Kitsune

When they are revealed, the praise they receive is tied to their legendary connection to the ancestor and nature spirits, known as kami. These spirits have good and evil characteristics, manifesting the interconnected energy of the universe. Kami are believed to be “hidden” from this world and inhabit a complementary existence that mirrors our own, Tengoku.

Kitsune origins are a mystery, altered by centuries of myth and legend. This uncertainty gives rise to the theory that they are simply tricksters living in the shadow of a persistent myth.

There are kitsune who have decided to embrace them and act as the pranksters they are believed to be. Others seek out the faithful who will worship them as a direct connection to the kami. Perhaps, in some distant past, their connection to the nature spirits was stronger. Most kitsune no longer know or care.

Regardless of the path each kitsune chooses, they present themselves as extraordinary individuals with a penchant for adventure. The kitsune are especially connected to places where nature is powerful or near forest communities. This association only drives the rumors about their connection to the kami. The kitsune also have a natural penchant for lies and deception. Because they spend a good deal of time in either form, it’s important to prevent others from learning their secrets.

The kitsune have two separate forms, which they can shift between at will. Their natural form is that of a vulpine humanoid with fur ranging from arctic white; to brown; to reddish. The color of their fur depends on the foxes’ fur color native to the region they live in. All kitsune are born with a single bushy tail that can morph into as many as nine as they age.

Kitsune also have a fixed secondary humanoid form resembling a member of their neighboring races. Kitsune do not choose their appearance on a case-by-case basis.

Both forms share physical characteristics no matter how many times they transform. Wounds such as scars or lost limbs persist. When a kitsune dies, it will always return to its natural form. Also notable, kitsune are able to produce offspring with any race compatible with their secondary form.

Most who come into contact with kitsune do so in ignorance due to their ability to shapeshift into other humanoid forms. Kitsune prefer it this way, as most simply want to lead normal lives and keep their secrets.

Traits

The kitsune are skilled magic users and often use that to their advantage. In addition, their connection to nature allows them to utilize their transformation abilities in unique ways given enough training.

• Ability Score Increase. Your Charisma score increases by 2.
• Age. Most kitsune reach maturity by age 15 and can live up to age 150.
• Alignment. Most kitsune are Chaotic Good, though more than a few are Neutral Good. Those that embrace the trickster stereotype their people hold can also be Chaotic Neutral. There are very few Lawful kitsune.
• Language(s). You can speak, read, and write Common and one other language of your choice (most often the language that your secondary form is known for speaking).
• Size. Most kitsune are 4 to 5 feet tall and weigh anywhere from 125 to 175 lbs. Your size is Medium.
• Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
• Senses. 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.
• Charismatic Fencer. Choose one weapon with the finesse weapon property. You can make attacks using that weapon using your Charisma modifier instead of Strength or Dexterity.
• Second Form. As an action, you are able to transform from your natural form into a secondary form that you were born with. This secondary form is of any other humanoid race, with the same size, though its physical appearance cannot be altered. Unless creatures physically see you transform there is no way to tell that you are a kitsune in your second form.
• Skilled Liar. You are proficient in Deception ability checks.

Subraces

Arctic Kitsune

Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity score increases by 1.

Inured to Cold. You gain resistance to cold damage. Additionally, when in your natural form, you gain advantage on all Dexterity (Stealth) ability checks while made in a snowy or tundra environment

Desert Kitsune

Ability Score Increase. Your Constitution score increases by 1.

Heat Resistant. You gain advantage on all saving throws made to resist the effects of hot weather. Additionally, you ignore the first level of exhaustion each day that you would gain because of traveling in a hot environment. Finally, when damaged with a spell or effect that deals fire damage and allows a saving throw, you may make a Constitution saving throw to resist it rather than whatever saving throw the effect normally allows.

Forest Kitsune

Ability Score Increase. Your Wisdom score increases by 1.

Nature Born. Choose one druid cantrip. You can now cast that cantrip as if you were a druid. Additionally, you gain proficiency in Nature ability checks.

d4	Kitsune Quirks
1	You prefer to eat things as a fox would: hunting animals down yourself and eating the uncooked meat, just as nature intended.
2	You have let the rumors about your connection to the kami go to your head and have developed a god complex because of it.
3	You secretly harbor a pang of deep guilt about constantly lying about what you really are, and the truth is constantly on the tip of your tongue but never gets further than that.
4	You love to sit under the night sky and just ponder about your existence in the world and your connection with nature.