-KITSUNAE-
A dungeons and dragons 5E hombrew race for the dungeons and dragons campaign Im working on. Here are the details:
Physical Appearance
The Kitsunae are a striking race of anthropomorphic foxfolk, blending the elegance of a humanoid form with distinctly vulpine features. Standing between 5 and 5.5 feet tall, their slender, agile builds make them swift and graceful movers, naturally adept at stealth and subtlety.
Their fur covers nearly their entire bodies, soft and thick, with color variations ranging from pristine white and silvery-gray to rich russet, black, and tawny gold. Often, their fur exhibits subtle gradient patterns or faint markings reminiscent of swirling smoke or ancient runes, believed to be tied to their ancestral spirits.
Their faces retain a delicate balance between human and fox—sharp muzzles, high cheekbones, and expressive eyes that glow with an inner light in dim conditions. Eye colors span warm ambers, icy blues, emerald greens, and deep browns, shifting subtly in hue depending on mood or ambient magic.
Ears are long, pointed, and covered in dense fur, capable of twitching and swiveling independently to capture the faintest sounds. The Kitsunae’s tails are perhaps their most distinctive feature: ranging from one to nine in number, each tail is long, bushy, and imbued with spiritual significance. The number of tails a Kitsunae possesses is often tied to their age, wisdom, and magical power, and these tails shimmer faintly with ethereal light, especially when their emotions run high or when channeling magic.
Their hands and feet bear retractable claws that aid in climbing, hunting, and defense, yet their fingers remain nimble and precise, able to craft delicate artifacts or weave intricate spells.
Society and Culture
The Kitsunae live in tightly knit clans, each governed by traditions that emphasize harmony with nature, cunning strategy, and spiritual balance. These clans are often led by elders known as Kage, who command respect not only for their wisdom but for their connection to the spiritual world. The role of a Kage is multifaceted, blending political leadership, mystical guidance, and the responsibility of preserving ancient knowledge.
Kitsunae society prizes agility of both body and mind. They are renowned for their mastery of stealth, deception, and intricate social games. This cunning is not merely for survival but is a respected art form that serves to maintain balance within their communities and their surroundings.
Magic courses naturally through Kitsunae veins, especially the arts of illusion, enchantment, and transformation. Many Kitsunae can subtly alter their appearance, create ethereal illusions, or bend shadows to their will. Their magical affinity is believed to stem from a deep spiritual connection to the forest and ancestral fox spirits, guardians of the natural and mystical order.
Rituals and festivals are common and are often tied to the cycles of the moon and changing seasons. One important ritual is the Tail Ceremony, a rite of passage where young Kitsunae earn their first additional tail through tests of skill, wisdom, and spiritual attunement. Each new tail gained is seen as a blessing, symbolizing growth in power and enlightenment.
Language and Communication
The Kitsunae speak their own unique language known as Feylan, a melodic tongue rich with clicks, whistles, and subtle tonal shifts that reflect their foxlike nature. Feylan is traditionally written vertically in elegant columns, flowing top to bottom and left to right, resembling cascading waterfalls of script. Their written characters often carry symbolic meaning, resembling natural elements like leaves, flames, and stars, linking their language to the natural and mystical world.
Body language plays a crucial role in their communication, with subtle ear flicks, tail movements, and facial expressions conveying complex emotions and intentions beyond words. Outsiders often find this nonverbal language difficult to interpret, contributing to the Kitsunae’s air of mystery.
Attire and Adornment
Kitsunae clothing blends practicality with ornate symbolism. They favor lightweight, flexible garments that allow ease of movement—typically crafted from finely woven fabrics dyed in earthy tones, silvers, and muted reds, reflecting their natural surroundings. Cloaks, sashes, and scarves are common, often embroidered with clan sigils or ancestral motifs.
Jewelry made from natural materials—carved bone, polished stones, feathers, and silver—are worn both for aesthetic and spiritual purposes. These adornments often serve as talismans, believed to protect the wearer from harm or enhance their magical abilities.
NPC'S
Kael Silverflame
Race:Kitsunae
Class: Warrior/Sorcerer (Fighter 4 / Sorcerer 3)
Role: Antagonistic village leader under The Hollow King's
influence
Appearance:
Tall, proud, draped in dark silver-plated armor with black fur tinged by magic. His amber eyes glow faintly. Carries a long ceremonial blade and wears a crimson sash of leadership.
Personality Traits:
Tall, proud, draped in dark silver-plated armor with black fur tinged by magic. His amber eyes glow faintly. Carries a long ceremonial blade and wears a crimson sash of leadership.
Personality Traits:
The Silver Scrolls Archive