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Kitsune: An Explanation Welcome to the dream's guide to all things kitsune! This is the lore, or the canon, that the dream is based upon. Whether you're a player new to the species, or experienced with the beasties, there's information in here for you!Index First timers are encouraged to read at least the beginner's guide and elemental types entries before beginning to play within the dream! The rest is there for more seasoned players, those wishing to increase their knowledge, or those needing clarification on some matter (although you can always go find a staffer within the dream; they'll be willing to help on such things as well!).
 Introduction G'day, folks, and welcome to A Kitsune's Paradise's Repository of Kitsune Lore and Guide To Roleplay Within the Dream, Version 3.0! This document aims to explain not only what kitsune are traditionally and what they do, but also outline what is expected of a character within the AKP dream, in a hopefully coherent and easy-to-follow fashion. Before we begin, a few little things! The reader should remember that kitsune are very complex critters, and are beasts out of legend; there's no way anyone could ever hope to get one true stream of knowledge about them. Quite a bit of what is known has holes in it, and other bits are completely contradictory in parts. We try to stick to known Japanese tradition as much as possible, but there are times where we deviate from it in the interests of roleplay, setting, and continuity. The information contained within here has been assembled through the usage of four sources:
(And by the way, if anyone wants a copy of the Kitsune book, I have a PDF of it. Just find me in dream if you want it.) With that, onwards we go! Section 1 � What the heck is a kitsune, anyways? So you're here, you're in the dream, and you're ready and raring to start roleplaying with our awesome folk! Just one problem, you think to yourself. �What's a kitsune?� No worries! We're here to help~ Kitsune, in a really tiny tip-of-the-iceberg nutshell, are Japanese spirit foxes with magical abilities and multiple tails. �Cool! Can I go RP now? :D:D:D� No, not yet. Sit. Pull up a chair, scootch closer towards the fireplace. You got lots of learning to do yet, youngun. Now then. The following quote, from Nozaki's Kitsune, seems to be a good way to introduce the beasties by most folk, myself included: 'Kitsune is an animal supposed to be mysterious, fascinating, and mischievous. And he is believed to be very grateful for the kindness done to him, as seen in many tales, and is also affectionate as revealed in some dramas. He is enshrined as a god because of his supernatural power. He is endowed with the subtle art of metamorphosis, and he is able to bewitch men in the guise of a charming girl. An exceedingly interesting and entertaining beast Kitsune is.' (preface, page vii) Kitsune were originally introduced to Japan from China and Korea (both of which have slightly differing views on the dears; Korea's foxes are almost always evil, for example), and those two countries got their own traditions from variations on Indian folklore. Fox and kitsune are generally used interchangeable in Japan, but I'll be using the term kitsune to refer to the spirits so as not to confuse anyone. When I say fox, I mean your traditional red and bushy-tailed canine. So, indeedy. They're fox-shaped spirits, possessed of abilities beyond the powers of your average non-mystical creature. Kitsune are quite long-lived, and if not killed by an outside force, can manifest themselves in the physical realm for somewhere between 900-1000 years before returning to the spirit world. We don't control how quickly your characters age and grow within the dream; you can do that at whatever pace you like. Kits should have only one tail, but you are allowed to age them to an adult under whatever timeline you want (whether this means your character becomes an adult at a year or at 100, it's up to you). We do require you to display your number of tails somewhere in your description! They generally gain a tail for each (approximately) one hundred years lived, starting out with one as a kit and attaining their ninth sometime around the age of 800. Some legends say that they can earn tails in other manners, such as being awarded them for feats of bravery or by a benefactor or teacher, but we mostly stick to the aging rule in AKP. Tails are never to be asked for, however � the benefactor will give a kitsune them only if they feel they deserve it, and probably will require some task or quest undertaken freely before doing so. Kitsune losing tails are quite rare � it is said, traditionally, that each time a kitsune dies it loses a tail. Within the dream, however, losing a tail means that your character