Kitsune and You:

Reference for Sinfarians

Introduction

This is a guide written for the sole purpose of educating someone with regards to Kitsune play on the Neverwinter Nights social server "Sinfar". Kitsune characters, also called Fox Spirits, have gotten very popular on the server, but not many people know about what it means to play such a character and this has resulted in many people starting up such characters with parts that fall grievously outside of any set of established lore. It certainly doesn't help that Fox Spirits are a not-very-well-defined subject even to the people who have devoted years to attempting to understanding this relatively-unique part of Japanese mythology; creatures of legend are rarely well-defined. In fact, if you encounter a guide that DOES state things about Kitsune in absolutes and claims to be the complete authority on them, you should immediately be suspicious!

Let me get right out and say that I am not the complete authority on this subject matter! No one is! My friends and I who also play on Sinfar have researched various information resources on Kitsune available on the Internets and have basically devised a set of lore that can be used with Sinfar in a manner that makes them fun to play and still stays relatively true to the lore. Much of the information within has been either researched or conjured up by common sense where the lore itself is not specific, though a few details have been added for flavor. You, the reader, are encouraged to adapt as much of this lore as possible so that all Kitsune on Sinfar might eventually be played under one standard that does not cause certain people to cry in outrage and set fire to random things.

The Basics

'Kitsune' is the japanese word often used for the concept known as the 'Fox Spirit', if you haven't figured this out already, hailing from eastern/oriental mythology (though 'kitsune' by itself simply means 'fox'). Often, they are attributed as being demons or monsters, as well as temptresses, homewreckers, devourer of children, the whole gamut. But in reality, they are closer to what we consider 'fey', and share much in common with the western concepts of nymphs and dryads. Unlike most fey, however, they are not weak against Cold Iron, but instead are vulnerable to exorcisms or wards to keep spirits at bay. Most Kitsune are female; males are fairly rare. They are typically clever creatures that enjoy matching wits with other beings, giving them a reputation for trickery and deceit among other races, and sport a great curiosity about all aspects of life, especially when it comes to people. Like most fey, they love a good story, and greet the prospect of hearing new ones with great enthusiasm. They typically favor oriental appearances when humanoid, with oriental style of dress. Kitsune favor neutral alignments, leaning chaotic.

Physical Forms

True Form

The true form of a Kitsune is that of a fox, the coloration of its fur varying dependent upon the aspect of the Kitsune (see Aspects below). This form almost always shows the current number of tails of the Kitsune, which can be anywhere from one to nine, though nine-tailed foxes are almost never seen in the mortal world (see Tails below). When a Kitsune is looked upon with the True Seeing spell, this is the form they see. Adult Kitsune can talk in this form, though their speech is usually distorted in some fashion. A Kitsune will return to this form if they suffer some kind of extreme emotional duress or suffer an exorcism.

Common Form

This is the form Kitsune routinely take when they wish to interact with mortals but do not care about concealing their nature. There are two types of common forms: A mostly-human form which features hair of the same color as their fur, fox ears instead of human ones, and fox tail(s), and an anthromorphic form, which resembles a bipedal fox, typically smaller in height and stature than a human, and retains most of the features of their true form. As a general rule, female Kitsune prefer the former, while male Kitsune tend to go with the latter, though it is completely up to the Kitsune which of the two they go with. Regardless of how many tails they have in their true form, many Kitsune choose to have just one tail on their common form for simplicity's sake, though it is possible for them to display them all. Also, in the case of the mostly-human form, the resulting body's dimensions are usually determined by the Kitsune's spirit rather than through their whims. Meaning that things like bust-size and body shape are already determined without a Kitsune's input, so to speak, often viewed as a gift from Inari, and a Kitsune modifying her body dimensions from this is usually considered poor behavior (unless for some reason they were born with deformities).

Other Forms

Kitsune typically have a completely-humanoid form which they usually use when they need to conceal their nature for one reason or another. Apart from that, a talented Kitsune can assume many humanoid forms of either gender and sometimes the forms of various other creatures. The talent in shapeshifting tends to vary between Kitsune.

