-Kitsune Species Lore.-

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Kitsune, monster slayer, vanquishers of the world's grime and pest, the ultimate killing spirit made flesh.  Their influence over the realm is undeniable, a hero to some, mischievous meddling spirits to others, even con artists usurping hard-earned coin from the gullible to a few. Yet with the advent of the caster gun and the advancements in technology, the need for monster slayers has dwindled, long gone are the comfy contracts of old, what remains are more proving precarious. As such, those that have forgotten the old ways, having thrived in safety brought by technological development, view them as mere myth, treating them with haughtiness. Kitsunes, by nature, are masters of therianthropy, capable of assuming the form of their spirit animal to magnify their intrepidity in conflict.

As a result, many indigenous tribes spread across the cascading gnolls of blanched sands depict the species as foreboding demons.  Harbingers of deception, pestilence, and destruction. A fact not helped by their diabolical form when assuming this hard to master ability that not all Kitsune can maintain, let alone harness without consequence. Masters of melding the dance of blades with the conjuring of magic, these monster slayers are a unique breed of fighter destined to find their new place in the ever-shifting land. Leaving behind only the middling to most precarious contracts available, only those outside the city truly see a need for their kind.  Throughout history, the species has been looked on as freaks, second class citizens, or abominations. Yet, whenever monsters are prevalent or during times of war, suddenly the government's and people's position toward them shift ever so slightly.

Contrary to romanticized depictions, Kitsune's nine tails are not a sign of strength, but rather a symbol of division. Outsiders are often mistaking more as an inherent token of being of higher merit or importance. Despite popular mythos, only the most disciplined of Kitsune can achieve their animal form. Yet, being skillful in the art of therianthropy, they are not restricted to a pure fox form. Rather embodying the animal spirit they are most drawn too, legends say that only the most powerful of their kind can maintain control while dawning such bestial visage. Being beastkin, they have a strong sense of smell and hearing, quick reflexes and speed, and more imposing strength than their human counterparts.  Their kind possessing a natural resistance toward disease and toxins. Capable of living life up to the mid 300ish years of age before expiration. Though their line fo work and warrior society often mean they perish long before their natural end. Some cling to this notion, while others deduce it is merely whimsical thinking. 

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As a society, they are very honor-based, mastering their proficiency before venturing into another field. If one is a stablehand, they should aspire to be the best Stablehand in the realm to bring honor and pay reverence to their ancestors. From a young age, every member of their society is trained in combat, though only those able to survive and endure the harsh training regiment are permitted to become monster hunters. The kitsune race within the white sands views this vocation as beyond reputable, considering the hunt's stimulation to be the very pinnacle of their existence. While most human children may seek to be kings, lords, knights, the kitsune only aspire to be the best mercenaries and hunters within the realm. Aside from martial disciplines. Those that are judged worthy of becoming slayers are trained in alchemy, magic, and history. Pertaining to their craft and the monstrosities of the world, finding knowledge like any tool to have its place. 

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While far from the most well-read species, they still value scholarly pursuits, even if it isn't on the top of their social hierarchy. That distinction goes to monster hunters and artists alike, the two often juxtaposing brilliantly together. Religion wise they worship the Eldritch aspect of war and the Eldritch aspect of art.  Marriage within kitsune society is unique; there isn't a huge ceremony; instead, the two mates return to their tent and dwell together.  The mere act of fornicating in one's home a symbol for the two houses melding their flesh into one; thus, it is not uncommon to find those kitsunes preferring more sexual encounters to seek out a brothel. As brothels are sanctioned and not seen as a moral quandary source, it is necessary to alleviate stress and primal desires. When it comes to funeral rites, their species believe in endocannibalism, that devouring the dead grants them the fallen one's powers. This barbarous, repugnant tradition in most outsiders' eyes, is not done by eating flesh, but grinding cremated remains into a fine powder and adding it into their tea or stews. When a hero of the people passes on, the entire community will gather to drink a few glasses of tea as a group, honoring their accomplishments by accepting their essence into the whole of the society's body.