As the

Philodox Gift: Geas.

Gurahl place great emphasis on rites and ceremonies. The following are some of the more important Gurahl rites. The werebears also know most of the rites common to Garou, having taught many of them to the werewolves to begin with.

Dreams of Winter

Level One, Mystic Although Gurahl do not have to hibernate, those who do are often confused about what occurred while they slept. People she regarded as allies may have changed their attitudes, enemies may have repented, the bear’s territory will have changed around her. This rite is widely known to the Gurahl and is often taught to young bears shortly after their first change.

System: The Gurahl enacts this rite before hibernat­ ing, or before a normal night’s sleep. While she sleeps, she dreams of the world around her. These dream sequences usually show events within the werebear’s territory, but may depict scenes from anywhere in the world if they are relevant to the dreamer. The Gurahl’s player can roll Intelligence + Occult to determine if she knows of an event that occurred while he slept. The difficulty of this roll depends on the personal relevance of the event to the Gurahl.

Rite of Rending the Gauntlet

Level One, Mystic With this rite, the Gurahl takes on his Bjornen form and tears a hole in the Gauntlet to enter the Umbra. The hole closes immediately after the Gurahl steps through. In the meantime, only other werebears can use the rift to enter the Umbra. Witnessing this rite causes the Delirium in humans.

System: The player spends a Gnosis point and rolls Charisma + Rituals (difficulty of the local Gauntlet). One success means the Gurahl takes five minutes to claw through the Gauntlet. Two successes reduce the time to 30 seconds, while three or more successes allow the Gurahl to rend the Gauntlet immediately. The Gurahl need not roll to return from the Umbra.

Rite of Replenishment

Level Two This simple rite enables participating Gurahl to replace lost Gnosis from places sacred to Gaia. The Gurahl involved in the rite must find a suitable place — either in the Umbra or in the physical world — in which to conduct the rite, and cannot draw from the same place more than once in the same month.

System: The player rolls Wits + Rituals (difficulty 8, –1 per 15 minutes spent dancing and chanting to Gaia). The Gurahl gains one point of temporary Gnosis per success, which she may distribute among participants in the rite.

Rite of the River-Portent

Level Two Gurahl use this rite as a means of foretelling the future. The werebear snags a fish with his claw from a stream, splits open the fish’s belly and reads the omens contained within. The information gained from this rite usually pertains to the immediate future of the Gurahl who reads the omens.

System: After catching the fish, the player rolls Intel­ ligence + Enigmas (difficulty 8). The number of successes de­ termines how clear and intelligible the omens and portents are.

Rite of True Mating

Level Two This rite allows the Gurahl to find a suitable mate from among her Kinfolk. Only Gurahl who have reached full adulthood (i.e., are no longer considered Arcas) may learn this rite, since the werebears don’t believe in casual acts of procreation. To enact the rite, the Gurahl fashions a small bag, into which she places a drop of her blood and a cutting of her hair. She wears this bag around her neck for three days and nights, after which the empowered bag acts as a homing beacon, pulling the Gurahl in the direction of a suitable Kinfolk mate. Convincing the Kinfolk in question of their compatibility remains up to the Gurahl, of course.

System: The player spends a point of Gnosis and rolls Charisma + Empathy (difficulty 7). One success is enough to ensure success.

Rite of Fighting the Death Bear

Level Five Gurahl use this sacred rite to restore life to an indi­ vidual too long deceased for Gaia’s Breath (or, sometimes, when the only Gurahl to hand is of insufficient rank to have learned Gaia’s Breath — but this is considered particularly dangerous and foolhardy).

The Gurahl enters the Umbra, calls upon Mangi, makes suitable offerings to the Death Bear, and then issues a challenge for the departed’s spirit. The Gurahl and Mangi engage in Umbral combat. If the Gurahl defeats Mangi, he may enter the realm of the Death Bear and reclaim the spirit he seeks, returning it to its body. If the Gurahl fails, he is ejected from the Umbra and the rite fails. Occasion­ ally, even if the Gurahl fails, Mangi returns the fallen one’s soul — and claims the rite-performing werebear’s life in exchange. Because of this, and out of respect for the natural cycle of life, werebears rarely use this rite.

System: This rite fails automatically if the individual has already failed to respond to Gaia’s Breath. Mangi’s

traits are left up to the Storyteller; while it is a ferocious spirit indeed, Mangi can be and has been defeated by mid-ranked Gurahl on rare occasions.

Rattle-trap

Level Three, Gnosis 7 These fetishes were first made for the great hiberna­ tions of the Gurahl. These periods are a dangerous time for werebears, as they are helpless if enemies find their hiding place. The rattle-trap helps balance the odds by giving a hibernating werebear a chance to defend herself. A Gurahl can also use the rattle-trap during normal sleep.