will be greatly weakened, often fatally. You should try to avoid doing this! Kitsune require a connection with an element, in order to fuel themselves. Generally they try to stick around a place that has a bevy of whatever they are, but they do travel from place to place as well. The kitsune can drain the elemental energy of an area in order to feed and keep themselves healthy, and are also able to call on abilities associated with that element. The thing that is fed upon usually withers to some extent, depending on how much the kitsune drains away, or how powerful it is. More on elements and feeding will be discussed later! Your elemental type must also be displayed in your description. Although kitsune are able to appear in the physical world in a few forms, most of them are pretty irrelevant in AKP. The kitsune appearing here, as described in the dream's backstory, are all in manifested form. Outside of this dream, you may wish to have your kitsune appear in a different form, but they'll not be discussed right now. Please see the section Kitsune and Mortals for more information! Kitsune are often associated with the god/goddess Inari, a Shinto deity of rice and foxes. Shrines to Inari are quite common in Japan, and are symbolized by the red torii gates with two white foxes sitting at the base. While Inari is credited as being both male and female, depending on the source, here in AKP we refer to her as a goddess. Even though the kitsune are merely kami, or spirits, and not gods, they get their own shrines quite a bit of the time � pleasing a kitsune usually means less trouble caused by them, and can even mean granted protection! All kitsune swear oaths to Inari, and some take positions within her temple. Those who do not swear the oaths are referred to as nogitsune. More information about Inari, the temples, and the nogitsune can be found within the sections Kitsune Behavior and Ethics and Kitsune vs Nogitsune! A kitsune's abilities range fairly widely, from illusion to shapeshifting to actual magical prowess, and are covered more fully in the Abilities section. Do keep in mind that a kitsune grows much, much more powerful depending on its age, and in particular, the number of tails it has. A guideline for AKP is that a two-tailed is twice as powerful as a one-tailed, a three-tailed is twice as powerful as a two-tailed, four-tailed twice as powerful as a three-tailed, and so on. (Powers of two, hooray!) Using their abilities drains their energy depending on what it is they're doing, and they generally have to feed in order to replenish what they lose. And that wraps up this short beginner's guide! I hope your knowledge is better than it was a few minutes ago. Please continue to read on for a more in-depth look at the lovely beasties! Elemental Types of the Kitsune Okay, so you've got a kitsune alt created, you've decided on a tail-number... Now what about it's element? A kitsune's element directly influences its abilities, the type of energy it'll need to feed on, and to some extent, its personality (although this isn't always the case, of course). There are thirteen all told, ranging across a variety of Asian-styled elements. Within AKP, a kitsune always needs to have at least one dominant element associated with it. Once they grow and become comfortable within their own skin, they can then choose to learn a second elemental path, a subordinate element. This second element will never be as powerful an ability as their primary, or dominant, element, but they will be able to use powers associated with it, as well as feed off of it if needed. Some more powerful kitsune (generally nine-tailed ones) are able to control all of the elements to some slight extent, but this comes about only through centuries of training and great innate power. Do remember that nine-tailed kitsune in the dream must be approved by the Rah! The following is a list of kitsune elements and information therein. Celestial � Also known as Heaven kitsune, or the tenko. Most celestial kitsune serve under Inari; it is rare to find a celestial nogitsune. They are generally noble and protective to some degree, and are usually stalwart guardians. Their control extends to that of the heavens and starlight, although many people file these kitsune under the realm of 'light'. Celestial mages may be able to teleport at will, call upon creatures of magic, or throw meteors or balls of light at their opponents. Healing is also a discipline practised by the celestials. When feeding, the celestials have a range of options: they can take energy from magic and knowledge itself, drawing upon sorcerers, ley lines, temples, or even from books and oral stories. The books might become harder to read, or the storyteller might forget their tale. Starlight is also a prime feeding ground, and bold