Kitsune in Felarya?

Karbo wrote:

Well it's a good description ^^ I've seen more and more Kitsunes being introduced to Felarya in stories lately and I'm starting to wonder about giving them an entry indeed.
I don't see anything wrong with this one , but maybe they could have something more to make them more distinctive from Kitsune from other worlds? Not an easy thing to do I know... I'm just also curious about their appearance. You say their natural one is similar to that of a real fox ?

Well for distinctiveness I'm sure we can think of something after all that is what the forums are for right? Compiling ideas together to make them mesh correctly.

old theory:

For Kitsune appearance they would appear to be demi-human just like Inus and Nekos. Where they have fox like ears and depending on the presence of those around them displaying either one tail or however many tails they have.

And I have to agree with RCS Kitsune do have a tendency to be used as pwn mobiles thanks to popular anime shows depicting that the more tails a creature has the stronger it is. But if I were to think of a unique trait for Felaryan Kitsune is this: Felaryan Kitsune no matter the number of tails can just as easily be as powerful as any other Kitsune with a diffrent amount of tails. Where if they don't hone their skills or talents they are just as vulnerable as a human mage. Possibly more so due to the predator sense for giant nagas and fairies that lets them pick out magical signatures and Kitsune have a natural affinity for magic same as elves so I'm sure that makes them just as visible on that sense as the next mage. But they also cluster together in their clans to form large groups of mages of all calibers so I'm sure that makes them stick out like a sore thumb though I'm not 100% certain on that I leave that up for debat on how predator sense affects them though I doubt it does any different then a normal mage. And here I am rambling on about nonsense that no one has brought up yet haha oh well best to bring it up now then later right?

Also RCS your Illusion/ Trickery idea that you helped turn me to actually does help reinforce some of the Japanese myth and legends background of Kitsune.

I will get to work on the next revision right away I'll try to get it up soon for all to view and pick apart.

And what is collaboration you speak of AJ? This is the first I have heard of it. Joking joking I promise I am!

Thanks Nyaha for catching that I will make sure to correct it. ^^

Quote :

For their appearance I intended them to be fox like in appearance while among their own kind. So if a person were to walk into a clan of Kitsune they would see many Kitsune as they really are humanoid foxes that are covered in hair from head to toe and freely displaying their "X" amount of tails. While for a Kitsune outside of their clan and in large cities such as Negav they would look similar to Inus and Nekos in that they only show their ears and a single tail making them look more humanoid. I'll explain it better in my next revision so that it hopefully sounds easy enough to believe.

So, if Im reading this right... Kitsune are furries/anthros?

Ehh, I don't know about that, man. It just seems a bit too different, since there are not really any anthros in Felarya, just demi-humans/hybrids.

I think it might be better to have their natural state be a demi-human. Human-looking in appearance, but with the ears and tails of a fox. They could always still use their illusions to pose as inu or humans if they wanted to.

Of course, its up to you in the end, but I just think they'd fit better into the setting if they were demi-humans, instead of anthros. Would also help you avoid some of the internet stigma that comes along with furries no matter what setting they pop up in.

rcs619 wrote:

So, if Im reading this right... Kitsune are furries/anthros?

Ehh, I don't know about that, man. It just seems a bit too different, since there are not really any anthros in Felarya, just demi-humans/hybrids.

I think it might be better to have their natural state be a demi-human. Human-looking in appearance, but with the ears and tails of a fox. They could always still use their illusions to pose as inu or humans if they wanted to.

Of course, its up to you in the end, but I just think they'd fit better into the setting if they were demi-humans, instead of anthros. Would also help you avoid some of the internet stigma that comes along with furries no matter what setting they pop up in.

:Super Face Palm!:

Well that would help avoid issues, I admit I was slightly out of my normal mind set for that post. Maybe I should have hit my bed earlier rather than staying up watching that one last late night movie staying up to 4 am staying up late is not conducive to proper thinking. But yeah sorry about that I was well out of it (way out of it) I assume responsibility for the idiot post. Thanks for the kick there. Moi oi vey, haha good thing I haven't started rewriting it yet I'll make sure to leave that part out (the furry part). Looking back it seems more complicated and outside the idea for K.I.S.S. for them to switch back and forth between the anthro and the demi's.

So for the record no they are not anthro's they are demi's. oi vey :face palm:

walkingbyself wrote:

rcs619 wrote:

So, if Im reading this right... Kitsune are furries/anthros?

Ehh, I don't know about that, man. It just seems a bit too different, since there are not really any anthros in Felarya, just demi-humans/hybrids.

I think it might be better to have their natural state be a demi-human. Human-looking in appearance, but with the ears and tails of a fox. They could always still use their illusions to pose as inu or humans if they wanted to.

