Kitsune
Kitsune are fox spirits native to Japan.
Unlike Shifters, kitsune are born in animal form, and only gain the ability to take human form after reaching the age of 100.
Kitsune can be divided into a number of categories. The primary are Zenko, or good kitsune, who have elemental abilities linked to their fur colour, and Yakan, or bad kitsune, who can learn any kitsune powers with sufficient effort.
Kitsune are further subdivided by rank, which are a summary of a kitsune's power level. In general, Zenko find it easier to accend the ranks, due to their more specialised abilities, but Yakan are more powerful at lower ranks than their Zenko counterparts.
The ranks of kitsune are:
- Ashirei or Ashireiko are kitsune who have not yet gained the ability to take human form. Other than their longevity and intelligence, they are indistinguishable from a normal fox
- Chiko is the second rank. At this rank, kitsune begin to gain extra tails as they age (up to a maximum of nine)
- Kiko, or spirit foxes, are the third rank, usually not attained until a kitsune is around 500 years old. Kiko no longer need to eat physical, although they can if they choose, but can consume magical energy or human life-forces to increase their power if needed. Kiko can take a purely spirit form in which they are intangible. Kiko are believed to be messangers of Inari Ōkami, one of the primary gods of Shinto
- Tenko are the highest rank of kitsune. At this rank they do not naturally have any physical body, although they can create one for themselves from magic if they choose. Tenko dwell in the spirit realm, and do not usually concern themselves with the affairs of the mortal world unless summond to do so.
- Kūko, the final rank of kitsune, are considered lower in rank than Tenko, due to being essentially retired. They may chose to give up the ability to return to the mortal world entirely, or they may choose to live out their days in a physical body, but once the choice is made they cannot change it.
All kitsune of Kiko rank or above have the ability to summon Oni to serve them, with the strength of the Oni being based on the power of the kitsune who summons them.
Basic Information
Genetics and Reproduction
Kitsune reproduce sexually, and may interbreed with foxes or humans if in the appropriate form.
The offspring of kitsune and humans are born already at the rank of Chiko, but they often find it harder to master their abilities and progress from there, not having had a century to prepare.
Additional Information
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Primarily Japan, although some kitsune have emigrated elsewhere with the advent of modern travel, especially to Japanese diaspora communities.
Average Intelligence
Kitsune are extremely intelligent, and love puzzles and games.
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