celestials might even take from the warmth of the sun. Light might therefore diminish when the celestials absorb energy. Void � Known as the Dark kitsune in some traditions, or the reiko. Those of the void are often nogitsune, although there are those who swear to Inari as well, and the element as a whole is not viewed as 'evil'. Often, voidlings are rather dark and brooding in nature, and can be downright malicious and territorial at times. The void is the essence of nothingness, the absence of everything including darkness, but their powers generally revolve around the shadows and darker materials. Void-users can cause blights within the land, drain life, summon creatures of darkness, vanish into shadows, and drain light from areas. They feed upon darkened areas, such as marshes and swamps, leaving behind poisoned waters and dead critters. Shadows are also fed from, leaving mortals without shadows or already dark areas seemingly more bleak. Wind � Sometimes known as the kuko or kouko. The windlings can be either kitsune or nogitsune just as easily, although they're usually a little more inclined to be on the mischievous side. These kitsune are often flighty and beset by wanderlust, and never really stay in one place for too long. Influencing the weather is an easy task for these kitsune, as is creating tornadoes or just a plain ol' nice breeze. The manipulation of ice and snow also falls under the realm of the wind kitsune, and blizzards and such can sometimes be attributed to them. Feeding from the wind leaves behind stale and hard-to-breathe air, although this can be swept away by a stronger, fresher breeze. Earth � Known as the kokoge under our old system. The kitsune of the earth are solid and unyielding, and likely somewhat gruff in mannerisms. They're quite rooted in their ways, traditional at heart, and are more resistant to change than other kitsune can be. Their abilities include moving about rocks and piles of earth, transmuting rocks, minerals and other physical objects, and building structures, walls, etc. Burrowing through the ground wouldn't be very hard to do, either! Feeding from the earth would mean drawing upon stones and soil, likely resulting in blighted crops and other plants as the land becomes cracked and withered. Fire � The kitsune of fire were known as the tenku under our old system. Those of fire are apt to be quick tempered, constantly moving, and can be somewhat emotional and prone to fits of pique or even rage. Angering a fire kitsune would likely not be such a good idea, ehe. Many stories attribute fiery powers to all sorts of kitsune, and it's not too hard to imagine what the fiery ones' abilities center around! They create fire, control it, and have all sorts of fun with it � fox-fire is particularly easy for these kitsune to create. Manipulating heat could also lie within their range of abilities. Feeding from flames results in snuffage, and probably leaves behind something of a coat of ash. Ocean � These were once known, together with those of the rivers, as the tsunamido. The kitsune of the ocean are usually stormy and tempestuous in nature; at one point calm and placid, and at another, raging and furious. They're usually quite the natural warriors. The oceandwellers, like those of the rivers, control water, but to a larger, often more violent scale � they can cause strong storms, floods, and tsunamis, and summon creatures from the depths of the oceans. When they feed from the oceans and waves, flat and still water is left behind, with the sea breezes and fishy creatures dying or leaving the area. River � Together with the kitsune of the ocean, they once comprised the tsunamido. While the kitsune of the rivers are another water-elemented clan, they are more peaceful and calm than their more boisterious cousins. Beware, however, for rivers too can have their rapids! Most river kitsune are adept at healing, along with the celestials. They can create water in the form of rain or small torrents, and control creatures that live in the shallower waters, along with healing others and bringing plants and such to life about them. When they feed, those of the river take from the waters themselves, leaving tainted water, dead fishies, and dry riverbeds in extreme cases. Forest � Those of the forest were once known as the monoshenki. The kitsune of the forest are a mixed batch; some are apt to be quiet and serene, strong as the trees about them, while others are more playful and mischievous, enjoying their frolics. Most of them, however, do end up quite attached to the places they haunt. The forest kitsune are adept at manipulating wood, trees, and other plants and creatures of the forest, and are well-known for their abilities at surviving in and blending into the woodlands. Many of them are quite good at working