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. But reality has shown that some races, once thought extinct, were in fact hiding.

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The Kitsune: Demonic or Fey?

The Kitsune race has often been thought of as demonic, nomadic, and inherently evil. Others have considered them more akin to the fey, which, in fact, aligns more closely with their true nature. As ancient magical beings, the Kitsune have long upheld traditions and rituals to maintain the balance of nature, studying the ways of chi, forgotten medicines, and the natural worship of the earth. Mortals have often sought refuge in places they believed were occupied by monks or priests, seeking salvation. What they usually found, however, were tricks and magical memory erasure.

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Appearance

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 fox-like 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 shift between three forms: human, partially shifted, and full animal.

 

Racial Abilities

• Balanced Chi: Kitsune are highly attuned to the natural flow of chi. Through meditation, their movements become more fluid, enhancing their speed, agility, and sensory perception. The older a Kitsune is, the stronger their chi, allowing them to rival even the most formidable leaders in power and skill.

• Spiritual Element: Kitsune are unique in their ability to wield multiple elements—Earth, Air, and Fire. However, they can only manipulate one element at a time on a large scale, as using multiple elements simultaneously drains both their chi and magic.

• Astral Projection: 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.

 

Weaknesses

• Limited Time: The abilities gained through meditation are not limitless. They are temporary and can be draining, so excessive use can lead to physical weakness or sickness.

• Lustful Nature: Kitsune are driven by an uncontrollable urge to indulge in multiple relationships, making it difficult for them to settle down with one individual. The more magic they use, the more they draw from others to maintain the balance, potentially putting loved ones at risk.

• Trickster Nature: A Kitsune cannot resist the urge to indulge in shenanigans, 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.

• Heaven & Earth: Deeply tied to tradition and ritual, Kitsune often seek meditation, communing with spirits, ancient medical practices, or engaging in honorable training and sparring.

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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.

 

Gender and Relationships

In certain myths, Kitsune assume different roles based on their gender. Female Kitsune are more commonly seen as tricksters and seducers, while male Kitsune may take on roles as protectors or warriors. This distinction adds nuance to their portrayal and reflects a diversity of roles within Kitsune society.

 

Moral Ambiguity

While the Kitsune are often depicted as mischievous, they are not inherently evil. In fact, their tricks are often aimed at maintaining the balance of nature, or they may serve higher powers, such as gods or spirits. 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.

 

Magical Items or Artifacts

Kitsune possess magical items or artifacts that enhance their shape-shifting abilities or strengthen their powers. Examples include enchanted masks or talismans. These magical items can add an additional layer to their capabilities and make their magic more complex and mysterious.

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Kitsune Powers:

Earth Elemental Magic

1. Tremor Step
   The Kitsune can focus their chi 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.

2. 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 arrows or physical strikes.

3. 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

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

 

Combined Elemental Magic

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

 

General Notes

• These abilities 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.