KITSUNE

The mists of the high peaks within the island nation of Japan have long held a hidden secret in their mist-covered mountains and cloud-obscured, shadowed grottos. A legacy of magic and mayhem, once only a rumor, has now taken its first steps from its sacred place into the mortal realm. Long have the myths and legends spoken of the demonic branch of shape-shifting creatures known as the Yokai, and one of their many types: the Kitsune.

Appearance and Nature

The most stand-out feature of the Kitsune is that they do not hide their heritage. Originating primarily from Asian strongholds like China, Korea, and Japan, Kitsune are often depicted with pale skin, dark hair, and foxlike features—sharp eyes, ears, and tails. The number of tails a Kitsune has correlates with their age and power, with the most powerful known to possess up to nine tails. Their fur tones often match their hair tones. Kitsune can appear in three different forms: human, partially shifted, and full animal.

Kitsune are most famous for their ability to change forms. To learn this skill, young kitsune place an object on their head, face the Big Dipper, and pray. The object is usually a human skull or a bone from a cow or a horse. Other objects may be incorporated into this spell to improve the disguise. For example, to disguise itself as a cook, a kitsune might place a piece of kitchenware on its body.

There are two major variations of kitsune and a total of three levels or ranks.

Holy foxes, the Kiko and Tenko levels, akin to Moderate and Master, are servants of the Shinto deity Inari, and Inari’s shrines are decorated with statues and images of these foxes. Legends tell of celestial foxes providing wisdom or service to good and pious humans. These holy foxes act as messengers of the god and mediums between the celestial and human worlds. They often protect humans or places, provide good luck, and ward evil spirits away. Kiko and Tenko Kitsune gather energy at holy places, Shrines through prayer and meditation, and through good acts in the service of their Deity.

More common are the 'wild foxes', the Nogitsune, which delight in mischief, pranks, for good or evil. There are stories in which wild foxes trick or even possess humans, and cause them to behave strangely. Despite this wicked nature, even wild foxes keep their promises, remember friendships, and repay any favors done for them. This dichotomy is a reflection of spiritual immaturity versus personal nature. Nogitsune must feed on the life force or ‘Ki’ of other living beings and can utilize several methods to acquire the Ki energy that they need to survive and fuel their long lives including drinking blood, stealing breath, sex or astral leeching. See Inherent abilities below.

Society and Organization

The Kitsune are not necessarily solitary creatures. In some legends, they live in small, tightly-knit communities or "families," where they follow certain hierarchies, especially regarding age and the number of tails. The idea of a Kitsune “pack” or clan structure could provide further depth to their culture. They can also form close bonds with other beings and humans especially if they are Nogitsune and are feeding on that bond.

Moral Ambiguity

While the Kitsune are often depicted as mischievous, they are not inherently evil. In fact, their tricks can be aimed at teaching lessons, which can sometimes be harsh, or they may be serving in their capacity as Messengers of Inari, which is not always benevolent. Their actions, while causing mischief, are often framed within a moral code or higher purpose, so they do not always fit into the standard "good or evil" paradigm.

Kitsune Rank and Creation System

Kitsune are ranked by age but that is not the only determiner of rank or type. Nogitsune rank, for example, can be maintained beyond the age of 1000 years, the same goes for Kiko, because choice of lifestyle is also a determiner. A Nogitsune Player has the option to remain a Nogitsune and not take up the mature job of Messenger to Inari. Likewise a Kiko Kitsune could be 3000 years old and choose not to ascend to Tenko.

Inherent Racial Abilities

Astral Projection: All Kitsune can cast their consciousness into the astral plane, allowing them to observe or briefly possess others (with permission). However, this leaves their physical body vulnerable to harm at Nogitsune level.
Energy Drain: Nogitsune Wild Fox's require the life energy or "Ki" from others to fuel their magic and abilities. They use various methods to gain this energy, drinking blood, stealing breath, sex or astral leeching. Players can develop their own method or choose from this list. Kiko and Tenko Kitsune gain this Ki energy from prayer and service or from meditation at a Shrine to Inari.
Illusion: Whether making themselves appear more human or introducing tricky elements to a story about mischief aimed to teach someone a lesson, all Kitsune can create and control illusions that seem real to every sense. These illusions are not permanent and must have a clearly defined purpose and limit.

