Of all the races that took part in the Fifth Crusade, the rarest and most exotic, of course, are the kitsune, the fox folk.
Kitsune resemble anthropomorphic foxes, but they are also able to shapeshift into human form. Hence, the nickname "werefoxes".
Kitsune are known for their love of all things connected to trickery: from harmless pranks to grand schemes involving robbery or fraud.
The kitsunes’ inherent playfulness also helps them communicate with and make connections among the many races of Golarion. Bard is a fairly common career path among fox folk.
And lest we forget the kitsunes’ magical talents, they are not limited to their ability to change form. Many foxes choose to bind their lives to magic. One in a thousand kitsune has the potential to reach the peak of magical powers inherent in their race. If one of these especially talented foxes decides to develop her abilities, she will begin to grow additional tails over time. Her tails, up to nine in total, store some of her magical energy.
Little is known about the kitsune homeland, Tian Xia. This mysterious continent is located far from Avistan and the Inner Sea. The few stories we have sound more like legends and myths than reality. The kitsune themselves playfully encourage this aura of mystery. Despite this, adventurous fox folk can be found in the most unexpected of places, including in Mendev and the Fifth Crusade.
"I'm a child of a passionate and curious people. We live everywhere, you are just… not always aware of our existence".
Lady Konomi
Though kitsune are common throughout Golarion, foxes often hide in human form in the presence of other races. This is mostly due to their reputation as tricksters and "untrustworthy elements". Sometimes, this goes hilariously wrong.
"Truly, we kitsune are incapable of normalcy. We find our passion and surrender to it entirely, mind and soul."
Lady Konomi
Every kitsune, which finds herself on a path leading to Mendev, has her own reasons to be there. Some, like Lady Konomi, are driven by the love of the political dance of negotiation, war, and intrigue. In Nenio's case, it was the desire, nearly an obsession, to compile the most detailed encyclopedia ever written about Golarion. And the Commander of the Fifth Crusade has even more options for an unhealthy fixation: the art of warfare, the magical secrets of the abyss, and anything else you could imagine. Which will your kitsune choose?