Types of Kitsune

Several different types of Kitsune exist:

Field Kitsune

The most common Kitsune type. They usually have good talent with Kitsune Magic and are free of the quirks of some of the other types, effectively a ‘jack-of-all-trades’. When it comes to the worship of Inari, the Kitsune patron goddess (See: Religions and Beliefs), a Field Kitsune can have any range of devoutness towards Her, though even if not particularly faithful at all, they always respect Inari in some manner. A Field Kitsune is not capable of drawing on the elements of the Earth for nourishment, relying on the more universal sources of such for Kitsune (see: Diet).

Myobu (Heaven-element)

A type that stands on its own, Myobu are the servants and priests of Inari. These are particularly devout to Inari, have the strongest talent in Kitsune Magic as a general rule, and tend to be guardians looking after the shrines of Inari. Of all the Kitsune, they are most likely to follow all Kitsune traditions and philosophies. Myobu strongly disapprove of Nogitsune and tend to try to run them off whenever possible. Myobu are more common than Wild Kitsune, but less so than Field Kitsune. They are capable of drawing on any of the Japanese elements for purposes of sustaining their energy, though not as efficiently as a Wild Kitsune of that particular element. Their fur tends to favor light colors, especially white.

Wild Kitsune

Legend has it that, centuries ago, Inari herself once either coupled with or stole the essence of several different creatures in order to create those of her children particularly close to each element. Wild Kitsune are the least common Kitsune type but also the most varied. Wild Kitsune have ties with nature, so close to the point where their own nature takes directly after a Japanese element of the Earth. In unusual cases, a Wild Kitsune can be born purely from the abundant quantities of an element itself in a particular area. In addition to Kitsune Magic, they often inherit powers based around their element, and they can draw from the energies of that particular element for nourishment in a rather adept manner, though no others. While worship of Inari can be as varied as Field Kitsune, a shintoist/shamanic bent is often noticed among Wild Kitsune. The thirteen elements Wild Kitsune can take on are as follows: Kaze (Wind), Chikyu (Earth), Kasai (Fire), Koori (Ice), Kawa (River), Kaminari (Thunder), Yama (Mountain), Kukan (Void), Seishin (Spirit), Jikan (Time), Mori (Forest), Umi (Ocean), and Ongaku (Music). Here are some examples of the sort of properties Wild Kitsune of a certain element may have:

Elements tend to be hereditary, as like begets like. It does not often happen, but if a Wild Kitsune mates with a Myobu, a different-element Wild, and/or a creature tied to a different element (though in this case, no hybridization occurs; the result is still either a Kitsune or the creature involved), the element of the offspring can shift in that case, with sometimes unpredictable results. Once born with an element, elements cannot be changed naturally through any means; they are considered an intrinsic part of the Kitsune's body and spirit. Only Inari, the Kitsune Goddess herself, could perhaps do this through a miracle... and it is not one She is normally inclined to give! Finally, there is no such thing as a partial-elemental Wild Kitsune; a Wild Kitsune always takes after one element and one element only.

Nogitsune

Nogitsune are the result of Kitsune who have rejected and/or denounced Inari at some point in their lives, and have fallen from grace. Their reason for this can be anything, though it often happens due to a particular hardship happening to them that the Nogitsune feels Inari did little to nothing to help with. Any type of Kitsune can become a Nogitsune, even Myobu, and usually retain the abilities in Kitsune Magic and elemental powers they had before they 'fell'. A Nogitsune can have a rather different disposition than most Kitsune. It can be that their pranks are more cruel or bothersome in nature, that they are more inclined to weave webs of lies and deception among others, or that they harbor a particularly violent streak, though some Nogitsune can still be peaceful, only wanting to be left alone by Inari and her servants. A Nogitsune often does not place the same value in honoring the spirit of an oath as other Kitsune do, even though they are still bound by at least the letter of it. When making an oath, they will often word it in a method that gives an easy loophole to exploit. A Nogitsune's coloration differs from what s/he had as a Kitsune, their fur becoming noticeably darker in color, with patches of black fur on their True Forms. If the Kitsune was already a dark fur color to begin with, the fur may blacken entirely.

Tails and Lifecycle

Kitsune are considered immortal, and cannot die of old age, though they can still be killed. They have a slower rate of maturity than Humans, though a slightly faster one than that of Elves. Furthermore, they tend to mature faster physically than mentally. A Kitsune is fully physically mature by the approximate age of 50, and is considered fully mentally mature by the age of 100. At 100, it becomes possible for them to grow additional tails. In traditional Kitsune families, the earning of the second tail is considered the Kitsune kit's coming of age, and is usually when they prepare to leave home to embark on their own life's journey. A kitsune leaving their parents at this time is also often forbidden from returning home until the third tail is achieved.

