Profile
Summary
Kikitsu are a foxlike Lythian with an affinity for the various plants that grow throughout Lyth. With quick wits and playful natures, they can be quite the tricksters, though generally mean well. These creatures are born with transformative types of magic, one of which is the ability to turn seeds into gold! This technique comes easily to all Kikitsu, and while they cannot be forced to perform magic, they seem to enjoy gifting the gold to those they trust. However, their source of magic is not infinite, but more like a rechargeable battery; they need to take breaks and rest in order to continue using it. Sleeping in a field of freshly-bloomed flora is the only way for them to replenish their magic, which also doubles as bodily energy. Both magical acts and mundane tasks both pull from this same power source, so they must be wary of how they spend it! Kikitsu tend to get along with most other Lythians — though some have the habit of taking a bite out of the occasional, unwary Roobite — and may form curious relationships with Haenyms for religious reasons.
✦ Body
Usually covered in silky fur, Kikitsu groom regularly to maintain a shiny coat. Though, what's more interesting is their ability to transform from their normally quadrupedal form into a bipedal form. Unlike the Natbaktera, this magic is not glamour and actually causes physical shifts in the vulpines' bodies. These transformations come naturally to all individuals, though, of course, there are those who prefer to spend their time in one form over the other. While on all fours, they are agile creatures, reaching a height of three feet; when standing bipedal, they are usually around four feet tall sans ears.
✦ Ears
Their ears come in all variations, though are most often large and pointed. They have very acute hearing that's on par with that of a Kella Ser.
✦ Paws
When quadrupedal, Kikitsu have padded paws with retractable claws. Their front paws turn into fingers with opposable thumbs in their bipedal forms.
✦ Tails
Kikitsu always have between two and nine tails. They are generally large and bushy, though other variations have been seen. Most individuals take great care of their tails, keeping them neat and tidy; dirty, unkempt ones might be hints at underlying issues. Kikitsu with missing (from injury) or damaged tails definitely cause heads to turn.
✦ Floral Item
Every Kikitsu has at least one floral item somewhere on their body when in their quadrupedal form; it is not removable. The flora is generally of a single plant type, which may bloom or wilt depending on the season, but is always present. When transformed into their bipedal stance, the plants increase in size and/or number. For example, a Kikitsu that normally sports a single rose on its chest might have them bloom all around its neck like a mane while transformed. This transformation uses up magical energy, as well. If they are not careful and use up all their energy, Kikitsu fall into what they call "hibernation," in which their main body retreats into their floral item. They will not wake up unless they are placed surrounded by natural growth, which is why Spring is the favorite season of most Kikitsu.
Builds
✦ Maruisha
If you come across a Kikitsu with an ever-present grin and a jovial demeanor, you may be face-to-face with a Maruisha Kikitsu! They are far sneakier than their standard counterpart, and delight in playing pranks, such as disguising themselves as objects to frighten unsuspecting Lythians. While Kikitsu are known for turning seeds into gold, Maruisha Kikitsu also do this... but only temporarily. They'll trade them in for goods and services, only for the precious metal to turn back into grain in the receiver's pocket. Because of this, there is a known rivalry between Maruisha Kikitsu and the standard Kikitsu, who view their trickster ways with disdain.
Variants
✦ Monster
This is a temporary condition that overrides a Kikitsu's normal subspecies. This means a Kikitsu can simultaneously be both a standard and a Monster by transforming between the two. As a result of this transformation, a Kikitsu's size and strength increases by quite a bit! In this state, Kikitsu are seen as plague bearers, with their matted and gnarled appearance. Suitably, this state is found to be tied to Kikitsu who have ventured far too long in polluted areas. Their floral items are in a constant state of decay, and leave streaks of rot running down their pelts. When a Monster Kikitsu travels, they often leave a trail of wilted plants behind them, due to the terrible clouds of bacteria they emit. Even the healthiest of Lythians can become ill if they breathe it in.
Core Features
- Kikitsu are by default quadrupedal with long limbs.
- They have at least one floral item somewhere on their body.
- They have long, slender muzzles.
- Their paws are tipped with retractable claws.
- Kikitsu must have between two and nine tails.
✧ Extra Suggestions
- leaves, fruits, or flowers for floral item
- single-plant-type floral item
- furred bodies
- large, pointed ears
- large, bushy tails
✦ Bipedal Form
- This transformation is natural to all Kikitsu.
- They become upright and walk on their hind legs.
✧ Extra Suggestions
- floral item increases in size or number
- floral item changes in style
- clawed fingers with opposable thumbs
- digitigrade or plantigrade hindlegs
✦ Maruisha
- Maruisha Kikitsu are round and stocky, lacking the slender grace associated with standard Kikitsu.
- Their snouts are still thin, but much shorter, always smaller than their skull.
- Due to their rotund stature, their limbs also appear shorter in comparison.
✧ Extra Suggestions
- tapered fingers and toes
- rounded tails
✦ Monster
- Their decaying floral items ooze a viscous liquid, leaving streaks down their pelt.
- Their muzzles are abnormally long, exceeding their skull length, even on Maruisha Kikitsu.
- A smog-like cloud emits from their mouth, nostrils, and/or ears.
- Monster Kikitsu have overgrown claws and sharpened teeth.
✧ Extra Suggestions
- quadrupedal
- matted or missing fur
- elongated neck
- gangly limbs
- paws darkened by rot
Baby Information
Baby Kikitsu — also known as "kits" — are born quadrupedal and small with chibi-esque proportions; their ears and head are oversized in comparison to the rest of their body and their tails are more fuzzy than bushy. Their large, glassy eyes have poor vision, and they don't properly develop until weeks later. Once they reach adolescence, their sight fully develops and their eyes can change in style and color. Kits are born with their floral item already embedded in their fur somewhere, but only one single sprout. Some Kikitsu have floral items that gradually grow in number and move across their body, while others may keep their single plant in the same position throughout. In their baby stage, they already have access to their energy source for day-to-day purposes, but are unable to harness it for magic yet. When kits make their first transformation into their bipedal form, it is believed they have reached adulthood, which can result in major changes to their floral item's appearance.
✦ Baby Features
- Baby Kikitsu are all quadrupedal with chibi proportions.
- They only have one floral item somewhere on their body.
- Kits have shorter, smaller muzzles.
✧ Extra Suggestions
- oversized ears
- glassy eyes with poor vision
- no claws
Origin Story & Quest
Fuchsblumm
There once was a small plant that sat in the middle of a large field. Every day, children would run through the fields, laughing and playing with one another. As it watched the children, the plant also longed for the ability to play, to run, to laugh, to live its life to the fullest. It prayed to whoever would listen in hopes that someone out there was willing to grant its wishes. Its prayers were heard by a young Auirator, who was absolutely tickled by the prospect of a plant wanting such things for itself. Fortunately for it, the Auirator was a playful trickster of sorts, who was more than happy to answer what they thought was a delightful request, though not without additional modifications. They crafted the plant a body that would carry its form, that was swift on all fours but could also walk on two. They gave it the ability to turn seeds into gold, so the plant would know its life was of value. Finally, the Auirator gave it their own laugh, so it would never forget who answered its silly wish, kikiki!
The first transformation a Kikitsu performs is seen as a rite of passage, for it is always the first act of magic that every kit will do. After the first, all other transformations will come to them naturally, and they will have full access to their magical energy source. It is also believed to be an indicator that they have reached young adulthood.
How does your Kikitsu perform its first act of transformation magic? Does their floral item change during this? Please portray your Kikitsu using their baby design or an adolescent design that’s not quite their adult form yet.
Comments