System: The Gurahl activates the fetish prior to sleep; it remains active until she wakes. If a person or spirit intending harm comes within (Gnosis) yards of the Gurahl, the fetish rattles, passing the bear’s slumber to the intruder. The Gurahl may function without penalty while the intruder must make a Willpower roll (difficulty 7) to remain active or she succumbs to the Gurahl’s sleep. If the intrusion occurs in winter the intruder will suffer the Gurahl’s sluggish reactions even if she succeeds at her Willpower tests.

GURAHL

STEREOTYPES

Orphea Lightwalker shares her wisdom:

• Red Talons: You style yourselves protectors of the wild places? It is to laugh. You cannot protect any­ thing when all you do is destroy.

“The bears died, but they did not really, and they hid, and now they seek to lecture us? Sanctimonious creatures who do not deserve our support.” — Night-Talon

• Bastet: You know much, but you value secrets for the sake of secrets. Though you too suffered the wrath of the Garou, so we will listen and offer aid.

“Born of earth, the bears are solid and strong. They do everything with such immense gravitas. In anyone else it would be tiresome, but they have such wonderful secrets.” — Jason Shadow-Walker

• Mokolé: We each fought our wars against the Garou. If we had stood together, we might have saved the others. But they divided us, and we each stood alone.

“Oh, the bear-men. They could heal anything, even death. We thought that they lived only in our memo­ ries. I’m glad that I was wrong.” — Radiant Tsanga

Canny enemies who know of the Gurahl’s magic will attack in numbers. The fetish will only affect one of

their number, but the rattle-trap still brings the Gurahl to full awareness.

Tricksters, assassins, magicians, and holy warriors, the Kitsune do Gaia’s will where others cannot or will not. Bound by the Laws of Heaven, the fox-shifters pull strings behind the scenes, while putting forth a perfect outward-countenance for the rest of the world to see.

This is the story of the Kitsune’s creation as handed down from one Fox to the next. Kitsune are the young­ est of the Changing children, having first arisen during the Fourth Age — that time which others might know as the early history of mankind. Before this time, in the Ages of Dawning and of Legends and of Ten Thousand Things, the Kitsune’s ancestors were carefree, cavorting as they chose without thought for the consequences.

During the War of Shame, when Gaia’s Eastern chil­ dren fought and killed one another much in the way they did during the Western War of Rage, The First Goddess knew great despair. And as She looked around Her, seek­ ing a solution for Her woes, Her eyes fell upon Bai Mianxi.

Bai Mianxi, the White-Faced One, was born like any other fox: she played and hunted and learned to hide from

her enemies, just as the rest of her kind. But Bai Mianxi was smarter and faster and more nimble than any of her Kin, and her destiny would be far greater than any fox had achieved before. As Bai Mianxi moved through the world, she heard the voices of the spirits. And being both cu­

rious and wise, she soon discovered how to speak with the spirit world as well, learning their secrets and mystic ways. From the spirits she learned many things: magic and illusion, trickery and prophecy,

and — perhaps most importantly — the

changing of her form.

Meeting other clever foxes, she banded together with them and

taught them the things she had learned, that they might benefit from interacting with the spirits as well. She and her people cavorted

and danced and played tricks on

animal and human alike, while

all around them, the world fell

further into chaos, and other

Changing children fought and died. But, it was of no concern

to the Kitsune, for despite their

cleverness, the foxes were a self-centered people and cared little for the burdens of any other than themselves.

Then one night, everything changed. The first Kit­ sune, Bai Mianxi, the White-Faced One, was led away from her consort, Prince Inari. Luna, the Silver Lady, took her to the court of The First Goddess, Gaia. There, Bai Mianxi was told of her people’s true destiny: to grow up and serve Gaia and the sacred Laws of Heaven, rather than playing their way through existence and making humans miserable with their tricks.

THE LAWS OF HEAVEN

I command you to destroy that which harms Gaia.

I command you to aid your brothers, your sis­

ters, and that which serves Gaia. I command you to revere Your Mother, Myself, your

Aunts, your Uncles, and Our Favored Servants. I command you to keep your duty first in your

heart, and to listen for my teachings I forbid you to exterminate the humans. I forbid you to make war on your brothers and sisters

I forbid you to break your word. I forbid you to commit suicide for reasons of honor.

I free you to do anything else necessary to

achieve our goals.

