Kitsune

Written by Grand Archivist Eve on 06/19/1512 and kept up to date.

"Fragments. Shards. The Wandering Folk. Scattered seed like ash in desperate plea. Some take root, grow and wander. Many do not. Where they have been, numerous as the stars. Where they be, unseen, even to me."

— Elder Hag of the Forgotten

Kitsune are an extremely rare species with unknown origins, only rumored to be born from the stars. They are fox-like beings who are magical in nature as they are capable of shape-shifting (not to be confused with were-foxes).

Basic Information

Anatomy

Kitsune are anthropomorphic foxes with a number of tails ranging from one to nine, depending on age. They are digitigrades but have been seen occasionally moving on all four limbs. They can disguise themselves as Humans or Elves via illusionary magics and shape-change into feral foxes via their innate shape-changing abilities. They tend to hide their true identities while dealing with other species as a way to keep themselves safe.
Their fur comes in a variety of different colors. Most have been observed with light-colored fur ranging from white, pink, golden brown, and teal. Some sources mention darker fur colors. The hands and feet typically have darker fur.

Biological Traits

Kitsune are generally on the smaller side of most humanoids, ranging from 4 ft to over 6 ft. Weight wise, Kitsune are quite light and agile, ranging from 95 lb up to 180 lb.

Subraces

There exists two subspecies for the Kitsune:

• The Zenko Kitsune are seen as celestial protectors and benevolent beings, often associated with wisdom and kindness. They are believed to be guardians of the divine or the Arcane. They tend to have a lighter fur color and their innate magic is shaped around proctecting others and guide them.
• The Yako, in contrast, are mischievous and unpredictable, embodying a more malicious heritage. While not inherently malevolent, they are often seen as chaotic spirits, more focused on their own amusement than the well-being of others. They seem to have a much darker fur color and play around illusion magic to trick and prank anyone coming across them.

Genetics and Reproduction

Due to their rarity in the world, Kitsune undergo a change every 6 months known as sequential hermaphroditism. A Kitsune is therefore forced to change their sex half of the year, regardless if they are born with male or female genitalia.
It is currently unknown why Kitsune do this, but it is theorised that it gives a better chance for reproduction if a Kitsune gets to meet another one. A more unconventional theory is that they would be able to self-fertilize if they wait until the Spring or Autumn Equinox.

Growth Rate & Stages

Kitsune are long-lived beings, as they can reach up to more than 800 years. The oldest recorded one was over a milenia old. Much like Elves, their lifespan allows them to gain wisdom about the world they live in and to get broad perspectives on events affecting short-lived races. But it also deepens their sense of isolation.

Kitsune are typically born with a single tail. With time and experience, Kitsune grow additional tails, up to nine in total.
Counting the age of Kitsune by referring of the numbers of their tails is not always accurate as some Kitsune take time to grow and can keep a few tails for a long time. Or, others grow so rapidly, they can get seventh or eighth tails fairly young.

Additional Information

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Kitsune are among the rarest beings in existence. They are so scarce that it is unlikely for them to encounter another Kitsune, even with their life expectancy. Their population is too small to form communities or villages of their own race. If Kitsune live in communities, they often stay hidden among other races to avoid being hunted. This extreme rarity has contributed to their mythical status and their secrecy.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Due to their nature, Kitsune possess quite good sensory abilities. They have a good vision in the dark, allowing them to travel during the night more easily. Additionally,
Kitsune are able to cast innate magic such as the spell Produce Flame. Unlike ordinary fire, the flames are blue and burn brighter. Some say that the flames are more painful as well, thinking it comes from the stars.
When they have enough tails, they learn the ability to shapeshift into a humanoid. With time, they are able to learn to take the appearance of a fox. Both of these forms allow Kitsune to blend better in societies or hide in the world as they venture.

Civilization and Culture

History

There is not a lot of history about the Kitsune due to their rarity.
However, Fey Courts refer to Kitsune as a type of Fey, even though, Kitsune do not seem to have anything to do with them. When asked, Feys do not bother to explain as it is a topic they do not like to discuss, unless there is a payment.
It is currently unknown why this connection exists. It seems to be worthy to investigate it in the future.

Common Myths and Legends

As unethical as it may be, Kitsune hunts are not unheard of but they are considered foolish, as it is extremely rare to pursue one. However, the myths of those who achieved such feat tend to end on the hunter being rewarded with power.

It is said that the only way to kill a Kitsune is to cut off all of their tails, since this is where their power is stored. Other mention that it is one specific tail that must be cut in order to kill one, as the others would grow back. Due to that particular legend, Kitsune became discreet in order to avoid being hunted.

The tails and fur of a Kitsune are known to bring good fortune and power to those who hold them. Each tail is supposed to hold a fragment of their celestial magic, leaving mages or anyone in thirst for power to take them from Kitsune.

With the Guild

Kitsune adventurers

Adventurer Shiki is a Kitsune that works for the Guild under Patron Cha-Ching. She does not seem to use disguises as she is mostly inside in her true form as an anthropomorphic fox. She is a Zenko Kitsune and she seems to have a rather strong connection with stars, or stellar magic.
Words from Patron Ashbury allude to the arrival of a new Kitsune adventurer. No more information has been disclosed yet.

Kitsune outsiders

A scholar of Candlekeep named Fumio is very likely to be a Kitsune as well. They appeared randomly and immendiately went to Adventurer Shiki in order to meet her, after talking to Adventurers Vittorino and Eva. So far, they have been seen with a human appearance.

In-Progress Article

❗ This article is currently being worked on. It is subject to changes and modifications. What would you like to see?

Lifespan

Around 800 years

Average Height

150 cm (5 ft)

Average Weight

60 kg (138 lb)

Adventurer

Shiki