Rank and Type

Nogitsune - Age to 1000 years or higher.

Vampiric and mischievous, the Wild Fox Kitsune is a prime example of the duality of a young Kitsune’s nature. They are more physical than the higher ranks that tend to exist as spiritual entities. The Wild Fox belongs to the “Yako” line of the Kitsune and as such has no Master. Although the weakest of the Kitsune, comparatively, they are also the most common. A Nogitsune can be any age and will remain Nogitsune until such a time as they grow spiritually and come to accept the Kami Inari as their god and choose to serve her. Sometimes called “dark Kitsune” the Nogitsune can be malicious or a trickster, benevolent or kind but their intentions are always their own and are often motivated by their need for energy and freedom.
The Nogitsune Rank automatically gains the inherent abilities listed above, plus 1 each of the Elemental powers listed below (4).

Kiko - Age 1001 to 1500 years or higher.
Kiko Kitsune are spiritual Kitsune who serve Inari, the Kami or god of benevolence, luck, rice and prosperity. The Kiko belong to the ‘Zenko’ line of the Kitsune, those who serve Inari. The movement from Nogitsune to Kiko is a minor ascension where the Kitsune sheds its physical body and becomes a true spirit. This event coincides with a Kitsune’s decision to lead a “proper” life and become a servant of Inari. Due to there being a major spiritual component to playing a Kiko, or Tenko level Kitsune, it is recommended you do research as needed and consult with a Guide or Admin. You should not pursue these ranks for acquisition of special powers alone as religious and/or spiritual RP is a component of these ranks and is expected.

Kiko Kitsune gain the Inherent racial abilities above plus one more of each of the Elemental powers listed below. Total 8 powers in 4 Elements and at this level can also use Combinations as listed.

Tenko - Age 1501 to 3000 years.
Tenko ranked Kitsune are at the peak of spiritual power and near to godhood themselves, according to human mythology. Humans will often worship these beings, but the Tenko, although wise and powerful spiritual beings, are not gods as the gods see them. They are spirits and like Kiko, create a form to exist on the earthly plane from the stuff of Ki energy granted to them by Inari, who they follow. Again due to there being a major spiritual component to playing a Tenko level Kitsune, it is recommended you do research as needed and consult with a Guide or Admin. You should not pursue these ranks for acquisition of special powers alone as religious and/or spiritual RP is a component of these ranks and is expected.

Tenko ranked Kitsune gain all the Inherent Powers above, plus all of the Elemental powers below. In addition to these abilities, at Tenko Rank, the Kitsune gains certain special abilities allowed only to them. These include:

Tenko Inherent Abilities:

Healing - The Tenko can heal anything up to mortal injuries but such healing will always leave a scar as a reminder of the experience. This power comes directly from Inari, the goddess of the Kitsune at this level.

Blessing - The Tenko Kitsune can grant a blessing that will endow the recipient with health and luck for a period of 24 hours. This ability is a RP narrative tool only and the blessing comes from Inari but often the Tenko does not reveal this fact.

Aura of Radiance - The Tenko can appear ‘god-like’ and radiant. This power works like Enthrall or Vocalize from the Vampire Powers lists, making the Kitsune an awe striking image whose every word has influence on the viewer.

Earth Elemental Magic

Tremor Step
The Kitsune can focus their ki into the ground beneath their feet, causing a small tremor in the immediate area. This is enough to unbalance opponents or shake loose small rocks and debris, but it doesn’t cause significant damage or destruction.
Earthen Wall
The Kitsune can raise a small barrier of earth or stone in front of them, using it to block attacks or create cover. The wall is not unbreakable but can provide temporary defense against projectiles or physical strikes.
Binding Vines
Drawing on the Earth's life force, the Kitsune can cause vines or roots to grow and temporarily entangle their enemies, slowing their movement or making it harder for them to escape. The effect lasts only a short time before the vines wither.

Fire Elemental Magic

Spark of the Fox
The Kitsune can summon a small flame to their fingertip, enough to light a fire, warm their hands, or even ignite a piece of parchment or brush. It's a simple and subtle form of fire magic, often used for practical purposes.
Firebolt
The Kitsune conjures a small fireball or bolt of flame that they can throw at a target. It can singe or burn light objects, but it’s not large enough to cause significant harm unless used repeatedly.
Fire Circle
The Kitsune can create a ring of fire around themselves or a target area. This circle can serve as a temporary barrier, deterring enemies from advancing or trapping someone inside for a short duration, but it doesn't have the power to create lasting damage.