In Gaia’s court, The Silver Lady told Bai Mianxi not to raise her eyes to Gaia and to kowtow before Her. But even knowing she was meeting a great personage, the little fox could not resist attempting trickery. With bowed head and averted eyes, Bai Mianxi wheedled and argued, attempting to bargain with The First Goddess for her people’s freedom from the duties asked of them. Using every ounce of her cleverness, the fox-woman tried to barter with Gaia, offering to give Her information the Mother had never heard. The First Goddess refused, saying the raven-shifters and cat-people already told Her any news the Kitsune could offer.

Head lowered respectfully, Bai Mianxi then at­ tempted to arrange a bet (at which she intended to cheat), but Gaia just shook Her head and smiled. The tricksters were Her children too, She explained, and between the Coyotes and the Ravens, there was no cheat that had not already been tried upon Her and failed.

With polite words and greatest supplications, the Kitsune desperately offered to fight a champion in order to avoid servitude. But The First Goddess motioned to Her children born of Wolf and Bear and all the other great predators, and refused. Bai Mianxi was of no use to Her rent into pieces, Gaia explained.

Knowing that all her best tricks had failed, the White Faced One raised her head and looked Gaia straight in the eyes. If The Mother’s other children were already better than the Foxes at everything, the insolent fox exclaimed, then Gaia did not need them and they should be free to go about their business as they pleased.

Gaia’s anger at the Kitsune’s impudence shook the great hall wherein they had gathered, threatening to collapse the ceiling in on the entire assembly. Quickly, before disaster could strike, the Silver Lady interceded on the Kitsune’s behalf. She persuaded The First Goddess to look into Bai Mianxi’s heart and see her true worth, and to know that these qualities which infuriated Her now were the self same ones that would serve Her best when the Kitsune were won to Her service.

Gaia’s eyes fell upon Bai Mianxi and looked deep into her heart, and the White Faced One fainted from the intensity of Her gaze. When Bai Mianxi recovered from her swoon, The Mother promised her three things. First, that in return for obedience, service, and their best effort to fight for The First Goddess’ cause, the fox-people would be best at something some day. Second, that She would help the Kitsune to survive — even through the Sixth Age. And finally, that in the last Ages of the world, She would give the Kitsune back their freedom.

Bai Mianxi, knowing that she had garnered a bet­ ter bargain for her people than any of the rest of Gaia’s children had struck, reluctantly agreed.

As often happens in the Spirit World, time moved differently for Bai Mianxi while she had audience with the Great Ladies. Although it seemed but minutes, she had unknowingly spent a year in The First Goddess’ court. When she returned to the mortal realm, she found her own court scattered and Prince Inari gone.

Heartbroken, she went in search of her love, criss­ crossing Asia in her attempts to find her missing consort. But it was not to be. After searching fruitlessly for many years through lands torn apart by the selfishness and fury of the shen, she finally stopped and looked around her. Although her pain at the loss of her consort was great, she recognized now that the agony and devastation dealt by the other supernaturals she saw around her was far, far worse.

Changing children were maimed, separated, pre­ vented from performing their duties — and some had even been slaughtered to extinction — all while she selfishly searched for her love. Even self-centered Bai

KITSUNE LEXICON

all Eastern shapechangers who follow Gaia are honorary members, while some pledge them­ selves entirely to the Courts’ law. Byakko: A white-colored fox; usually a servant of Inari. Centipede: The Wyrm Court: A hengeyokai sept. Doshi: One of the Four Paths; Kitsune Sorcerer. Eji: One of the Four Paths; Kitsune Warrior. First Goddess, The: The Mother, The High Blue

Empress of the River of Stars, the Emerald Mother, the true Queen before Na Kua, Gaia Go-en: Kitsune-go for contact and favor networks. Gukutsushi: One of the Four Paths; Kitsune Dream­

weaver or Illusionist. Hengeyokai: “Changing Phantom”. Any shape­

shifter of the East; in particular, those bound to the Beast Courts. Hitogata: Homid form for Kitsune. Juko: Form of a wolf-sized fox, the equivalent of the

Garou Hispo form. Jyu-ho: All Fox magic. Kataribe: One of the Four Paths; Kitsune Poet. Kiko: Spirit Fox; a second rank Kitsune. Kojin: Human breed Kitsune. Koryo: “Haunting Fox”; a third rank Kitsune. Kuei-jin: Undead ghouls; vampires Kuko: “Air Fox”; A Kitsune who serves the Wyrm. Kyubi: A Kitsune’s vulpine form.

Mianxi could not help but see that there were others who were far worse off than she.

Realizing that the time had come for her to accept her duties, Bai Mianxi approached Luna.