Of course, its up to you in the end, but I just think they'd fit better into the setting if they were demi-humans, instead of anthros. Would also help you avoid some of the internet stigma that comes along with furries no matter what setting they pop up in.

:Super Face Palm!:

Well that would help avoid issues, I admit I was slightly out of my normal mind set for that post. Maybe I should have hit my bed earlier rather than staying up watching that one last late night movie staying up to 4 am staying up late is not conducive to proper thinking. But yeah sorry about that I was well out of it (way out of it) I assume responsibility for the idiot post. Thanks for the kick there. Moi oi vey, haha good thing I haven't started rewriting it yet I'll make sure to leave that part out (the furry part). Looking back it seems more complicated and outside the idea for K.I.S.S. for them to switch back and forth between the anthro and the demi's.

So for the record no they are not anthro's they are demi's. oi vey :face palm:

Wasn't saying it was some kind of "idiot post", lol. I'd just always got the impression that your kitsune were demis, so it suprised me when it seemed you were making them anthros.

In the end, its up to you. I just felt that anthros would stick out a bit too much, and that making them demis was the better choice.

I know you meant well RCS I was just hitting myself for making a noobish in my opinion mistake that I told myself not to make when I originally started this idea, I know some of the Internet stigma's as well and have been trying to avoid them.

Now to give my updated idea for Kitsune. For this update I tried to clarify the appearance of Kitsune making them more demi-human like, while also trying to find a decent middle ground between both of the commonly encountered version's of Kitsune among the interwebs. So without further ado I turn you to my updated idea for Kitsune on the top of page one.

Well looking over the inter webs and imaging idea of Kitsune being demi-humans with fur all over in my own head (and scrap drawings don't ask for them I kinda tossed them out) I've come to the conclusion there really is no happy middle ground between the two types of Kitsune no correction three types of Kitsune commonly found. So I apologize to those that were hoping for the middle ground or the more animalistic bipedal Kitsune or heck even the actual fox with split tails Kitsune but for now I'll just stick with the demi-human Kitsune. But if you feel the need to make your own version of Kitsune that is of those types or some other variation please go ahead and I wish you luck and I hope you succeed with them.

So with that announcement out of the way on to... *drum roll!* Updates! Deleted the part where Kitsune have accelerated fur/ hair growth and removed growth of fur/ hair everywhere on Kitsune. So now hopefully everyone can picture them as demi-humans with fox ears and split fox tails. If your unable to tell me why not and I'll try to meld and mesh to make their appearance sound closer to being a demi-human.

Also as an Idea from RCS which is also part of Kitsune myth's in Japanese legend's a possible ability for the more talented and skilled Kitsune Illusionist:

Due to Kitsune having a natural tendency to use indirect magic's such as Illusion's there have been reports of Kitsune Illusionist taking the guise of any similar sized creature's. A Kitsunes ability to assume an Illusionary form of another is primarily determined by their skill with Illusions and their knowledge of the race they are imitating. There are also some unconfirmed reports of Kitsune being able to take the form's of other similar sized creatures such as dridders or nagas but so far nothing has been confirmed. And earning the Kitsune a more then average level of skepticism with people around them wondering if the Kitsune will assume their form. (Also as a side note this ability makes for one awesome idea for possible cultural development where every year Kitsunes all over will take the form of another similar sized species and the one best Illusion and scariest Illusion wins. Of course this happens on what we normal people call October 31st or Halloween but eh still some funny idea that just randomly popped into my head just now )

Quote :

So with that announcement out of the way on to... *drum roll!* Updates! Deleted the part where Kitsune have accelerated fur/ hair growth and removed growth of fur/ hair everywhere on Kitsune. So now hopefully everyone can picture them as demi-humans with fox ears and split fox tails

I think that's for the best, really. Being human-like in appearance, but covered in fur, seemed a bit odd. Getting rid of the full-body fur will let them mesh better with the existing demi-humans, and make the inu/kitsune confusion more likely.

Actually, the idea you put in the bottom part of your post is something I was thinking. The demi-human form may be their true form... but that doesn't mean they always have to appear that way to others. Maybe they do take the form of some kind of magical fox-like creature sometimes to fool strangers, or to hide their true appearance. Imagine how scary it would be for a bandit to watch a kitsune girl (who he mistook for a funny-tailed inu) appear to transform into a large, dangerous looking fox-creature right before his eyes like some kind of werewolf?

But yeah, the illusions open up a lot of options. I like that idea for their illusion contest too.

I also think a more demi-human appearance is the best way for them
On another topic, I'm also wondering if we should stick with the name "kitsune" or try to go for something new ?

Well, we've used the Japanese name for the cat folks and the dog folks. I think that it would stick out like a sore thumb if that trend is broken for the fox folks.