with herbs and roots in the form of salves and potions. While feeding, the forest kitsune wither trees and plants about them, and weaken animals in the vicinity. Time � Once known as the tien-tin within Paradise. The kitsune of time are often quite contemplative and quiet, and are known for their abilities as oracles and seers. Some have a sometimes-irritating habit of being mysterious and tight-lipped. While they cannot travel through time, per se, kitsune of this element are able to speed up and slow down time at will, age and youthen targets, and predict future events. This is not the mastery of reality, but rather, the perception and manipulation of time. Time kitsune feed from the lifespan of things about them, aging them or otherwise shortening their time in the world. Time might also slow around them as they feed, making tasks seem longer or harder than expected. Mountain � The mountain kitsune were once known as the kokoge, along with the kitsune of earth. These kitsune are often apt to be silent and withdrawn, preferring to observe for some time before acting on anything. The mountains, after all, have all the time in the world. Kitsune of the mountains are able to control the mountains, and the creatures that live in them. They can cause earthquakes, landslides, and other seismic events, sometimes even volcanic eruptions. They feed upon rocks, stones, and precious metals and gems, leaving behind crumbling or fragile minerals. If feeding upon a range of mountains or hills, they can transform them into barren wastelands of jagged rock. Thunder � Once known as the sho-shu, in the old version of the lore. These kitsune are often apt to be loud and arrogant, booming, boastful and full of pride. Their roaring is usually quite matched by the strength of their abilities, so they do have reason to boast. Those practiced in the element can spontaneously create bolts of lightning, summon thunderstorms, and create shields of energy to protect themselves and others. One might even speculate they could control electrical objects, given the right sort of setting... They feed from storms and harsh weather about themselves, often leaving behind a stale and lifeless rain. Spirit � Known as the koryo in some lore, as well as the old version of our dream. The spirit kitsune are said to be one of the 'bad' types, often turning up as nogitsune, and are sometimes referred to as 'ghost foxes' or 'demon foxes'. They're usually somewhat mysterious in nature, withdrawn from life, and can be quite dark-hearted. They are able to manipulate the spirit world and the demons and creatures that live therein. Spirit magic doesn't usually work too well on mortals, as they have souls rather than spirits � kitsune of this element usually need to wait for a mortal to die before their magic will work well on them, but can bind, summon, banish, ward, or trap spirits with ease. Some say they're more proficient than other kitsune at possessing other creatures. They feed on the spirits of other creatures, hunting and devouring them, usually destroying them entirely and leaving behind weak and lifeless ones if anything at all. They're one of the most likely types to harm people that they feed from. Music � The kitsune of music were once known as the anoshatari. These critters are often polite and pleasant souls, and enjoy company. They're apt to be a bit more hedonistic than some other kitsune, taking pleasure from all life has to offer, and are even more practiced at seduction than the other elementals. They can control song and music, singing songs that are similar to spells, and are adept at the entrancement of others and warding off supernatural creatures. Need more hints? Think of banshees, sirens, and magical bards. The music kitsune feed off of music, poetry, and creative feelings connected with such. A musician fed from might lose inspiration or skill, or perhaps the music fed upon become lifeless and dull. Thus concludes the lesson on kitsune elements! Please mind that the possibilities of abilities listed here is not complete � use your imagination! All categories can be quite broad, particularly when combined with a subordinate element. A kitsune of earth and river might be adept at the manipulation of quicksand, for example, among other things. The examples of feeding given also vary in extremes; younger, less powerful kitsune would certainly not need to drain the entire essence of a thing, although older ones might have to. Other Abilities of the Kitsune Besides the elemental magics listed above, kitsune also have a few more innate powers under their belts. Tails. Whatever. The following is a short list of them. Illusion � Kitsune are innate illusionists, and can create people, objects, and animals out of thin air that are indistinguishable from the real thing in