4) Kami: Kitsune and their spiritual nature

Kitsune, if accepted in their role as spirits, are at their core, kami. Kami are spirits of nature, in tune with the elements of the realm, and as such possess many abilities. A lot of the common folk in Japan would give offerings and worship the kami that resided nearby, and the kitsune were no exception.

Many legends, however, also place a lifespan on kitsune. From 900 years to 1000 years. From what I can guess, this is how long a kitsune can keep a mortal form. After this, the kitsune has gained enough wisdom/power, that they leave, and rejoin the Celestial Courts. Kitsune of over 900 years are few and far between, and very, very powerful.

As a spirit, kitsune require a connection to their element. This, from what I can gather, means that the kitsune usually stays in a domain bearing the kitsune's element, or at least a natural representation of it. The kitsune's connection to the element fuels the kitsune, giving them powers associated with the element. By drawing on the domain, the kitsune stays healthy.

Some restrictions would apply to kitsune, due to their nature, and because of their presence in Japanese society. These include some of the more traditional taboos of the orient:

1 - As spirits, the kitsune are expected to serve the people who live on or near the land. In exchance, the people offer gifts, and prayers to the kitsune, to keep them happy. This is sort of a pact, where the kitsune follow a code of etiquette, in exchange for being tended to.

2 - Kami, even with the strength of immortality, and all their powers, were still considered a 'lesser race'. As such, they were restricted in what they could do to mortals, and how much they could influence mortal lives. Mortals were the heroes of Japan, and kami, demon, or god could not sway a mortal, unless the mortal broke tradition. As long as this unwritten pact was kept, the mortal would win. This was, in part, something of a celestial balance, which the orientals firmly believe in.

For a kitsune to actively get involved, one strong requirement would be for either a prayer or offering to be made to the kitsune, or for someone to accept, willingly, the kitsune's presence and aid. Barring possession or taking mortal form, the kitsune has the option of simply just 'appearing', like any kami might. The kitsune's interference in mortal life in such a direct manner would have to be few and far between, however, since doing so is a disruption of the natural order, and would also take its toll on the land and people around it.

Being summoned, or manifesting, takes a lot of power, to allow the kitsune to 'be there' on the physical world. This is probably the most rare form of kitsune appearance. Very few legends have the kitsune in her full power, without a tie to the physical world. Vampire Princess Miyu has a kitsune possessing a mortal, and being forced out to combat the main character in it's natural form, and some kitsune, like Tamamo-no-mae require the death of many people.

A kitsune just 'appearing' means either the walls of the spirit world and the physical world are weak, or could possibly be taken as an omen. Whatever the reason, a manifested kitsune is a very rare and very noticeable event. Such a creature would require offerings, prayers, or some source of energy to be able to appear, or to remain for long periods, and is most likely in their domain.

Since the appearance of the kitsune is disruptive to nature's balance, the area they are in will most likely suffer. Sickness, blight, and other such plagues would be part and parcel of the kitsune's ongoing existence. This is one example of the kitsune's vampiric nature, as it drains the region to fuel itself.

Different forms of manifestation include the true foxform, the human form, or a combination of the two. In all cases, the kitsune is supernaturally attractive. Also, considering that the kitsune is a spirit, it could transform into any shape desired. Legends of kitsune transformation include trees, stones, an entire forest, and other such phenomenon.