Laws of Heaven: Rules given to the Kitsune by

Gaia at the inception of their Breed. Almost all Kitsune recognize their authority, even if they are not bound by the Mandates of the Beast Courts. Mandates, the: Similar to the Garou Litany, a series of

laws handed down to the Beast Courts from Gaia. Nine-tails: Another term for Kitsune. Nogitsune: A Kitsune without rank, usually a Kit. Reiko: “Ghost Fox”; a fourth rank Kitsune. Roko: Fox breed Kitsune. Sambuhenge: The rarely-used Glabro form of Kitsune. Sempai: Mentor; teacher or organization of teachers. Sentai: Kitsune version of a pack; usually four

werefoxes, sometimes with a fifth non-Kitsune. Shen: Supernatural beings, specifically those of

Asian origin. Shakko: A red-colored Fox. Shijin: “Poet”; Follower of the Kataribe Path. Shinju: Pure breed Fox; offspring of two Kitsune.

Silver Lady, the: Luna

Sunset People: Westerners, including the non-

Haaken Garou

Tamamono: Gifts

Tenko: “Celestial Fox”; a fifth rank Kitsune. Ways of Emerald Virtue: A communal Renown

system upheld by those sworn to the Beast Courts. Yakan: “Fox”; a first rank Kitsune. Yojutsu: Hedge magic. Yomi: Power of the Wyrm. Yomi spirits of Yin are

Spectres; Yomi spirits of Yang are Banes. Zhong Lung: Lizard-shifters, known to the Western

Changing Breeds as the Mokolé.

“The world is in a terrible state,” she said. “But, what am I to do?”

The Silver Lady tasked her with a heavy burden, one that she and her people alone were capable of. She

commanded the Kitsune to take up the assassination of any nations that no longer held the Mandate of Heaven, for it was through their break with this sacred writ that such devastation had come about. Only by purging those who refused to abide by the holy Laws, could the right path be regained once more.

Bai Mianxi agreed, and with Gaia’s blessing, the First Kitsune was reunited with her lover and her Kin. And from that time to this, most werefoxes have served Gaia faithfully, though not always in a way that The Mother’s other children would think honorable. Throughout the ages, the Kitsune have used their wits, nimbleness, humor, and magic to undermine Gaia’s enemies. Through ma­ nipulation, assassination, and possession of key personnel, they molded the politics of the Middle Kingdom during the early parts of the Fifth Age. With nothing more than a whisper here or a clever ruse there, the Nine-tails could topple a kingdom or raise up a new ruler, all to further Gaia’s will and in accordance with the Laws of Heaven.

Present Day

To this day, Kitsune continue to serve the Mother — and further their own goals. Of all The First Goddess’ children, they face the Sixth Age with the least dread, secure in the knowledge that Gaia pledged not to help them survive it, but to free them of their obligations to Her afterward.

They struggle, as do most of the Changers, with the loss of ever more of their fox Kin throughout Asia as they are hunted for their beautiful pelts and the magical properties of their bones. Likewise, their human Kinfolk suffer under harsh political regimes and oppressive eco­ nomic mandates.

Even in present day, the Asian world both fears and reveres the legends of magical foxes, with temples to Inari and the other Kitsune fox gods and goddesses still in active use. So long as that is the case, they will probably remain much as they have been for centuries, behind the scenes manipulating the world around them for The First Goddess’ benefit.

While other Changing Breeds may have representatives in both Western Culture and the Emerald Courts, Kitsune think of themselves always as hengeyokai. They began in China, Japan, and Korea, and (minor forays across the Pacific notwithstanding) that’s where they still live today. They took on the communal rites and court structures of Asian shapeshifters because those were what was there. They count the Ages of the World the way all shen do, because that’s who they grew up spying on. They call the Celestines and Incarna by a thousand names the Children of Gaia, Corax, and Qualmi wouldn’t recognize — because

that’s what the gods go by in their comer of the world.

All Kitsune are hengeyokai, however, not all are sworn to the Beast Courts. Most Kitsune serve the Kit­ sune first and the Courts second, if at all. Perhaps one in every four follows the hengeyokai Way of Emerald Virtue and the Mandates, while nearly all follow the Laws of Heaven given to their Breed directly from Gaia. Among those who do swear to the Courts, many serve for a limited time period, but while under pledge, they are as courtly and as perfect as possible.

Kitsune make good ambassadors to others, and often serve as such for the Beast Courts. Kitsune also make admirable regents and seers, playing advisor to those upon the throne. Those who are not sworn to the court may fulfill similar roles to other powerful figures while still serving Gaia and Luna (and their own whims, in varying proportions).

When gathered in anything other than a proper court or moot, Kitsune form groups of auspicious num­ bers: one, two, and four. One Kitsune can do things on her own without a great deal of help from others. Two Nine-tails function well together: one awake while the other rests. This duality — like Yin and Yang — brings them into balance. And then, there is four… Of all peoples of the Middle Kingdom, the Kitsune alone see the number four as auspicious. But four Kitsune — one of each Path — creates a perfect sentai. Together, four foxes may use strength and force, cleverness and magic, to succeed where others fail. Add a non-Fox to contrib­ ute the beauty of imperfection, and a sentai embodies true excellence in a way no other group may — at least according to the Kitsune.