all senses. More powerful kitsune are generally capable of seeing through the illusions of a weaker one. The more kitsune that gather to create an illusion, the more complex it can be � while one alone could create an illusionary figure, or a stack of weaponry, etc, many together could create an entire illusionary city. Pocket Realms � Kitsune are able to fold the fabric of space and time, creating pockets of reality into homes for themselves and such. A little hole in the ground could become a castle, or a small field could become a kingdom complete with subjects and 'realistic' forces within. Mostly, these are just used as homes for an individual kitsune or family. Time seems to flow faster inside of them than out, and generally, one day spent in the real world is equivalent to seven years spent in the realm. Seduction/Mind Control � By swaying their tails or holding a person's gaze, the kitsune is able to take over the mind of a target. The target is then host to the kitsune's wishes � they see, think, and live in a world designed by the kitsune, inside of the target's own mind. This seduction can continue on until it is broken by certain magics and wards, and is a purely magical force, not telepathic or what have you. Foxfire/Kitsune-bi � By rubbing their tails together, a kitsune can produce a sort of lightning or fire. In a short range, most are able to breathe out fire as well. 'Fox lanterns' are created when the kitsune shapes fire into small balls to float about them, lighting and guiding their way. These balls can be used as weapons, or even toys, and are often one of the first powers to manifest. Possession � This will be discussed in greater detail in the Kitsune and Mortals section, but for now, just let it be known that kitsune, as spirits, are capable of possessing humans, furres, and animals. Shapeshifting � Kitsune are capable of transforming themselves into anything found in nature. Trees, rocks, forests, water, other creatures... You name it, they probably can do it. They do not, however, gain the innate abilities of the form they take � transforming into a dragon wouldn't give them dragon-like powers, for example � and are vulnerable to whatever can harm the form they choose. (Tree shaped kitsune are warned to beware of axes.) When possessing someone, the kitsune cannot shapeshift, but is capable of using illusions to 'approximate' shifting. The Kitsune Ball � A small white ball with no special powers. It doesn't even glow! The kitsune seem to guard it quite jealously in tales, however, and if a mortal gets their hands on one, they can usually get the kitsune to aid them. Usually they're just used as a toy, but there are theories that the kitsune places a bit of their power into the ball while in human form or possessing mortals. We generally tend to ignore their existence in AKP. And that concludes the list of concrete kitsune powers. Some folk theorize that kitsune could use other sorts of oriental magics, including chi manipulation, geomancy, and runic ju-fo, but these types tend to rarely come up in the dream, if at all. Want to use them? Do your own research, and make sure things are believable! Kitsune Behavior and Ethics Hoo boy. Now we get to the beginning of the fun sections. The last few sections here are mostly for the interest of those who wish to truly get inside a kitsune's head � if you want to go and start on a character now, go ahead, and get a feel for things in the dream before heading back here and getting into the good stuff. :3 Some of the information pertained within will also help you when playing your character in other dreams across Furcadia. Now then! Kitsune behavioral patterns, ethics, and beliefs. Where to begin? Aaaalrighty. Some say that the kitsune are mercurial beasties, sometimes even downright contradictory in nature � their moods, their interactions with those around them, even their abilities. The kitsune, in Japanese culture, is the embodiment of the Trickster, much like the coyote in Native American folklore. They teach the people about them lessons of one sort or another. No kitsune is ever truly good or evil � rather, they lie somewhere in between, amoral. They don't accept the concept of either, and instead rely on those of 'right' and 'wrong'. Right and wrong can vary widely, however, depending on culture, locale, the type of kitsune there... Even right down to the individual kitsune. They generally follow their own ethical code, but will usually adapt to the morals of those around them, mostly for the sake of being accepted than anything else. Only myobu, the guardians of Inari, are always 'good' � others can be both allies and enemies to the mortals about them. Offending what a kitsune believes is 'correct' can make them evil, malicious, and disruptive. Behaving according to what they think is right, however, is rewarded with politeness, kindness, and helpfulness. This apparent contradictions (to humans, anyways) is dealt with in a number of kitsune myths � they guard, or steal, aid and harm all on their own whims. Some common beliefs most kitsune share:
