Homebrew Zenko Kitsune Species Details

Apperance

In their natural form kitsune are anthromorphic foxes. Kitsune have fur in various shades of red and brown. Their eyes have vertical slit pupils that have an arrange of colors from cobalt blue to golden yellow. They also have a tail that helps them balance on their legs. Some kitsune have multiple tails but they never have more than nine tails. Due to their diditigrade feet they have a hard time wearing shoes like a human. They also have claws that are more pronounced than a normal humans fingernails but they are impractical to use in combat due to the victim having a shallow scratches as a result. Their fangs on the other hand are deadly if one is not careful. The kitsune uses their fangs as a last resort in close quarters combat.

Zenko Kitsune have white or golden fur and golden eyes due to being born with Inari's blessing. Most Zenko kitsune don't bother switching to a human form due to the calming aura they emit to others.

Mental Prowess

Kitsune have great mental fortitude that is on par with the high elves. They have remarkable cunning that they use solve problems in the most unlikely solutions imaginable. Due to their familiarity to illusions and enchantments, kitsune often use honeyed words or pranks to oppose their enemies. They can use what humans called 'foxfire', a harmless blue flaming orb that floats above the ground. Skilled kitsune can weave illusions using this ability.  Striking with a bargain with a kitsune is dealt with caution. They will find loopholes in every agreement to bypass.

Tailed Scion

Kitsune are descendants of their nine-tailed Deity Inari. While its not uncommon to see a kitsune with multiple tails. It is very rare for kitsune to acquire their ninth tail. Kitsune can gain additional tails through hard work and enlightenment. In special circumstances Inari rewards tails to kitsune who has done a good deed. The amount of tails also shows the amount of authority they have in the kitsune political structure. It is rumored that some kitsune can channel their magic through their tails.

Shapeshifting

Due to their nature, kitsune had an inborn ability to take a form of a human. Their human form is unique as their natural form. They can shapeshift into a specific human of the same gender. Like humans, both natural and human forms are heredity. Most kitsune in their natural/human form are people from Wa in Kara-Tur. Some kitsune master their shapeshifting art to the point where they can shift into a fox or shift into a person they have seen recently. While this fools most people, the natural disguise can been circumvented by a keen sense of smell or intuition.

Death

When a kitsune dies from natural or unnatural causes, the proper thing to do is to cremate the remains. This is to prevent necromancers to animate the corpse. Then the ashes are distributed back into the nature. Lastly the remaining family members would receive a scroll that tells them about the life of the deceased. These scrolls are written by Inari herself and warded with powerful protection wards. One must have this scroll in order to preform a Resurrection or similar based ritual. Necromancers beware! Trying to create an undead kitsune always results in a Nogitsune. Those who are unfortunate to create them always ended up as their lunch.

Zenko Kitsune Traits

Kitsune Traits

Ability Score Increase

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

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30ft

Size

Your size is Medium

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and Sylvan.

Darkvision

Due to hunting at night you have superior vision in the dark. You can see dim light within 30 feet of you as bright light and in darkness as if it was in dim light. You can't discern color in darkness, only shades of grey.

Natural Weapon

In your natural form you gain a bite attack that does 1d4 piercing damage. This ability is strength based.

Kitsune Shapeshift

As an action, you can assume the appearance of a specific single human form of the same sex. You always take this form when you use this ability. You cannot use your bite attack in human form. In order for anyone to see your true nature, they have to succeed on an Investigation check with a DC 8 + your Deception modifier.

Kitsune Magic

Due to either extra life-force energy or a blessing from Inari you have an innate spell casting ability. The kitsune's spellcasting ability is Charisma and you can cast dancing lights at will.

Agile

Your race is much more flexible than others. You gain proficiency in Acrobatics.

Divine Servant

You know the produce flame cantrip. When you reach 3rd level, you learn how to cast the bless once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a long rest. When you reach 5th level, you learn how to cast aid once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a long rest. Charisma is your spellcasting ability for these spells.