brown or orange-toned fur colour.
Biological Traits
Illusionary Magic
Tanuki have an affinity with magic, most noticeably with illusion spells. With it they can change the appearance of things, create fake noises or even appear to be multiple people together. Often than not though, they like to use it to trick and deceive others.
Such magic does need a focus, such as a leaf or another small object. But with enough practise, entire towns can manifest made out of said illusions.
Shapeshifting
Alongside their illusion magic is an ability to shapeshift. While limited to an extend, a Tanuki can either take on the appearance of a regular raccoon dog, or a more Human form. These disguises do keep their more pudgy looks, but beyond that they can fool people with ease.
The only thing that remains is their tails, which many tuck beneath their robes or pants to avoid getting caught. That and of course any behaviour they might show exposing their true identity.
Genetics and Reproduction
Their kind is a bit notorious for being quite the reproductive individuals. On average, a litter of Tanuki can have up to six children, if not more.
Thanks to their shapeshifting capabilities, they can also be compatible with other races. However, they themselves can't carry a child and any non-Tanuki mother will birth a child of their own race. The only benefit it has is granting the children the Tanuki's magic properties.
Additional Information
Geographic Origin and Distribution
The densest populations of Tanuki exist on Zipangu, but they have been spotted across numerous trade routes all across Tai. The furthest one ever showed up at is around Silva.
Granted, with their ability to shapeshift, it is possible they can exist everywhere.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Due to their nocturnal nature, Tanuki are capable of seeing in the dark with ease. Some even had a good sense of smell, allowing them to pick up a scent from far away.
Civilization and Culture
Beauty Ideals
For Tanuki, nothing is more beautiful than having size and girth. They see it as a sign of being wealthy, able to afford to eat luxurious food and not worry about the problems of life. The bigger the belly of a Tanuki, the more attractive they are for their partners.
Historical Figures
Danzaburou
A famous leader of the Tanuki Isles, Danzaburou held off the First Empress's expansion towards it. By hiding it with powerful magic, he kept the Tanuki there safe for centuries to come.
Even today he rules the area, being the oldest known Tanuki as of date.
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
I'll admit, you have balls for something I could punt across the room.
Due to their social nature, Tanuki make good bonds with both Yokai and others alike. It makes them an ambassador between both worlds, especially when it comes to trading.
It's not uncommon for many to disguise themselves and sneak into the festivals of regular humanoids. The only way some get caught is by exposing their appetite, leading to getting kicked out as a result. In some cases they even possess others to feast without getting found out.
Granted, for as harmless they might seem, they can be dangerous. Their trickery can be dangerous, luring people into unsuspecting traps or a false sense of security. While those instances are rare, enough records exist to make someone sceptical of their kind.
On trading routes, they actually end up being closer friends to Sylphs than any other race. Some Sylphs even help their kind stay hidden during travels in exchange for wares.
Their only and biggest rivalry is with Kitsune, who some have a massive hatred towards. Some assume it has to do with the First Empress's history with them, while others see it as a more regular rivalry. Most say it is just a gut feeling they have around the trickster foxes.
1.32 m - 1.52 m
72 - 81 kg
Very nice article, loved it! The image you created is also so cute ^^ It appears I was not yet following your world even though I thought I did so got that fixed :p