True names are never given, except to the goddess Inari and he or she whom the kitsune takes as a life mate. Knowing the kitsune's true name gives a creature power over them. Characters should always be created with the kitsune's 'false name' � if you wish to come up with a true one for them, be sure you don't let anyone know in character unless you understand the responsibilities that come with another person knowing! Kitsune, when trying to seduce each other, usually display their intentions pretty clearly using a rippling display of tails, and eventually wrapping their tails about the other. The interested-in party can decline or show their disinterest. Ignoring the warning signs and attempting three tries at seduction can warrant a challenge, and the would-be seducer might wind up with wounds instead of being sated. Smacking another kitsune with one's tails is considered an insult, and a challenge. Usually this is delivered to the shoulders or sides � going for the face is rather grave! The victorious party in a fight will display their tails high and proud, while the loser might drag their own set through the dirt, showing their submission. This is all about fair combat, after all � mostly the battles between the kitsune are just rough and tumble games. Kitsune do not fight to the death, nor do they wage war upon each other or the other elemental clans. The exceptions are nogitsune � but there'll be more on them later. Feeding in AKP is mostly handled by draining the corresponding energy of an area around the kitsune, but can also be done by draining a creature's soul. Often, this occurs during intercourse between the kitsune and its target, but can also be accomplished just by touching the target and establishing a link. A willing soul provides more nourishment than an unwilling one and is much safer, and both the target and the kitsune experience some form of pleasure during the draining. Be wary, though � unrestrained feeding can cause some pretty serious pain to even a willing target, and can also drive them quite insane. Most kitsune and even nogitsune will leave instructions on how to alleviate this with the drainee, as payment for services provided. Living things that are fed upon begin to wither away over time, becoming weak, pale, and sickly as their essence fades. Anything � living or no � that they draw upon does not necessarily have to be destroyed, but it will certainly be weakened by the experience. Destruction is more common among more powerful kitsune, who must absorb more energy than younger, weaker ones. The offspring of a kitsune is always another kitsune, often in the form of fox-kits. Kitsune are able to control their own fertility if in manifested form (the 'normal' form in AKP); otherwise reproduction occurs as in humans. A possessed creature, however, is not a kitsune per-se, and any offspring produced will not be kitsune � although they may have some innate magical talents. Kitsune death is very dependent on what form the kitsune inhabits at that time, so I shall cover it in greater detail in the Kitsune and Mortals section. For now, just know that unless the spirit itself experiences death, it can return in a number of ways. Any other questions about behavior and ethics can be answered by our lovely staff in-game~ Kitsune and Nogitsune � No More Goody Four-Shoes The nogitsune is a concept that comes up a bunch in-dream, although there isn't a lot that any of the official sources have to say about these 'opposite' kitsune. Thus, the information following isn't necessarily 'true' in the traditional sense, but it is how we treat the concept in-dream. Nogitsune are, in the most general sense, kitsune that have not sworn oaths to Inari or her temple, or who have broken the oaths. This opens up a bunch of further possibilities as to how far they're entrenched in heathen-land. A nogitsune can be an otherwise 'good' spirit, just not wanting to deal with gods or be besworn to them. On the other hand, they can be very evil, malicious, and all-around not-nice creatures. And then, of course, there's all the shades in between. Quite a few nogitsune just fall under the 'perennial trickster' label, sometimes being a bit shady in their pranks towards kitsune and other creatures, but overall are not truly malicious. As they are not bound by the laws of Inari, nogitsune are 'freer', in a sense, to do what they wish � this can include harbouring hate against or killing other nogitsune and kitsune, harming mortals without any particular reason, taking