It is rare for Kitsune to meet together in larger num­ bers; as individuals, they are quite busy with little time for grand moots or endless meetings among their own kind. As well, Foxes have many enemies and large gatherings would make it far too easy for those who would do the fox-shifters ill to find them. And, since Kitsune honor spirits as individuals rather than groups, so there is little need for large gatherings to perform group rites. However, as they will not attend to Fox-business at gatherings containing non-Kitsune, sometimes meetings among the higher-ranking members of the Breed are necessary.

When Foxes do gather, their assemblies are brief meetings wherein highly important topics are quickly heard and resolved. Even in the direst of circumstances, these are rare. Usually, it is thought sufficient to simply pass the word along from Fox to Fox as time and place permit. Being quite well connected, news can pass across the entire Middle Kingdom in less than a week this way.

KINFOLK AND THE CURSE

Whenever a Kit is born to the full powers of a Kitsune, the taking of a life pays for that birth. Both parents may die or one may live, depend­ ing on the vagaries of fate (see Birthing Pains, p. below). Most often, it is the Kinfolk parent, rather than the Kitsune, who passes. Some might believe the Kitsune incapable of loving those almost certainly doomed to die early, but such is not the case. Many love deeply and feel great sorrow when the coming of the next generation takes its toll upon their partners. Others remain aloof, but yearn for a love they are not capable of committing to in light of the high mortality rate of their mates.

Kitsune receive the same amount of points to spend on attributes and abilities as other hengeyokai. Their Path determines their beginning Rage, while their Initial Gnosis score comes from their Breed. All Kitsune begin with a Willpower of 5.

The Foxes were created just after the Fourth Age. Thus, they were never part of controlling humanity by force as other shifters were. Because of this, their Koto (Crinos) form does not invoke the Delirium, leading werefoxes to be very careful to hide this form from mortals. Accidents do happen, though, and slips throughout the ages have led to the legends of terrifying, magical foxes prevalent throughout Asia.

The Nine-tails enter the Umbra as easily as Garou. Kitsune rely heavily upon their magical strength and versatility. Not only are they able to learn potent Gifts of their own, but can easily learn the Gifts of other Changing Breeds as well, as long as they have a teacher for the Gift. The experience cost is the same as for a non-breed/auspice/tribal Gift.

Kitsune frenzy, but always as a fox frenzy: they were never meant to be berserkers.

Healing and Combat

Kitsune lack the regenerative abilities of the Garou. Without healing Gifts they heal damage just like ordinary mortals. In effect, all non-bashing damage is counted as lethal damage, making the Nine-tails likely to avoid combat whenever possible, but also making it easier to

heal them with healing Gifts. They may still soak dam­ age at the usual difficulty rate from many aggravated sources — such as a Kuei-jin’s claws and teeth — in the same manner as Garou.

As children of Bai Mianxi, who received her calling from Luna, werefoxes may attempt to soak damage from silver (difficulty 8). Any damage not soaked is lethal. Otherwise, silver affects them just as it does Garou.

Because they lack regenerative abilities, avoiding being damaged is a high Kitsune priority. Kitsune receive one extra dot in Dexterity for free during character creation. Further, Kitsune cannot botch Athletics rolls to dodge in combat.

When in Koto or Juko form, Kitsune’s teeth do ag­ gravated damage.

Tails of Longevity

Werefoxes have the advantage of a long lifespan. Whenever a Kitsune goes up in rank (except when advancing to Yakan), her potential lifespan doubles. This leads to Kitsune elders being quite venerable, even though the Breed as a whole is a young one.

With each rise in rank Kitsune also gain another tail. A Fox with nine tails (of whom there has been only one — Bai Mianxi) is, for all intents and purposes, im­ mortal. Kitsune gain a new tail only when they acquire new rank, though the lack of tails may be hidden or covered up with lies. Most of the time, the tails are not visible. A Kitsune may hide or reveal his tails by making a Gnosis roll versus the local Gauntlet.

Renown

Foxes that do not subscribe to the hengeyokai Way of Emerald Virtue value Chie (Cunning), Toku (Honor), and Kagayaki (akin to Glory) Renown.

Backgrounds and Abilities

Kitsune have no new Abilities essential to creating characters, but for a Kitsune-oriented game, Storytell­ ers may choose to introduce Calligraphy and Origami as Hobby Abilities. These abilities are respected as art forms throughout the Eastern world, and can make life far easier for Fox sorcerers (see Ju-Fu, p. 135).

