Homebrew Kitsune Species Details

Shapeshifting Foxes
Adult kitsune have two forms. The first is their true form: the
shape of a red-tailed fox. Unlike a normal fox, kitsune may
possess multiple tails depending on their age and power. Up
until adulthood a kitsune never has more than one tail. As they
begin gaining in years and power, new tails will spontaneously
appear. Once they’ve reached either the pinnacle of their power
or their seven hundredth year in age, they will grow their ninth
and final tail. Their fur will then turn white, silver, or gold unless
they are nogitsune in which case it will turn black.
Most kitsune obtain their second form upon reaching 50-100
years of age. This form is human in appearance, with a narrow
face with close-set eyes, thin eyebrows, high cheekbones, and
amber, golden, or blue eyes. Their hair retains the same color as
their fur. A young or undisciplined kitsune may have difficulty
hiding their tails, ears, fur, eyes, teeth, or other fox-like traits
when they take human form. Looking for these when the kitsune
becomes drunk, agitated, or scared is a common method of
discerning their true nature. A particularly devout individual
may in some cases even be able to see through their disguise
merely by perceiving them. Shadows may also reveal their
nature as their shadow falling on water shows their true fox-like
shape.

Sociable Pranksters
Kitsune are extremely outgoing and fascinated with other
non-fey races - particularly humans. Among those races, they
are usually attracted to groups of other outgoing creatures,
finding a natural place mong bards, spies, courtiers, and the
occasional band of thieves. Although they are still naturally
driven to be pranksters, kitsune rarely perform anything more
than a harmless prank or trick, preferring not to drive away
the company of those around them. Because of their social
usefulness, these pranks are generally tolerated. This makes
them welcome with many of the younger races, something that
is unusual among the various trickster fey races.

Kitsune Names
A kitsune will have at least two names at any time. The first is
their true fey name and can be used to command the kitsune to
do anything. Willing giving over their true name is a symbol of
absolute trust. Their second name is a poetic or literal name that
describes one of their traits, professions, or simply a cultural
name that the kitsune found amusing. Although it is not
unheard of to change their name, they usually keep the first
name they chose.
Male Names: Abe no Seimei, Akira, Koan, Jingoro, Gengoro,
Genkuro, Hakuzo
Female Names: Tamamo-no-mae, Hua-yang, Kuzunoha,
Sharmarali, Cori, Aoki, Kojoro
Second Names: Haiku, Kyoushi, Sakka, Ryou Shi, Tantei, Seiji Ka,
Cadence, Blossom, Spirit

Kitsune Traits

Tricksters at heart, Kitsune are capable of shapeshifting, illusions, and enchantments as part of their nature.

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 disern color in darkness, only shades of gray.

Kitsune Magic

You know the dancing lights cantrip. Once you reach 3rd level, you can cast charm person once per long rest as a 2nd level spell. Once you reach 5th level, you can also cast invisibility on yourself once per long rest. You don’t need material components for these spells. Charisma is your spellcasting ability for these spells.

True Form

You can transform between your true fox form and human form at will as an action. This ability functions as Wild Shape with the following exceptions:
• You may speak as normal and use Kitsune Magic while in your fox form.

• When you transform, you retain your existing hit points and damage instead of assuming the beast’s hit points.

• If you are reduced to 0 hit-points while in your fox form you remain in that form.

Ability Score Increase

Your Charisma score increases by 2, and your Dexterity score increases by 1.

Languages

You speak, read, and write Common and Sylvan.