Kitsunejin (ki.t͡su.ne.d͡ʑin)
The Kitsunejin are a race of fox-like humanoids from the Chichyū Islands. They call themselves the Chiyu nu Tami, or the "People of Eternity", and claim to have a history older than the world itself. While this claim is difficult to prove or disprove, the Kitsunejin do predate the presence of humans in the Great Ring, as can be seen in ancient records from the Empire of Muria. According to the legends of the Chiyu nu Tami, the Kitsunejin were created by the Kitsunekami long before the world of the Million Islands came to exist.
Basic Information
Anatomy
The Kitsunejin are small compared to humans or Kikipua, standing less than four feet tall and typically weighing between fifty and sixty pounds. They are bipedal, with five-fingered hands and four toes on each foot. Their bodies are covered in fur, which can be a wide variety of colors. Red, orange, and gold are the most common, but some Kitsunejin have fur that white, brown, or black. The fur under the chin and down the front of their torso is usually lighter than that found elsewhere on their body. Kitsunejin all have a bushy tail, frequently with different bands of color towards the tip.
They are known for their quick reflexes and for being exceptionally fast runners. Legend has it that when a Kitsunejin reaches a century old they will grow a second tail which bestows supernatural power. Over time, this power will grow, and the Kitsunejin will gain more tails, until they eventually reach nine tails and become one of the Kitsunekami. Outside of the Chiyu nu Tami, few have ever seen a two-tailed kitsunejin, and many believe this to be only a story.
Growth Rate & Stages
The Kitsunejin bear live young, usually in pairs, although single births are not uncommon. Infants among the Kitsunjin are more capable than human babies, and tend to start walking within a few weeks of birth. However, they progress more slowly after this, and are not reproductively mature until their mid-twenties, when their aging process slows to a crawl. Determining the age of an adult Kitsunejin is quite difficult for outsiders, and there is little physical difference between a twenty-five year old and a ninety-year old.
Ecology and Habitats
Kitsunejin are comfortable in a number of environments, but prefer to congregate in cities of their own making. Their communities are typically built half-underground, and outsiders will usually underestimate the size of a settlement due to this fact. When not in their communities, they prefer temperate climates and love meadows and forests.
Behaviour
The Kitsunejin are typically good-natured and playful, especially the males. They do like jokes and pranks, and are not always careful about the consequences, but they are usually quick to lend help or aid someone who has gotten into trouble. They combine a tendency to take a long view with a delight in living in the moment.
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This article was originally written for Spooktober 2024. You can find all of my Spooktober Articles at Spooktober Central.
This article was originally written for Spooktober 2023. You can find all of my Spooktober Articles at Spooktober Central.
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