Reynardi - Oh, Beautiful Rogues

Oh, the merry trials of Fox! Of light, of breath, of taking and knowing, these are the children with souls as bright as a thousand new penny-whistles. They are Lazarus’s first chuckle freed from the grave. They are Lucifer’s last sigh of resigned acceptance. Wanting to know the Truth is wishful thinking. No longer noticing the blood on your legs from the thorned brambles you had to run through to find it is the ecstasy of Answers. This is where you come to know the Reynardi. To learn from these rusty rogues is to hear the first sweet notes of wisdom in the laughter of the wind. For all of that there is light in their eyes, do not believe they cannot turn fang to bite. They are also the silvered stiletto pressed sharp against the jaw. When subtlety and logic fail, pain can sometimes make the lessons clear. Messengers of sharp delight, the Reynardi refuse to be caught by mundanity. Just as their patron myth Reynard the Fox, these ferals topple the haughty from their thrones. Running rich, imperious folk through real or imaginary brambles, these earthy foxes become the antithesis to the thesis of power. Yet despite the Reynardi’s fanciful demeanor, they have principles. Unlike their fabled kitsune kin, the Reynardi maintain codes of decorum and honor. A trick, for instance, is no good unless it’s performed with style; preying on the weak is a coward’s game. Lying is always acceptable, but there must always be grains of truth in such deceits. Finally, there must be courage shown, especially in the face of dire threat. Do not mistake that bravery for suicide — a werefox knows her limits. But before a duck-and-flee, there must be defiance. The fox’s coat is red so you can see her run just as she disappears from view. Living at a fast clip, she maintains a strict sense of integrity that’s not immediately apparent to anyone else. Living by Dylan’s dictum, “To live outside the law, you must be honest,” a child of Reynard rarely violates her own code of ethics. The principles of other folk, however, are up for grabs. A scoundrel, seducer and all-around rogue, the fox-man or woman is a living challenge to morality. Among themselves, these folk can be formal, even rigid in their manners; to non-foxes, however, the Reynardi seem stylishly anarchistic. Clever to a fault and then some, the fox-folk enjoy a meal more if it’s obtained at some stuffed shirt’s expense. Truly, these Reynardi enjoy tweaking the whiskers of pious and self-important folk. The Reynardi’s tricks, however, bear a vengeful edge; as hunters and the hunted in many lands, werefoxes appreciate the high stakes of life — and stand ready to balance the scales when need be.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Reynardi are a vagabond lot. The Fox Gift manifests most often among people who have been pushed too far too long. Monetary health notwithstanding, they tend to dress and behave as bohemian ne’er-do-wells. With red or white-blond hair, they present a handsome countenance. Of average height and build, these ferals can blend in almost anywhere if they wish . . . so long as no one’s looking too closely. Any fox worth the name has a ready bag of tricks that includes mimicry, disguise, flattery and a quick exit. In all forms, though, their eyes — always mismatched and sparkling with mischief — give them away as the rogues that they are. Of two different colors, the pupils sparkle. In Primal form, these werefolk are either sunshine white, smoke gray or a dark and rusty red. Elegant representations of their animal kin, Reynardi are about three feet in length and weigh no more than 30 or 40 pounds. They are also unspeakably fast. When given enough reason, a Reynardi can run 30 miles an hour or more. Among this breed, the War-Beast form is rare. Instead, Reynardi often assume a lean, fox-headed shape. In this form, they look like agile flames. Ardent defenders of their loved ones and freedom (not always in that order), Reynardi shine and strike with frightening precision. These fox-folk stand between five and six-and-half feet tall, yet weigh deceptively little. All lightness, grace and speed, their ancestors may have educated the fi nest swords to glow dangerously as they slide from the scabbard. 

Among the several breeds of fox, Reynardi personify the grace of European folklore. This breed favors a Caucasian blend, although some Reynardi have distinctly Asian features. Noble even when in rags, Reynardi are the sort who would crap on a king’s throne while he stood for applause. Would-be Robin Hoods and Marians, Reynardi are incurable romantics. The flamboyant air these Laughing Strangers present often masks a tender, guarded heart . . . or perhaps that’s just another ruse.

Reynardi

Breed Favors:

Fang and Claw (bite) 1 (L), Nine Lives, Speed 9


 

Breed Bonus:

Similar to most small werefolk, these ferals lose some of their physical hardiness as they shrink to smaller forms. In exchange, these fox-tricksters begin play with nine dots, not seven, to spend on Aspects, and may purchase Aspects from the “bag of tricks.” Reynardi also gain a +2 bonus when trying to hide from larger creatures, and have the Tell Aspect (no cost), which reflects their distinctive eyes.

Form Adjustments:

• War Form: Strength +1, Dexterity +2, Stamina +1, Manipulation –2, Size 5, Health +1, Speed +2 (species factor 5), +2 to perception rolls
•  Primal Beast: Strength 3, Dexterity +3, Stamina 3, Size 3, Health 6, Speed +7 (species factor 9), +2 to perception rolls