Kitsune

Kitsune (狐, "Fox") are spiritual entities that are said to be notorious for their malicious trickery. They are said to take on physical animal bodies while residing in the Human World, hiding certain aspects such as the number of tails they possess, while others are also known to take on human forms in order to peacefully live among the mortals. Despite this, they are known to be native to Yuánrǎng. While in some cultures, they are deemed as simple feral creatures, akin to that of canines, there are many whom regard these entities as Kami; gods in their own right.

Characteristics
It is nearly impossible to detail all of a Kitsune's characteristics due to the fact that they are an extremely unpredictable lot.

While it is generally accepted that they are infamous tricksters in the eyes of myth and history, others are known to be quite respectful and use their capabilities for the good of those whom have earned their respect while simultaneously receiving the same expected degree of respect. However, this is not born out of a sense of justice nor out of evil. In fact, it is more accurate to say that Kitsune are amoral beings; refusing to accept the concept of "good" and "evil". They are unwilling to adapt to the code of ethics that another being or society would force upon them, instead choosing to follow their own code of doing things, and if one should attempt to challenge their perception of what is "right" and "wrong", a Kitsune can become quite defensive; almost to the point of violence if provoked enough. With this understanding, it is quite difficult to understand the mentality of a Kitsune and their actions are often misunderstood as to the intent behind them. Furthermore, on the note of their own code, the Kitsune values their own freedom and despises any method of entrapment, looking down on those who attempt to restrict an individual's freedom and self-development.

They are extremely perceptive beings, able to quickly identify certain aspects about those beings they confront. They can see strength and conviction, sadness and happiness, but at the same time, also see weakness in a person. They are able to read a person's heart to a degree many others are unable to, in almost frightening ways. Weakness, to a Kitsune, can mean many things, but none so much as that of hatred, anger, and sadness. In many cases, Kitsune are known to act deviously and actually attempt to target that weakness by aggravating and influencing it, deepening a person's descent into hatred. They are willing to even resort to trickery, such as feigning love and friendship, to persuade that individual to their liking. Though this seems to be a more malicious trait of theirs, this is not without a greater purpose, as the Kitsune often does this to make that person see the weakness in themselves so that they can become better people because of it, thus learning humility and respect. While not in the conventional sense, Kitsune can serve quite well as instructors.

However, while they dismiss such things as weakness, they are not above the very same emotions they regarded as being hindrances. In fact, they are beings capable of extremely intense emotions. Those that have angered a Kitsune and caused them to develop hatred are to be afraid, as a Kitsune never forgets, and is capable of extremely vengeful actions. They are not above seeking revenge on an individual, regardless of how severe or trivial the matter, as once a Kitsune has considered themselves to be the target of a wrongdoing, they are far too stubborn to stop in their pursuit for vengeance. These are emotions so strong that they can hold a Kitsune hostage as a victim, and can even lead them down the path of darkness and self-destruction. However, on the opposite end of the scale, those that have gained a Kitsune's trust and friendship will see to it a loyalty and a bond that knows no end and can resist any obstacle. Therefore, while it can be said to be a dangerous weakness, their strong feelings can also develop into magnificent strengths.

One of the most significant and noteworthy of a Kitsune's characteristics is their extreme stubbornness. In the manner of assistance, they absolutely refuse to ask for another's aid, regardless of the circumstances. They consider such a notion to be an insult and are unwilling to accept help, even if the individual offers help out of their own intentions, no matter what may be at stake. Furthermore, once they have declared to do something or set their mind to a specific task, it is literally quite impossible to change their mind, often leading to others becoming quite infuriated with them.

Almost as a positive result of their stubbornness, they are beings of honor and consider the act of a promise to be the most sacred of covenants. They will go to the ends of the realm to carry out a promise once it has been made, and no matter the obstacles they face nor the conditions and circumstances that may arise, the Kitsune will see it to the end. Because of this, they look upon those whom break promises with great disdain, often bordering on violent.

They are also known to have a strong sense of community and family, and therefore, are extremely protective of those close to them.

Tails
Among the Kitsune, they possess a sort of hierarchy that is dependent upon the number of tails they possess. The number of tails they possess, ranging from one to nine, is often a mark of age and power; as those with one tail are young and considered to be blank canvases, eager to become stronger, those who bear nine tails are wise and older Kitsune capable of great supernatural abilities bordering on the god-like. They are born with one tail, gaining more tails often as a result of their age and strength, until eventually reaching the status of a fully mature nine-tailed fox.


 * Kyūbi (九尾, "Nine-Tails"): Once a Kitsune attains their ninth and final tail, their fur is said to change to a white or gold color. More importantly, it is at this stage that they are said to transcend their physical existence and become true spirits in the strongest sense of the term. It is at this stage that they are said to gain nigh omnipotence, allowing them to "perceive all things in the universe".

Behind the Scenes
While the concept behind this article has been in the author's thoughts for a long time, it was thanks to the Dragons article written by the author's good friend Njalm that this concept finally took shape and thus, this article was finally made to form.