Tails are a representation of both a Kitsune's age and wisdom/power. The more tails they have, the more wise and powerful they are (and generally the more old they are). The rate of growth of additional tails is on average 100 years. Certain things can either accelerate or stunt the growth of tails. A kitsune that came from a particularly harsh upbringing, for example, may gain tails faster at first (but may have a harder time acquiring them later!), while a Kitsune who lived a long time in isolation from people or sources of wisdom, or in an environment where they are usually not challenged, may have a slower rate of growth. For all intents and purposes, it takes a typical Kitsune on average 900 years to acquire nine tails. Upon acquiring the ninth tail, the Kitsune ascends beyond the material world and begins to walk among the heavens. A nine-tailed kitsune in the material plane is considered a disruption to the natural order and will likely have a negative effect on those around her. For that reason, nine-tailed Kitsune are very rarely seen in the material plane, and their presence is brief.

In addition to growing tails the normal way, there are two other ways to acquire them. One is as a willing gift from another Kitsune, which is in itself a rare occurance. The other method is through completely draining the essence of a fellow kitsune through either feeding or the theft of their tails. This method leaves a stain on the Kitsune's soul, and is not done lightly. Of note, Kitsune younger than 100 still cannot acquire additional tails through these means; their body and mind cannot support more than one tail.

If a Kitsune loses all of their tails through either giving them away or having them stolen (or in rare cases, destroyed), they will become exceptionally weak and frail, similar to an anemic human, and will lose all of their powers. If they manage to survive this period of weakness long enough for them to gain the wisdom necessary to grow a tail, they will become healthy again. Tails lost are permanent setbacks, and stunt the growth of the Kitsune, though stolen tails can be recovered.

Diet

A Kitsune is able to feed off of essence from people, basically their emotions and dreams. This is usually their chosen 'food', and if trained properly (usually by parents), they can do it without putting the host in danger. Kitsune that for some reason cannot feed can usually subside on normal food, though it pales in comparison to their chosen 'food'. Young kits must be taught by their parents to feed properly to avoid mishaps. A young Kitsune trying to figure it out on their own will usually burn out their fair share of mortals before they get a hang of it, which can attract some undesirable attention from mortals. As a general rule, Kitsune prefer either willing targets or those sufficiently distracted by seduction. An aware and unwilling target sours the taste, so to speak. Willing targets can often feel a sense of euphoria during a feeding process of a Kitsune.

In addition to this, Wild Kitsune can gain nourishment through consuming their respective element, and Myobu may feed on any element. Doing so diminishes that element in varying degrees.

Religion and Beliefs

Inari, the Kitsune Goddess of Rice, is considered the patron goddess of all Kitsune. If the Kitsune is religious, chances are she either follows Inari, or the religion of Druidism or Shintoism, paying homage to the spirits of the Earth and Sky (or sometimes even both!). Field Kitsune and Wild Kitsune may choose to not follow religion, but even if they choose this, they usually have some passing respect for Inari. A Kitsune that takes an oath forsaking Inari changes to a Nogitsune, described above.

Kitsune value life and will attempt to preserve it whenever possible, and will generally shy away from violence unless absolutely necessary. Of note, a Kitsune is forbidden to kill in cold blood, and from likewise initiating violence upon those who have not raised arms against them or their kin. A Kitsune who does so (aside from mundane purposes such as hunting lesser creatures for food) will displease Inari to the point where they may be exiled as Nogitsune.

Regardless of a particular Kitsune's religion or lack thereof, a Kitsune is a creature of nature that favors the preservation of nature and frowns upon things that are unnatural. For this reason, you likely will not find any Kitsune who willingly turns themselves into a She-male or Hermaphrodite, nor has a very high opinion of such people; such forms are unnatural and rather distasteful. If for some strange reason a child is born a she-male or hermaphrodite, the child is considered deformed and in need of correction.

A Kitsune is extremely hesitant to give their word, usually, but once given, it is considered binding. They often holds oaths and promises in the highest regard and are extremely hesitant to break any of them. Kitsune often punish other Kitsune who break oaths and have a low opinion of oathbreakers. Curiously, though, this does not usually stop them when it comes to making themselves an object of an affair in a mortal marriage. Go figure.