people prisoner, lying incessantly, and so on. Any kitsune who indulges in such behavior automatically becomes a nogitsune (so again, no saying you have a kitsune slaver � you can have a nogitsune one, however. There's a difference!). Nogitsune wishing to repent and become kitsune again can either seek out a nine-tailed kitsune, or go to one of Inari's temples and offer up prayers and apologies there. So who keeps the bad nogitsune in check? That would be the myobu. The myobu, in-dream, are Inari's sworn guardians. In the old myths, the word myobu can possibly refer to all kitsune, as it is their royal court caste, but we make a bit more of a distinction between the two. The oaths that a myobu swears enables them to gain power through the shrine they are sworn to, live there, and find shelter nearby. In return for this power, the kitsune protects those who work and live near the shrine, and aid any who come to them for help. When nogitsune move in and start harassing the critters near the shrine, the myobu will usually be called upon to deal with the problem. Myobu are also somewhat discouraged in getting involved in mortal affairs, as it would be rude and improper to 'butt in', so to speak. Only when they are asked can the myobu help with another's affairs. Myobu are never tricksters or mischievous spirits, and are rather considered good omens and guardians, to the point of being known as 'guardian kitsune'. It should be noted that, even though the myobu hold a distrust and even dislike of most nogitsune, they will usually seek to drive them away or get them to repent, rather than outright kill them. As nogitsune are not classified as kitsune, however, a myobu or kitsune is able to kill them without fearing Inari's displeasure � but this should only ever be done in extreme circumstances, when the lives or well-being of many are at stake. Kitsune, Mortals, and other Critters, and Interactions Therein So you're ready to step out of Paradise and into the Real World, are you? Things are a wee bit different out there for kitsune! This section won't really help you out much in AKP, but if you decide to take your character travelling into other dreams, this's the stuff to know. Or hey, you could just read it out of interest. Interest's cool! There are three ways that a kitsune or nogitsune can appear in the physical worlds. Firstly, they can manifest themselves directly within the world. This requires a huge investment of energy on the kitsune's part, however, and is rare indeed, as it is something of a disruption on the world's natural order and usually causes hardship to the region and people around it as the kitsune drains energy to support itself. They're also vulnerable in this form to weapons and spiritual men. The manifested kitsune, however, can appear either foxformed, humanformed, or a combination of the two (resulting in your bipedal furre-kitsune!), and is usually quite attractive. As part of its spiritual nature, the manifested kitsune is also able to shapeshift into pretty much anything it wants to, including people, trees, rocks, and so forth. This is the method of appearing in AKP, but it is easier to keep one's self supported within the dream than it is outside � there's so much natural energy within Paradise that feeding is often trivial. One of the more common means of appearing in the physical world is that of possession, although it usually is not used on a long-term basis. Generally, the kitsune requires the target's permission to possess them, although there are a few tales of possessions-by-force. The target's will is completely taken over during the possession, and retains no memory of the events that occur during it once the kitsune leaves their body. Humans, furres, and even feral animals are able to be possessed. The kitsune itself cannot be harmed when possessing someone, but they can be forced out of the body by a priest or by the body itself dying, thus becoming vulnerable. The kitsune's abilities are greatly limited in this form, and they generally can't even shift between feral or bipedal forms. Taking an avatar is the most permanent means of a kitsune sticking around in the physical world, and is accomplished by possessing either an unborn child or a non-consecrated, unburied corpse. The kitsune in this form retains its abilities of shapeshifiting and illusionry, and usually has at least one fox tail even in human-form. A kitsune can eventually regain most of its powers by taking an unborn child's body and making it its own, rather than the corpse, but this process is also more difficult � the mother will fall ill during pregnancy, and the child itself will be rather sickly upon birth, and will continue to be until either it dies in the battle for itself or the kitsune succeeds in its possession. Depending on how a