Wind Elemental Magic

Breeze of Clarity
The Kitsune can summon a gentle breeze that clears fog, smoke, or heavy air from a small area. It can also be used to rustle leaves, carry sounds, or push lightweight objects a short distance.
Whirlwind Gust
The Kitsune can create a strong gust of wind that knocks over small objects or pushes enemies back a few steps. It's useful for disorienting opponents or clearing dust, but it doesn't have the force to cause widespread damage.
Wind's Whisper
The Kitsune can use the wind to carry their voice over short distances, allowing them to speak quietly to someone across a room or even send a whispered message to someone nearby without alerting others.

Water Elemental Magic

Calm Waters
The Kitsune can calm localized waters and render them clear and clean to drink
Wave of Fury
The Kitsune can cause waves to rise and water to become tumultuous. This power is extendable to rain and any moving water, including fountains and streams.
Eyes of the Water Serpent
The Kitsune can look into any body of water, a glass, bowl, lake or stream and use it as a mirror into the past, seeing what transpired nearby over the past few hours.

Combined Elemental Magic

Smoke Screen
By combining wind and fire, the Kitsune can create a small cloud of smoke or mist that obscures vision for a short period. This is useful for escaping or hiding in a moment of crisis but is not powerful enough to block visibility over large areas.
Dust Devil
The Kitsune can create a miniature wind vortex that lifts small objects or swirls dust around, creating a temporary distraction or obstruction. It can be useful for diverting attention or confusing enemies but doesn’t pose a serious threat.
Cinder Breeze
By combining wind and fire, the Kitsune can summon a small swirling breeze of embers that can burn lightly or warm an area. It can be used to light a campfire quickly or deter small creatures, but it won’t create significant damage.
Boil
Combining water and fire, the Kitsune can boil water. This effect will boil an amount of water equal to a kettle and no more.

Weaknesses

Trickster Nature: The Nogitsune Kitsune are mischievous by nature, making it difficult to always uphold dignity and honor. Those who attempt to trick a Kitsune often face harsh consequences, as there is no grudge greater than one held by a Kitsune.
Energy (Ki) Requirement: Whether gained by draining it from others or gaining it as a blessing by Inari, being severed from this source of energy will cause the Kitsune to weaken and eventually die. Likewise, being fed upon by a Nogitsune drains the life energy of the victim, willing or not, and will require careful management so as not to destroy the source, unless that is the purpose.
Vulnerability: The first rank of Kitsune are vulnerable to the same things that will kill a human. While they are spiritually stronger in some cases, that doesn't stop bullets or knives. Second and third ranked Kitsune, Kiko and Tenko, are spiritual beings and as such are more vulnerable to spiritual damage from supernatural powers that affect the Spirit which can kill them. At Kiko and Tenko level their physical body can be damaged, but its death will not cause them to die, only to return to the spirit world to regain their energies. Time spent varies on severity and RP.
Fear: Fear of dogs. Kitsune have an unnatural fear of dogs and by extension wolves.
Hoshi no tama: The “Star Ball” is a jewel-like object that houses the soul or spirit of the Kitsune. Every Kitsune has one and it must reside somewhere on earth in close proximity to the Kitsune. This object is a representation of the jewel or mirror that exists within a Shinto Shrine where the Kami or God is said to dwell. The Hoshi no tama must be kept safe, loss or destruction of it can cause permanent death of the Kitsune.

General Notes (Please Read Carefully)

The Elemental and Inherent powers are meant to enhance the Kitsune’s role as a trickster and guardian, focusing on subtlety and control rather than overwhelming power.
The magic requires focus and energy from the Kitsune. Overuse can lead to exhaustion, especially in younger or less experienced Kitsune.
Elemental magic is often used for practical purposes—such as lighting a fire, clearing an area, or creating barriers—not for large-scale destruction or chaos.
The true power of the Kitsune is in its Inherent abilities, and the Elemental Magics are simply smaller cantrips for mischief or use in everyday life.