Werefoxes may purchase the Backgrounds of Ances­ tors, Fetish, Resources, and Rites without any modifica­ tions. They may buy Totem if they are a part of a sentai or wish a personal totem. The Kitsune are (literally) a Breed unto themselves — regardless of whether they are part of the Emerald Court or not, they are different enough that Garou and other Changing Breeds cannot recognize the superlative heritage of each and every member of the Breed. Thus, Pure Breed is both redundant and useless Background for Kitsune; they cannot take it.

Additionally, they have a somewhat unique take on Al­ lies, Contacts, Kinfolk, and Mentor as described below:

• Batsu: Batsu are the Kitsune’s allies, his friends and cohorts who stand by him and assist him when needed. To a werefox, his Batsu defines who he is and what he stands for. This takes the place of the Allies Background, and most Kitsune will have at least three dots in Batsu.

• Clan: Rather than having a Kinfolk Background, the Nine-tails have Clan: a group of family, Kin, and friends who know the truth about the werefoxes and their grand purpose. While many members of a Kitsune’s Clan are likely to be Kinfolk, others are chosen with great care from outside of direct family lines.

• Go-en: This is a network of minor contacts the Kitsune maintains. Rather than relying on one important contact for information, the werefoxes prefer to have several possible sources handy for a variety of situations. Kitsune may make Contacts rolls to find someone to aid them in any given endeavor at a Difficulty of 5, rather than 7.

• Sempai: This is the equivalent of Mentor, but a Kitsune is just as likely to have a group of hengeyokai as patrons, as he is to have a single individual. A Sempai can be an aunt or uncle (or both), a Kitsune parent, court sentai (group) who adopt the Kit as a mascot, or a Gai’nan (a ranking court official in the hengeyokai courts). A Sempai may simply assist the Kitsune in reaching her potential or may be grooming her for a specific task or duty. • Kiko or Iron Rank official; an inexperienced or very distant sentai •• Koryo or Steel Rank official; a moderately accessible, experienced sentai. ••• Reiko or Gold Rank hengeyokai; an influential courtier, accessible and quite capable. •••• A Five-tailed Fox; a Gai’nan; a powerful, friendly sentai. ••••• A Fox with Six or more tails; Gai’nan to an important court; a legendary sentai.

Kitsune have three breeds: the human-born (kojin), the animal-born (roko), and the metis (shinju).

• Kojin: Kojin are human-born Kitsune. Although they may be of mixed blood, they always possess at least some Asian ancestry. Most are raised by extended family members, due to the loss of one or both parents at birth. Hyperactive as children, kojin grow into slender, clever, and manipulative adults, as might be expected of Foxes.

While most shifters remain unaware of their destiny until their First Change, kojin know that they are differ­ ent before they are even able to speak. Even as children most are aloof and self-absorbed, certain that they are more than they appear to be and equally certain that

BIRTHING PAINS

Giving birth to a Kitsune is a supernaturally painful process, and the otherworldly labor pains are shared empathically by both parents, no matter how much distance may separate them.

So great is the suffering, a kojin or rook kit’s non-Kitsune parent has only a one-in-ten chance of surviving the experience. There is also a one-in-ten chance that the Kitsune parent may die, either instead of, or along with, their mate. Roll the percentages separately for each parent. If both parents beat the odds, death instead strikes a close friend or family member of the parents, or someone otherwise related to the household.

Shinju births are even more dangerous. There is an equal chance of each parent dying, with the possibility of both paying the price for the birth. Each parent has only a 50% chance of surviving the birth. Again, roll the percentages separately. If both Kitsune win, the death will strike a close associate, friend, or family member.

If a Kitsune has deigned to mate with another shapeshifter and a child comes from the union, the offspring may favor either of the parent’s “normal” lineage (human or animal) but will never be a shifter. There is a fifty percent chance that the Kitsune parent will die from the birthing, and a thirty percent chance that death will strike the non-Kitsune parent. (Roll separately for each parent.)

this is a grand mystery they are meant to uncover. This leads to a great curiosity about the world around them and the secrets it might contain.

A kojin’s First Change is often traumatic, but the Kitsune usually bounces back very quickly. After all, she has always known she was somehow special and now has the proof to justify her arrogance.

Beginning Gnosis: 3

Starting Gifts: Persuasion, Seduction, Smell of Man • Roko: Roko are fox-born Kitsune. Often, the parent (assuming both do not die when the kit is born) places their vulpine offspring with normal foxes so the kit can be raised in a more natural environment.

Many roko experience difficult childhoods either due to having only one parent to care for them (if one dies when they are born) or because numerous predators hunt foxes (if they are raised by normal foxes).

