Kitsune

Origins

Originally revered as messengers of Japanese deities, the Inari,seen in mythology as cunning tricksters. Kitsune have thrived for centuries on Earth, blending into society through their shapeshifting abilities. Drawn to the Badlands by the Rift's magic, they adapted to this untamed land, becoming mediators and protectors in a world rich with supernatural challenges.

Traits

Curious, playful, loyal, and skittish of the unknown, Kitsune possesses both a fox and humanoid form. Though the fox form is their true form, many Kitsune prefer to remain in an illusionary form as humans in order to blend in. Kitsune’s hair typically matches their coat, varying from fiery reds to pure whites. Their long lifespans are marked by the growth of additional tails, representing their age and power. A natural curiosity drives most Kitsune which is why they are considered tricksters in legend. They wield magic tied to their tails acting as a reservoir of power to them. They can heal rapidly unless injured by anti-magic substances like Wolf Lichen.

Weaknesses

While resistant to most diseases and aging, Kitsune are highly vulnerable to emotional imbalance. Those that find themselves in an emotional state will often be weakened both magically and physically. Wolf Lichen, a natural fungi, suppresses their regenerative and magical abilities and can leave everlasting scars on Kitsune. 

Background

The Kitsune, fox spirits of Japanese folklore, have existed in our world for centuries, revered as messengers of Inari and feared as cunning tricksters. Originating in Japan, they lived among humans, blending into society through their shapeshifting abilities. While many served as protectors or guardians, others embraced their mischievous nature, weaving themselves into myths and legends. Not all remained within Japan. Some left their homelands, either traveling the world, or in some rare cases, being transported to other worlds by unknown means.

When the Rift opened in the Badlands, whispers of a land where supernatural beings could exist openly reached the Kitsune. Intrigued by tales of a world infused with magic and populated by other supernatural creatures, some Kitsune saw an opportunity to escape the restrictions of human society and explore new possibilities. These adventurous spirits crossed land, oceans, or continents to reach the Badlands, drawn to its promise of freedom and discovery. Not all that came to the Badlands were aware of their own nature, yet still they felt drawn to a true source of magic.

In the Badlands, the Kitsune found a landscape as untamed as their own nature. They quickly adapted, using their intelligence and magical abilities to navigate the challenges of this new frontier. Some aligned themselves with human settlers, offering guidance or protection in exchange for companionship or resources. Others became enigmatic wanderers, using their illusions and wit to outsmart both humans and otherworldly beings.

The Rift’s lingering magic also awakened dormant powers within some Kitsune, allowing them to grow stronger and even develop new abilities. These Kitsune became vital intermediaries between humans and beings from Darraknoir, using their natural cunning to mediate disputes or uncover hidden threats.

Today, the Kitsune are a respected yet mysterious presence in the Badlands. They are known for their dual nature—guardians to some, holders of ancient wisdom to others . Their arrival marked not only a continuation of their ancient legacy but also a new chapter in their ever-evolving story.

More Information

Inari Ōkami

Inari is the Japanese kami (deity, divinity, spirit, mythological, spiritual, or natural phenomena that are venerated in the traditional Shinto religion of Japan) of foxes, fertility, rice, tea, sake, agriculture and industry, and general prosperity and worldly success. The name can literally be translated into “rice-bearer”.

In early Japan, Inari was also the patron of swordsmiths and merchants, and later of blacksmiths.

The Many-Tailed Fox

As true as it is in nature, Japanese folklore tells of the Kitsune having as many as nine tails. Generally, the greater the number of tails they have the older and more powerful the individual is. While many Kitsune only have one tail, it is not uncommon to meet some with as many as five. Those that have lived the longest, considered the wisest among Kitsune, have as many as nine tails, thus kitsune’s nickname of “The Nine Tailed Fox” A Kitsune will be born with but one tail, looking as normal as any other fox might, and it is said that for every 100 years of age the Kitsune will produce another tail, however major events in a Kitsune’s life can cause an additional tail to grow

Few Kitsune ever reach to the status of a Nine-Tailed Fox, but those that do are held in high regard and are often considered wise beyond their years having lived many a life-time in search of knowledge. While most Kitsune have extended lives, it is rare for them to reach ages higher than 300 years old. While there are some great myths of Kitsune who have lived even longer, it is extremely rare to find one that has lived longer.  

Tails typically grow every century or so, though it is not uncommon for a kitsune to grow another tail during a major life event or when the magic of the world has deemed they have “earned” it. Because their magic grows as they gain tails, Kitsune that try to force new tails to grow can put themselves in grave danger if done improperly or for selfish reasons. The magic of the world will typically snap back at a Kitsune, causing mutations, personality changes, or shifting their entire self to become unravelled. 

Aconite Poisoning (Wolfsbane)

In humans, aconitine poisoning manifests with a range of symptoms including neurological, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular issues, potentially leading to paralysis and death. In Kitsune the poisoning progresses just the way as it would in a human with the addition of effecting their magics and preventing their magics from being access whilst the aconite is in their system.

Symptoms can include the following; tingling or numbness in the face and limbs, muscle weakness which can progress to paralysis, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain, low blood pressure, slow heart rate, irregular heartbeats, chest pain and palpitations, sweating, difficulty breathing and headaches.

The initial symptoms (nausea, vomiting, tingling/numbness) may appear within a very short time after ingestion or being exposed to aconite, and the more severe symptoms (paralysis, chest pains, low blood pressure) will generally occur between a half hour to an hour after initial exposure if not treated within good time.

If not treated swiftly and efficiently, aconite poisoning can result in lasting effects that would require rest and medication in order for them to be able to access their magic once more.

Magical Proclivity

Kitsunes have a natural connection to magic, as it is part of who they are. Their tails signify their magical power, with each new tail their abilities grow more powerful. Because of their nature, Kitsune’s have natural abilities to create illusions both around them and about themselves. Kitsune’s use illusion magic to appear human and to go invisible for a short period of time to escape danger. They also have a keen truesight that allows them to see things others might not. 

While not all Kitsune use magic outside of their natural skills, it is not uncommon for them to step into learning other types of magics as well.