WikiFur - User contributions [en]

Kitsune (mythology)

2007-06-20T15:17:20Z

Shin Nohara: /* In modern media */

{{cleanup}}
{{context}}
:''This page is about the mythological creature. There is also a character named [[Kitsune (Usagi Yojimbo)|Kitsune]] in the comic [[Usagi Yojimbo]].''

'''Kitsune''' (Japanese: 狐) is, literally, Japanese for [[fox]]. However, in English usage, kitsune usually refers to the magical fox-spirit, which a fox can become.

In [[Japanese mythology]], a fox who lives long enough and gains a great deal of knowledge will reach an enlightened state, the Eastern sense of the 'fox spirit'. These supernatural beings serve as the cultural trickster, akin to Loki, Coyote, Eris, and many others; their stories both guide humankind along a proper moral path and explain the mechanics of the physical world. Some kitsune were said to serve [[Inari]] (jovial, rotund god of rice) and guard his shrines, while others were wild and may have been either benevolent or malicious, depending on the particular story they played a role in. Some reward the honest, pious, hardworking or poor. Others manipulate powerful leaders to evil, and still others are given to arson, murder, and rape. Above all they seem to take pleasure in teaching humility, delivering hubris to the proud, greedy and powerful. More information about the traditional kitsune can be found in the links at the end of this article; the rest focuses on the furry concept of the kitsune.

Above all it should be noted that the definition of kitsune has been put together through many oral records, translated, and worked over by many anthropologists and countless fans. Because of the difficulty in collecting and referencing this information, there are a wide variety of perceptions and "definitions" of kitsune held by many members of the furry fandom.

==The furry mythology==

In furry lore, kitsune are born, either from one or two kitsune parents or a drifting kitsune soul possessing an unborn child's body. Mortals may also be turned into kitsune through 'sharing' spirit with another kitsune, or by divine figures. Some hold that kitsune live to the age of 1000 years, and then 'ascend' past the mortal world to a sort of kitsune [[Wikipedia:nirvana|nirvana]]. Others disregard any upper limit. (After all, what is a thousand years to those on other planets or the void of space?)

Kitsune might have been tied to the 13 Oriental elements in the original folklore, but in furry are almost always depicted as belonging to one of many elements, including the 'classical' elements (earth, fire, wind, and water), primal forces (good, evil, time), various scenes in nature (mountain, ocean, river, forest), and various artistic pursuits (dance, music, painting). Other, original elements have been invented for specific characters. To survive, a kitsune must be immersed in his or her element, or drain ''chi'' from living beings. Chi may be drained through many ways, but the most common are sexual intercourse and stealing breath. Because of this, many kitsune in old stories are depicted as 'evil', intent on killing humans.

Kitsune are rated in power by the number of [[tail]]s they have. Very young kitsune have one tail; the most powerful mortal kitsune have nine tails (Japanese: 九尾, ''kyūbi''). In furry lore, the Goddess of Kitsune is usually depicted as being the only ten-tailed kitsune. This goddess -- a symbol of fertility, power, and immortality -- is also sometimes depicted in furry lore as a [[hermaphrodite]], possibly because the associated kitsune deity Inari is often depicted as being of either gender. In most stories, age is the sole determinant of the number of tails, and the number of tails determines the kitsune's power. In others tails may be awarded by more powerful forces as a reward for services performed or exceptional deeds accomplished.

Kitsune powers typically involve illusion, although some mind-affecting magic tricks and ''kitsunebi'' (Japanese: 狐火, 'foxfire') are known. However, a kitsune's greatest asset is not his or her magic, but intelligence, wit, and misdirection. Traditionally, kitsune were vulnerable to faith, blessed weapons, and 'men of the cloth' from religions other than [[Wikipedia:Shinto|Shinto]] or [[Wikipedia:Buddhism|Buddhism]]. ''Oni'' (Japanese: 鬼, ''demon'') were said to be able to strip a kitsune's spirit away and devour it with little more than a glance. Within the fandom, these weaknesses are usually glossed over and ignored.

A kitsune may manifest in diferent forms: a fox, a fox-headed person, or a normal but very attractive person. Each of those options is more draining than the previous one. In all cases, the tail will still be visible, unless the kitsune expends additional effort on hiding it. The tail can still reappear if the kitsune gets too careless, for instance, by getting drunk. All this will increase the kitsune's need to feed, which depending on the amount of power it possesses can mean a blight for the land.

