Appearance

The kitsune has three different forms they may choose to take, the first of which is always a full fox. In this body, they begin as nothing more than a wild fox with the exception of multiple tails, though between kitsune their appearances will vary - some may possess unusual fur or eye colors, markings, or mutations. Kitsune fox-forms also vary in size, ranging from small kits to the bulk of a maned wolf.

The second form of a kitsune is humanoid. Appearances can range as widely as that of any human or elven race. Most kitsune are fair-featured in this regard, using their attractiveness alongside illusions to seduce their human counterparts. For some, this is just a sport, as they are tricksters at heart and amused by such games. Others prefer to take human mates, for their offspring typically turn out more powerful than either parent.

The third form of a kitsune traditionally mixes aspects from the other two, such as a human with vixen tails and ears. In this final form, a kitsune retains markings on the animalistic portions of its body, but keeps a human shape and face. Note that this is different from an anthropomorphic fox, for a kitsune cannot mimic such an appearance.

In all of its bodies, a kitsune harbours a fear of dogs, as do their wild brethren. Dogs are able to identify them by scent and are thus unaffected by the illusions kitsune cast. Often simply seeing one is enough reason for a kitsune to turn tail and flee.

Abilities

Kitsune are possibly best known for their illusion magic. Their skill with this type of magic can range from small illusions to those that cannot be distinguished from reality; as a kitsune gains more tails, they become more adept as such difficult feats. Some even say that what we perceive as reality now may just be an illusion created by the most powerful of kitsune - as to whether or not this is true, no one can be sure, for such a creature's magic would be too powerful to penetrate.

Kitsune are well-versed in other types of magic, as well. All kitsune are able to control one of the five elements, which include earth, air, water, fire, and spirit, with the latter being the rarest and most dangerous skill. Kitsune with control over this fifth element have immense healing capabilities, energy reserves, and possession abilities, but are exceedingly uncommon. All members of this race are generally considered powerful magic users, however, and will easily rival immortal races in battles of the arcane alone.

The strength of this power is approximated by the number of tails a kitsune has. Kits may be born with anywhere from a single tail to three, and gain a new one at the end of each subsequent century. Once a kitsune has achieved its ninth and final tail, they will be virtually unmatched in the magical arts; however, this final tail must be granted by a higher power, such as a royal or oracle.

One of these tails is considered the "main" one. At birth and in youth, this tail is longer than all others, but the length evens out as the kitsune ages. Their main tail acts as a lifeline to the creature and a conduit of their power. If any of the tails are cut, a kitsune will lose equivalent power; but if the main tail is severed, the kitsune will lose its life.

Another balance for the kitsune's power is something known as a starball. A kitsune's starball is an orb they must protect, for if it is broken or lost, they will die. This starball is the greatest treasure of the fox race and they are naturally extremely wary of threats. The only time one will expose a starball or give it to another is in an act of complete and utter faith, for possession of it means possession of the kitsune's very existence.

A royal kitsune has an extra ability in addition to the ones described above: they are able to physically change their illusions into reality. However, this ability is obviously incredibly draining, and usually requires combined efforts. Though it is rare a kitsune would attempt this, such is possible during times of dire need.

History

Kitsune are believed to have been created by the goddess Nialle, through a fusion of nine powerful will-o-wisps that formed a magical, foxlike creature with a corresponding number of tails. Much like the spirits it resembled, the kitsune was playful and clever, quickly discovering its ability to trick others through illusion. These magic tricks were powerful, and as the kitsune began to interact with the humans that neighboured their lands, they began to make themselves seem more human in turn (if only to trick the two-legged creatures).

However, their tricks came to the attention of Tharamos, god of reality and illusion. Impressed by their antics Tharamos gifted the kitsune with the ability to truly shift into human form as they desired, allowing the kitsune full immersion in their interactions. Throughout these encounters, kitsune found that the offspring of a human and fox was far more powerful than their parents, and they began using their powers of illusion to ensnare human lovers even whilst continuing to play pranks on them.

All the kitsune worship both gods of their creation equally, but rising above the others is the original line of kitsune blood. This line regularly makes sacrifices and offerings to the gods, and are associated closely because of it. In return for their devotion, both Nialle and Tharamos, in a rare, joint action, rewarded this royal line with the ability to turn their illusions into fixed reality. Doing so often requires more than one royal, and the power is exclusive to their line; nevertheless, it is a gift proudly proclaimed to confirm the royal relationship with their deities.