Nonetheless, they are usually insatiably curious and show great glee when they undergo their First Change. The discovery of hands and a two-legged form is often a delight. Human form gives them even more opportunities to undergo new experiences and allows them to get into more trouble than ever before.

Inveterate wanderers, roko love to see new places and discover novel things.

Beginning Gnosis: 5

Starting Gifts: Burrow, Cricket Leap, Heightened Senses

• Shinju: The shinju are metis Kitsune. Among the Kitsune, metis birth is not considered a curse. They do not have deformities, but if a Fox-Fox pairing produces a child there is only a ten percent chance they will produce a shinju shifter; most such offspring are normal foxes or humans.

Shinju children are born at a higher cost than non-shinju: one (or both) of the Fox parents is very likely to die (see Birthing Pains sidebar).

Raised in the court of their parents, shinju kits learn their grand destiny early. Their heads swelled by tales of the greatness that is theirs, many become insufferably arrogant and absolute perfectionists — even more so than their kojin or roko relations.

Beginning Gnosis: 4

Starting Gifts: Scent of the True Form, Sense Wyrm, Truth of Gaia

The Paths of the Kitsune constitute both a profession and something of a sacred calling. They are not determined by the sun, moon, or the Kitsune’s time of birth, but are chosen by each Fox as she gains her first rank. When a young Kitsune reaches her Nogitsune-time, she is given the Rite of the Crossroads by a more experienced Nine-tails. The element the young werefox chooses at this time determines what Path she will follow. Unlike other hengeyokai, Kitsune cannot undergo the Rite of the Sec­ ond Face, since the Rite of the Crossroads (if performed correctly) reveals her true essence and thus her life-choice.

• Kataribe (kah-tah-ree-bay): Corresponding to

clay, this Path is made up of builders and doers. Like a potter, the Kataribe make many things that aid the other Nine-tails. They are in contrast to the Doshi and Eji, who practice selective destruction as parts of their Paths.

Along with a love of crafted goods, the Kataribe par­ ticularly love knowledge, thus earning them the moniker of shijin, or poet. They spend much time collecting lore from around the world, learning stories, songs and poetry and weaving them together into a tapestry of information. The shijin spend time with court historians as well as the Zhong Lung to avail themselves of the ancient history

known to these shen. These Kitsune are in particular accord with the Beast Courts and most Kitsune on the Way of Emerald Virtue are Kataribe. They get along well with both other shen and with humans.

Initial Rage: 2

Starting Gifts: Beast Speech, Fable, Truth of Gaia

• Gukutsushi (goo-koots-shee): The dreamweavers

correspond to the element of Kiri, fog. This is a difficult Path for outsiders to understand, combining the way of the trickster — with their mastery of the mind and illusion — and the role of a physician or healer. They bring solace to the suffering and take delight in deceiving those who prove needful of such tricks. Their skills are less physical than the other Paths, but Gukutsushi can use their mind-bending skills to devastating effect against foes. The illusions they cast, and the tricks they play on their enemies’ minds can be devastating in or out of battle. Their knowledge of both human and shen psychology is unsurpassed and they have honed their own minds into both keen weapons and tools for insightful analysis.

Initial Rage: 2

Starting Gifts: Clear the Mind, Mother’s Touch, Open Seal

• Doshi (doh-shee): The sorcerers’ element is Inazuma: lightning. Masters of magic and spirit commu­ nication, their path is one of shadow, as is evidenced by the betraying hint of Yomi within them. On a successful use of Sense Wyrm at difficulty 9, the Doshi detect as slightly Wyrm-tainted.

ELEGANT ELEMENTS

Rather than the singular elements common in the spirit world (fire, earth, water, or air), the Nine-tails accept a blending of two of the primary elements as a singular element in and of itself. Each of the four blended elements recognized by Kitsune corresponds to a particular Path.

Nendo (Clay): Combines the elements of earth and water. Corresponds to Path of Kataribe.

Kiri (Fog): Combines the elements of water and air. Corresponds to Path of Gukutsushi.

Inazuma (Lightning): Combines the ele­ ments of air and fire. Corresponds to Path of Doshi.

Yogan (Lava): Combines the elements of fire and earth. Corresponds to Path of Eji.

Doshi believe that evil itself can be a powerful weapon against evil and will enslave Banes or use magic thought of as tainted, if they believe it necessary for a greater good. Their knowledge of the Centipede and its minions is vast and they utilize this advantage to great effect. Their dark Path forces the Doshi to distance them­ selves from other Kitsune and shen; many live alone in abandoned areas such as old monasteries, temples, and the like. This solitude, along with the fact that they are sometimes looked down on by the rest of their kind, often leads the sorcerers toward cynicism and inhumanity. Of all the Kitsune, they are the most likely to fall to the Centipede’s clutches. However, as they will explain to any who will listen, there is no success without risk and no victory without the possibility of defeat.