What about Vulpes? That's a grab from fox genus. I think it sounds cool.

We might want to avoid the usage of the term "demi"
I know eka's portal uses that word, but it doesn't make it correct.

Demi-
1. Half; half-size: "demitasse".
2. Partially; in an inferior degree: "demigod".

A demi is generally refern to as a demi god, a demi human, therefore actually means a demigod and not and anthro, they are not actually interchangeable terms I think. Either way, I could just be misunderstanding, as it is kind of a pet peeve of mine. I prefer "hybrid" really...

Archmage_Bael wrote:

We might want to avoid the usage of the term "demi"
I know eka's portal uses that word, but it doesn't make it correct.

Demi-
1. Half; half-size: "demitasse".
2. Partially; in an inferior degree: "demigod".

A demi is generally refern to as a demi god, a demi human, therefore actually means a demigod and not and anthro, they are not actually interchangeable terms I think. Either way, I could just be misunderstanding, as it is kind of a pet peeve of mine. I prefer "hybrid" really...

Demi means "half" or "partial".

They are called "demi-gods" because they are literally half god and half human.

Demi-humans is an interchangable term for the hybrids because they are, almost, literally half human and half animal.

I honestly like the name Kitsune its simple and is already well known name and going with what Sean said we have used the Japanese names for the other demi-human species why change now? But if you want it to be a different name then feel free to change it, I wont hold you back and will change the name around as soon as you guys can agree on something but my vote is securely with Kitsune.

I've always liked Kitsune, the good ones anyway, and I have noticed them becoming way more popular recently. Though I haven't seen many in Felarya, what have I been missing? I see no reason why they shouldn't be in Felarya I just haven't thought of it before. For their name if Kitsune isn't really fitting the bill perhaps they could be called by anther of their titles? In Korea they are known as Kumihoo or Gumiho. Just throwing it out there.

As for their appearance I understand its been settled on a more neko like appearance which is fine and I like it. I read they do have illusion magic but I was wondering if when they transform to their "other form" is this appearance that of an actual fox? Kitsune also have the ability to possess people and I didn't see this brought up yet but I might have missed it. This might be an interesting aspect of them that could be added if it wasn't already.

Making them unique in Felarya, perhaps I have an idea for this. These Kitsune have a very human appearance and a very animal appearance right? Well in some tales Kitsune are known to grow in size the more power they obtain. Perhaps the same can happen with these Kitsune... That means any Kitsune can go from being human sized to a giantess and allow for a much larger variety. Their illusion magic could even make them appear smaller or larger than they actually are to trick prey or escape danger. If they can grow that big who would stick around to find out if it was real or an illusion? Just a random idea.

Posted update of front page reworded most of it adding and subtracting where needed. Specified on what types of indirect magics that they use. Playing with an idea that I have been working with Kiki on will most likely be posting it later today as well as an actual idea of the purposed ability that I shared earlier. Both to be posted later today.

THIS....... is probably going to be of little to no use to you at all, Walkingbyself, but I’m going to put it here anyway simply ‘cause it’s relevant to the topic. I’m not saying that you should take any of this idea into consideration because it’s likely going to conflict with the ideas you’ve already laid out. It’s just here for relevance’s sake.

Copied from my DA account…

gt500x wrote:

THIS....... is probably going to be of little to no use to you at all, Walkingbyself, but I’m going to put it here anyway simply ‘cause it’s relevant to the topic. I’m not saying that you should take any of this idea into consideration because it’s likely going to conflict with the ideas you’ve already laid out. It’s just here for relevance’s sake.

Copied from my DA account…

It is still just as welcomed. Thank you gt.

Holly fisk biscuit! An update finally in what feels like forever! Please share your opinions and views. Tell me what works and what doesn't or what still needs work and refinement. I try to maintain an open ear and door policy so please share your thoughts. ^_^ I'll leave the old version on the front page and post the updated one here seeing how this is a new page. Enjoy!


Kitsune are a species of Demi-human common to almost every universe's stories and legends. Many portray them to be foxes with multiple tails or those with humanoid forms covered in head to toe in fur looking much like a fox and then there are those of Kitsune looking like humans with fox ears and tails. Many say that Kitsune are mischievous tricksters with the ability to possess another person's body (mainly that of young lovely women). And have the ability to assume the shape of an elderly man or a young lovely woman. Others claim that Kitsune are wise beings who are the servants to a god or gods. And others say that Kitsune possess power that could be considered similar to that of a gods. Whatever the legends may say about Kitsune that they all share some similarity with another’s, even if the two worlds have never met; they still share some of the same ideas about Kitsune. Felarya Kitsune are very much the same as they are different to those myths and legends about them.