A Kitsune absolutely abhors captivity, and will eventually die if left in captivity too long. In addition to this, some Kitsune may perish due to experiencing extreme sorrowful emotions such as regret.

Society, Love and Procreation

Kitsune typically live with their family until they are of age. From here, they may stay with them for a while, but most are inclined to wander and seek out wisdom, as well as a mate.

The majority of Kitsune are Monogamous, taking one mate at a time and being faithful to them. However, a fair-sized population of Kitsune are known to practice Polygamy, especially males, in which multiple mates are taken. While monogamy is as a general rule more accepted than polygamy among Kitsune, the two groups tend to get along fine in the name of maintaining a solid community and do not dwell on their differences.

Mature Kitsune often are able to render themselves unable to become pregnant or unable to impregnate others except by their own will. If these things happen, it does by the consent of the Kitsune. Unless they for some reason do not instinctively learn this ability, unplanned pregnancies are pretty much unheard of.

If the children are sired by a non-Kitsune, any resulting Kitsune kits will always be female, or a male or female member of that non-Kitsune race, though children of the non-Kitsune race may have a gift for sorcery not normally found in that race, or in some cases Kitsune magic. Of note, there is no such thing as a Kitsune hybrid.

If a female Kitsune-turned-male impregnates a female, the result will always be female Kitsune kits, though such would be considered an odd case.

A person possessed by a Kitsune siring children tends to follow the rules of that species' possible mating results, though like in cases where a Kitsune mates with a non-Kitsune, the resulting child may have gifts of sorcery and potentially some Kitsune powers.

Only when a born-male Kitsune impregnates a Kitsune female does a male Kitsune have the possibility of being born (sometimes they're female anyway!). This is the reason male Kitsune are so rare, compounded by the fact that female Kitsune shine no special priority upon mating with male Kitsune.

Two females may force a kit manifestation to occur through the combination of their respective essences, but this will again result in only female kits.

The number of kits are determined by the number of tails of the Kitsune parent. If there are two Kitsune parents, then it is determined by the parent with the least number of tails.

Classes and Powers

Kitsune tend to favor D&D classes whose primary stat is either Wisdom (WIS) or Charisma (CHA) and does not favor heavy armor. They make good Sorcerers, Bards, Monks, Druids and Rangers. Other classes, such as Rogue, Cleric and Paladin usually make good multiclass options but are usually not the Kitsune's main class. As far as Prestige Classes are concerned, a player of a Wild Kitsune may wish to take note of which ones would make sense for their element (A Fire-element Kitsune without Red Dragon Disciple is kind of silly).

The following are considered traditional Kitsune Magic and may be added through the body models/wild shapes/Shards/Roleplaying:

Shapeshifting

Kitsune are natural shape-shifters, though their aptitude for it tends to vary widely. Some can achieve great feats of change, others have trouble adapting any form beyond their True or Common forms.

Foxfire

The Kitsune can call on blue-colored flames to generate light and to outline hidden items and creatures. Its main purpose is light over harm. Often used in various forms of illusion or trickery to great effect.

Possession

The Kitsune can sometimes possess mortals and use them as a vehicle to do their bidding, usually to aid them in some sort of scheme. Often used by Kitsune not adept at shapeshifting. An unwilling subject must fail an opposed mind save to be possessed.

Illusions

The Kitsune are gifted illusionists; usually a Sorcerer has illusion school magics in their repertoire, and most Kitsune have some gift at misdirection.

Keen Senses

Not really a power, per se, but the Kitsune has the keen sense of smell and hearing of a fox.

Ending - About the Author

Hey, everyone reading this! I'm Zephyrys, one of the older Kitsune players on the Sinfar server, with my Kitsune character "Miyami the Red" being older than the server itself. I'm fairly friendly, and won't mind talking and discussing things in this guide, so feel free to message me in-game if you have any questions or comments about anything I put in here or send me a PM on the forums. A note that, again, this is not meant to be a completely comprehensive take on Kitsune, just one that happens to be fun and suited for the server. Some details were changed to keep things more simple, and some holes were filled in by creative license to suit a fantasy setting. I can say, however, that most of the information in this guide has showed up on the Internet in some form or another about Kitsune. Hope to see you around on the server!