Initial Rage: 3

Starting Gifts: Blessing the Blade, Sense Magic, Spirit Speech

• Eji (ay-jee): The warrior Kitsune are those associated with Yogan: the element of lava. They are the holy warriors — or s¯ohei — of the Nine-tails, as strong as the earth and as ferocious as fire. Eji consider themselves surgeons cut­ ting away any “cancers” that threaten the Emerald Mother. They are not ravening beasts; Eji display great respect for life, even as they take it. They will go out of their way to protect the innocent and to right wrongs done against the just and good, but when someone pollutes the world, the Eji find no difficulty in performing a neat and swift execu­ tion. They will battle and kill bakemono, crazed Kuei-jin, or Banes, almost without thought or emotion.

In human guise, they often appear as adventurers, daredevils, or religious figures who encourage others to strive for the best — even as they secretly remove those who infecting the Emerald Mother with impurity, weak­ ness, or depravity.

Initial Rage: 4

Starting Gifts: Razor Claws, Resist Pain, Sense Hostility

Kitsune have five forms, although their human and near-human forms differ only slightly, as do their fox and near-fox manifestations. Regardless, Foxes take immense pride in being elegant and beautifully shaped, regardless of the form they take. All forms other than Hitogata naturally show one tail. In any of his forms, a Kitsune may manifest any number of additional tails (up to the maximum he pos­ sesses) by making a Gnosis roll against the local Gauntlet. Once manifested, he may hide them in the same fashion.

• Hitogata: The Kitsune’s human form. Other than a universally mischievous look, they are indistinguish­

able from any other person. In general, they like to keep in shape and pride themselves on being good-looking.

• Sambuhenge: Foxes rarely take this form other than when the situation calls for humor, as it is somewhat comi­ cal in appearance. They are slightly more athletic and a bit nimbler than in their Hitogata form, but for most, the difference is not significant enough to risk being laughed at by those who find their near-human form amusing.

Some use this form to play jokes on other Foxes, however, and roko kits may assume the form as they begin learning to walk in human form, relying on the added dexterity to aid their efforts.

The Kitsune’s Sambuhenge body mass is similar to their Hitogata form, but there are some cosmetic changes. The ears point upward and the eyes become slanted and thin — more fox than human. The werefox’s nose lengthens and whiskers appear on both sexes. This form also naturally sports a fox tail.

• Koto: Standing only an inch or two taller than the Hitogata and Sambuhenge forms, Koto adds no real bulk to the Kitsune, but other physical changes are quite noticeable.

The Koto head becomes fully that of a fox, though still retaining unmistakable human intelligence in the eyes. The body is completely covered with fox-fur. It possesses vulpine, digitigrade knees, and an obvious foxtail. The feet are paw-like and the hands are tipped with claws, although they retain fingers and opposable thumbs.

Knowing that they are not protected by Delirium, Kitsune do not assume the Koto form unless they are certain of their privacy. Kitsune usually only assume this form for courtly affairs, to impress visitors, or for the comfort of having fur.

Koto may bite for Strength +1 aggravated damage, but the form is otherwise ill-suited for battle, so few Kitsune engage in brawling matches unless they have exhausted all other options first.

• Juko: This is a wolf-sized fox form, and well suited for travel, as it possesses greater endurance than the Kyubi form. The Kitsune has a great amount of “manual” dexterity with his mouth. Some have learned to hold daggers in their mouths with which to fight, when there are no other options.

• Kyubi: In this form, the average Kitsune appears as an ordinary fox. The vast majority of Kitsune have standard red pelts, with a few resembling gray foxes in coloration. Legends speak of arctic and sand werefoxes, although none have been present in the Emerald Court in centuries. If such Kitsune do exist, they would surely be looked upon with wonder — and suspicion — by their Eastern cousins.

Form Statistics

Sambuhenge Koto Juko Kyubi

Str: +0 Str: +1 Dex: +1 Dex: +2 Dex: +3 Dex: +4 Sta: +1 Sta: +2 Sta: +3 Sta: +2 Man: –1 Man: –1 Man: –2 Man: –1 Per: +0 Per: +1 Per: +1 Per: +2 Difficulty for hearing Perception rolls is reduced by 2 in all forms except Hitogata.

Kitsune love magic. Advancing in rank and gaining new tails is a great honor, to be sure, but what Kitsune truly treasure is the new powers that come with accomplishment and experience. A Kitsune character begins play with one general Kitsune Gift, one breed Gift, and one Path Gift.

General Kitsune Gifts