Felarya Kitsune are a species of demi-humans that possess fox like ear's and tail(s), just like Inus and Nekos. However, there have been several occasions where Kitsunes have been mistaken as the former rather than the later. Causing some to classify Kitsunes as "just another dog person," while others believe that it is actually Inus that are the same as Kitsunes. Whatever the case may, be no one is sure as to who is right and who is wrong. Kitsunes possess just like their mythical relatives multiple tails. There are also varied claims that Kitsunes are able and unable to gain multiple tails like their mythological relatives. Kitsunes just like their fox counter parts also have excellent sight and hearing. Kitsune are also similar to Inus, in that their ears and tails also move, either to match their facial expression or match their mood. However, unlike Inus, Kitsunes can control their ears and with practice, they can control their tails so that they do not reflect their mood. Kitsune are also omnivores, but with more focus to eating things similar to herbivores and only occasionally preying upon others such as tinnies or other prey species.

Kitsune are a reclusive clan based people. That will follow the words of a Matriarch or a Patriarch, if not both. Matriarchs and Patriarchs are considered beings of immense power and wisdom. Yet they perform little in the way of what one would consider normal for a person of their position. Kitsune Matriarchs and Patriarchs rarely maintain any form of power in a clan and only truly use their positions in matters that involve the clan. Such as deciding to relocate the clan to whether or not to go to war with their neighbors. Whatever the case may be, for them to be involved it is most likely something very serious. Kitsune clans primarily keep themselves safe and hidden by using all forms of Illusions and other indirect magic’s to remain unseen from much of the world outside their clans. Indeed it is a rare thing to stumble upon or enter a Kitsune clan unannounced or without trying to find them or dispelling their wards. However, should you come upon one of their clans one would find them to be a welcoming kind people. Whose only goal is to help you on your way, often times using magic to erase or alter a memory of coming upon their clans location, to help protect their security. Among some Kitsune clans, it is commonplace for them to practice certain beliefs, many of which surround their tails and what they mean.
However, one thing is similar among all Kitsune clans; no matter their practice involving their tails and how they gain or don't gain them. At birth, each Kitsune is born with a single tail. Depending on the clan they live in they will be enchanted by two spells from the clan’s shaman or equivalent. The first spell involves their tail, some clans practice spells that will allow the Kitsune to gain more tails through becoming stronger, others wiser, or older. In some clans, they cast a spell that gives the Kitsune a set number of tails, which will be the only; set number they have their entire lives. When Kitsune gain more tails they are always accompanied by a sharp pain as they split or a sudden drop or spike in either their stamina or magical prowess. As gaining new tails affects every Kitsune differently.
The second spell cast upon a Kitsune at birth or when they come of age is one that will constantly change over the course of that Kitsunes life. Almost all Kitsune clans regardless of their differences to another. This spell places special markings that will constantly shift and change to match the individual Kitsune wearing it. It is designed to evolve and grow with the Kitsune, telling their story of who they are and what they have done so that no two Kitsune are the same. However, unlike the former spell, this one can be removed or recast, but to not have these markings is generally considered a form of banishment from the clan they used to be a part of. Granted there are some clans that do not have these markings on them and manage just as well as if they did. It is generally the most spiteful Kitsune that will try to recast the spell to gain back their markings, only to find that their markings have changed to reflect the latest event in their lives.

Kitsune are highly magically inclined race, on par with other spell caster heavy species in Felarya such as Elves or Fairies. With their spell casters being primarily focused to spells such as Illusions, Curses, Alterations and even Mysticism and just about any form of magic in-between. In short, Kitsunes are proficient in, what most mages consider to be, indirect magic and is why when somebody unfamiliar with Kitsunes chances upon their clan or meets one they instantly assume they are just like the Kitsunes of myth and legend. Which is why Kitsune clans are so reclusive. To avoid suspicious people and those that would seek to harm them because of those myths and legends. Kitsune being proficient in magic such as Illusions and other such things of similarity do partake of events or competitions to hide themselves as other races of similar height. Changing their appearances to appear to all the world as another species, most common being Humans, Inus and Nekos. It might be possible for them to take the form of Nagas or Dridders and other complex species, but the more complex the form the harder it is to maintain appearances.
Kitsune are also not bound to remain solely proficient in only indirect magic and are capable of learning more direct forms of magic as well. The only real issue though is that while say a Human may attain supposed mastery of a form of direct magic. Kitsunes cannot, not without putting for extreme levels of focus to that magic. As indirect magic’s come easiest to them while direct magic’s do not.

Well I have added an entry for the Kitsunes on the wiki

They are quite a fascinating race and who are appearing quite a bit in stories already. I'm going to use your take on them mixed with the ideas of some other contributors if that's ok with you, and if you agree with the disclaimer ^^

I agree with the disclaimer. I have no issue with any changes or additions or pretty much anything you wish to do with it. ^_^