Kitsune, 2nd Variant (5e Race)

Kitsune, the Fox Spirit

“

"Now remember dear, why don't we go near the forest?" "Because of the Fox Spirits?". The little girl responded with a tilt of her head. "Exactly. They will confuse you and lure you into their forest to kill you if you're not careful." "Yes Mom, I understand. Can I go now?" The mother nods and with a light, push sends the girl outside to play.

”

Physical Description

A Kitsune in human form. By Paul “RiotZeronis” Kwon

Kitsune can come in a variety of colors, of which their environment has a big impact. Kitsune that live in colder environments usually have thicker, fluffier ears and tails. Their colors tend to be on the lighter side, often being a white or tan. Kitsune that live in warmer climates tend to have shorter, less fluffy ears and tail. Their colors are normally a light brown or sandy color. Finally, Kitsune that live in-between these two kinds of weather can be a mix of either fur lengths and their colors can even be silver or red.

History

Kitsune used to be very friendly and trusting creatures but as the saying goes "Curiosity kills the cat", or in this case the Kitsune. One Kitsune named Onati strayed from the path that their creator "Inari" lead them on. More so than usual. He was fascinated with his innate ability and sought to really understand his power. In doing so he found the aid of a well-known gnome wizard near his home village in the forest and they began to experiment with the limits of his power. After a few years of harmless testing, the gnome wizard insisted that they try to test his powers on that of living things. Claiming something that could have the will power to fight back might change results... intrigued Onati agreed and although he never intended to kill his test subject he did. This was the first step that would later come to create the "Yako". A Subrace of Kitsune that are now the reason for all Kitsune being feared as murderous tricksters that should be killed on sight.

The opposite of the darker side of the Kitsune is the "Zenko". These Kitsune were the original spirits of the forest created by the goddess "Inari". The original Kitsune's names are lost to time but it is believed that they actually aided those lost in the forest and were healers for anyone who would ask for their aid. Going so far as to help anything that was living and in need of help for no cost. Not all of them were so kind, but most Kitsune that lived near villages of other good-natured races were. They were like this until Onati ruined these reclusive creatures reputation by losing himself to his power and killing nearly two thousand innocents before being struck down.

Now many races believe that Kitsune can lose control of there mischievous nature and turn sinister at any moment. Making them highly feared and often hunted or killed on sight out of fear.

Society

Kitsune society is not exactly unique, in fact in a lot of ways they live similar to other races of the forest. They hunt only when needed, love to cause mischief, and have a very unique craft. Many Kitsune become master hunters, travel to entertain with their tricks, or even try to their hand at art. Very few leave their home for too long for fear of being discovered and hunted down. In fact, it's seen as an internal oath that if you are caught or found out you do not return until you are sure you've lost the trail. Even then some Kitsune never return to protect their home.

Kitsune Names

Kitsune names are normally of Japanese descent but as long as the name has meaning to it, it can be of any language.

Male: Fudo, Kono, Rei, Kai, Taiyo, Yuki, Tsuki

Female: Aiko, Chiyo, Eiko, Nayomi, Suzuki, Yumi

Kitsune Traits

A Trickster Fox Spirit that is feared for its mischievous behavior and abilities.
Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity score increases by 2, and your Charisma score increases by 1.
Age. The lifespan of most kitsune ranges from 100 to 1000 years. Their lifespans being largely linked to their own development of their innate magical abilities with only the most powerful and wise kitsune living up to thousands of years, here after the 1000 year mark they transcend the mortal plane and can choose to be reincarnated and to start life again.
Alignment. Kitsune are beings of a chaotic nature, similar to their creator "Inari". Whether they are good, evil or somewhere in between is defined by how they choose to live.
Size. Kitsune in their human form are very similar to humans in build, ranging from barely 5 feet to well over 6 feet tall. Your size is Medium.
Speed. Due to the increased dexterity the Kitsune’s blood grants, your base walking speed is 40 feet.
Darkvision. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can't discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.
Fox Fire. All kitsune are born with the ability to conjure what is known as fox fire and you are no exception. You know the produce flame cantrip and can cast it at will. Charisma is your spellcasting ability for it.
Fox Spirit. You may, as if per the polymorph spell, turn into a fox. The fox uses the statistics of a jackal. You may shift back and forth into this form as a bonus action. You stay in this form a combined total of 10 minutes at 1st level, 15 at 5th, 20 at 10th and 30 at 17th.
Speak with Beasts. You have the ability to communicate in a limited manner with beasts. They can understand the meaning of your words, though you have no special ability to understand them in return. You have advantage on all Charisma checks you make to influence them.
Languages. You can speak, read, and write common and sylvan.

Random Height and Weight

Base Height	Height Modifier*	Base Weight	Weight Modifier**
5′ 0''	+2d8	80 lb.	× (1d6) lb.
*Height = base height + height modifier **Weight = base weight + (height modifier × weight modifier)

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