2) Prelude: Who helped out, and how this is possible.

The legends of the kitsune are filled with contradictions and mystery. From their origins in India, through the orient, to Japan, they have gone through many changes, and have evolved from trickster spirits into priests, heroes, protectors, lords, and family guardians. They are the lowest villain, tormenting peasants for food and sport, to the personal aides of Emperors, protecting them from threats that could mean the death of all their people.

This thesis is for those who wish to know the kitsune, whether for personal use, or perhaps as a background for a story, or a game. I add to this as I learn, and while I do not claim to be an expert, I am willing to stand by what I have written here.

Sources
Kitsune: Japan's Fox of Mystery, Romance, and Humour
-by Kiyoshi Nozaki
This, perhaps, is the largest source of information of kitsune lore I've ever seen. If it wasn't for this book, I would not have even a tenth of the information I do have.
This book has many, many legends of kitsune. It also mentions the 13 races of kitsune, though it was through research that I learned that this may be tied to the thirteen elements.

FoxKnight (Ben Ludwig) - A friend on alt.horror.werewolves
FoxKnight is someone who deserves special thanks when it comes to my gaining of critical information. From him, I have learned of the kitsune's role in modern Japan, I have learned of how kitsune are different from province to province, and we have had long discussions about their theological and cultural significance. He has studied the religion of Japan, and has looked into the kitsune's place there, so I list him here as a source. To him, I give thanks.

Anthony - Kitsune from FurryMUCK
Anthony has done an amazing effort in collecting information on not only the kitsune, but on the fox's role in cultures in the West as well. Unfortunately for me, I am biased to attempt to keep my data limited to the kitsune, and the East, but I do suggest that others contact him if they wish another point of view on the kitsune, and the fox.

Kij Johnson - Author of the short story 'Fox Magic'
This was a wonderful short story, showing how things could have looked from a kitsune's point of view. She has, from what I heard, written an actual novel now that follows in the footsteps of this short story, but I've yet to read it.

ShadowFox
I don't know who ShadowFox is, but he was nice enough to give some terms for the different types of kitsune out there. I will list the names later, but I wish to give him the credit he is due. So, to you, ShadowFox, special thanks!

Myrla
Myrla gets a very special thank you, for giving me the book 'Kitsune' that's listed up above. If it was not for her, I would have none of the information you see here. Thank you!