kitsune has manifested itself, it can be harmed in different ways. While in avatar form, it is capable of rapid regeneration and developing resistances to most weaponry. Only blessed or magical objects are a particular weakpoint � attacks by such can cripple or outright slay a kitsune, driving it into the spirit realm or destroying it permanently if powerful enough. When in a possessed body, kitsune are somewhat better off � while the body itself can be attacked or killed, the spirit is capable of leaving at any time, leaving the possessee to suffer whatever was meant for the kitsune. Again, a magical or blessed weapon is required to harm the spirit inside, or to banish it from the body. Manifested kitsune are in the worst position, weakness-wise: anything that can harm a mortal can harm the kitsune. They also do not regenerate like avatar-formed ones; they must instead spend their own resources to heal, or heal at a natural rate. Magical weapons and faith-based attacks, however, are less effective against the manifested kitsune than avatars or possessed ones � they are more 'natural' to the physical world, having become somewhat attuned to it. Once their physical body is killed, these kitsune reanimate themselves in the spiritual world, although are much weaker than their compatriots. Unless the spirit itself has been destroyed, a dead kitsune has a few options. If they'd fed recently before their death, they may retain enough power to re-manifest themselves in one of the above manners. If they cannot re-manifest at the current time, they can wander the spirit worlds, recharging themselves and waiting for a more convenient time to do so. Any kitsune who re-manifests in AKP after death must come back in one-tailed kit form! In spirit form, the kitsune is immune to physical attacks (whether the weapon is blessed or not), but quite vulnerable towards magical spells and the like. A magical sword could not harm them whilst in spirit form as it would still require making contact to damage them, but a drain-life spell or somesuch could cause rather heavy damage, and might even snuff out the spirit permanently. The greatest weakness of a kitsune lies in religion, and the people that practice it � clerics, priests, monks, and healers often do not see kitsune illusion, and are able to dispel it with just a touch. The destruction of their illusions leaves a kitsune's concept of reality in shambles, and can drive weaker ones somewhat mad. People of faith can disrupt a kitsune's link to someone that they've fed from, preventing them from feeding again, as well as ward themselves against the kitsune's abilities, or even protect someone else from them. Sites of faith � non-Inari temples, and so on � can weaken a kitsune, although they can still enter them. Some kitsune try to convert these other temples into Inari temples, so that they might gain access and power there. Dragons are one of the primary enemies of the kitsune, and the kitsune is almost always in the worst position in a fight between the two. The dragon is capable of tearing away the kitsune's spirit, throwing them directly back into the spirit realm. Mostly, they are hostile to one another, although there are a few dragons that do not immediately try to attack kitsune. The only advantage a kitsune has against the dragons is their natural cunning. If a friendly one is found, count your blessings! (There are a few dragons that inhabit AKP... It is advised that you try and keep them on your good side, unless you like the idea of becoming a snack.) Oni, the oriental demons, are also feared by the kitsune. They feed from the land and spirit world, and are capable of draining kitsune into a withered husk. Most kitsune, when confronted by an oni, will either flee or curl up, hoping for mercy or a quick death. Oni sorcerers are even more dangerous, as their magics are stronger than all but the strongest of kitsune. Any more questions? Ask us in-dream! Glossary Kitsune � A Japanese spirit-fox, besworn to the goddess Inari. Nogitsune � A kitsune who is not sworn to Inari. Inari � A Japanese Shinto goddess of rice and/or food. Sometimes also depicted as a god, but we use the female version in AKP. Myobu � A kitsune sworn to Inari as a guardian. Usually tries to drive away naughty nogitsune and suchlike. Ryuu � The oriental dragons, particularly the Japanese variety. Dangerous to kitsune, beware! Kitsune-bi � Foxfire, produced by rubbing tails together. Little lanterns can also be made of this stuff. Kyuubi � A nine-tailed kitsune, the most powerful and prestigious tail-ranking that a kitsune can aspire to. Anyone got any more definitions? Let me know! |
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A Kitsune's Paradise, � 2003-2007 by Kari Kianna
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