Kitsune can feed on live beings, but also on elements. Whatever is being fed on will weaken, but won't necessarily be destroyed. In the case of live beings they will weaken and become pale. When feeding on elements, the kitsune can snuff out flames, cause the land to dry and crack, water to become still and stale, and sealife to die. Young kitsune may not have a very noticeable effect, but older and more powerful ones could present a considerable problem for the area where they decided to manifest.

==In roleplay==
A fair proportion of [[furries]] have chosen kitsune as their [[personal furry|personas]] or [[fursona]]; in some [[roleplaying]] spheres, kitsune match or outnumber normal foxes. Kitsune are popular for being aged, enlightened, yet energetic and adventurous (and for being foxlike, but more unique and exotic than foxes). They're also attractive for their gender/[[shapeshift]]ing powers.

Ironically some kitsune seem more proud and arrogant than mortal foxes, even showy with their powers. Kitsune are stereotypically lithe, [[female|feminine]], aggressively sexual figures. In contrast, others are played as hyper, cheerful, silly characters, the furry version of Kender. [[Stereotype]]s are, of course, meant to be broken.

==In modern media==
Kitsune are playable characters in the roleplaying games [[Hengeyokai: Shapeshifters of the East]] and [[Mystic China]]. They also appear in [[Jade Empire]] (Bioware), but only as non-player characters.

Kitsune also became [[Wikipedia:Magic: The Gathering|Magic: The Gathering]] cards (in the Kamigawa block). Most Kitsune were white creatures.

The titular character of the manga [[wikipedia:Naruto|Naruto]] is a reincarnated kitsune. So, too, are Shippo from [[wikipedia:InuYasha|InuYasha]] and Kilala is a real kitsune (two tails), Kurama from [[wikipedia:Yu Yu Hakusho|Yu Yu Hakusho]], and Sakura from [[wikipedia:Hyper Police|Hyper Police]], Ninetales in [[Pokemon]], and Kyuubimon in [[Digimon]]. As you can plainly see the kitsune is very important in modern media.

==See also==
*[[Kumiho]]
*[[Tanuki]]
*[[Wikipedia:Kitsune|Kitsune]] at Wikipedia

==External links==
*[http://kitsune.heliwood.org/ Kitsune Kyoudai] - A website by kitsune, for kitsune, containing not only personal essays and experiences, but also providing snippets and sections of scholarly works on kitsune, some of which are out of date or out of print. Frequently updated.
*[http://academia.issendai.com/fox-index.shtml Fox spirits in Asia] - A more purist collection of Asian fox-related lore, based on non-modern sources or academic studies only.
*[http://www.comnet.ca/~foxtrot/kitsune/ Foxtrot's Collection of Kitsune Lore] - A definitive guide to kitsune, with a PDF link to the original Kitsune book
*[http://www.kitsune.org Kitsune.org] - stories, art, and forums
*[http://blackpawproductions.tripod.com/KitsuneClan/kitinfo.htm Kitsune Information] - Although written for one setting (uses an old version of Foxtrot's Guide), this page collects much of the information known about kitsune.
*[http://www.coyotes.org/kitsune/kitsune.html The Kitsune Page] - Foxes, Fox Myths, and Fox Stories from Around the World
*''[http://www.ranea.org/watts/writing/kitsune.html Kitsune: Coyote of the Orient]'', research notes by [[Watts Martin]]
*[http://www.kitsuneparadise.com Kitsune Paradise] - A community for all kinds of roleplaying and spiritual discussion.
*[http://www.spirit-fox.com/files/kdd.htm Kitsune Deficit Disorder] - A amusing site that lists a few common effects and signs that many kitsune share.
[[Category:Fox species]]
[[Category:Japan]]
{{Featured article}}

Kitsune (mythology)

2007-06-20T15:16:17Z

Shin Nohara: /* In modern media */

{{cleanup}}
{{context}}
:''This page is about the mythological creature. There is also a character named [[Kitsune (Usagi Yojimbo)|Kitsune]] in the comic [[Usagi Yojimbo]].''

'''Kitsune''' (Japanese: 狐) is, literally, Japanese for [[fox]]. However, in English usage, kitsune usually refers to the magical fox-spirit, which a fox can become.

In [[Japanese mythology]], a fox who lives long enough and gains a great deal of knowledge will reach an enlightened state, the Eastern sense of the 'fox spirit'. These supernatural beings serve as the cultural trickster, akin to Loki, Coyote, Eris, and many others; their stories both guide humankind along a proper moral path and explain the mechanics of the physical world. Some kitsune were said to serve [[Inari]] (jovial, rotund god of rice) and guard his shrines, while others were wild and may have been either benevolent or malicious, depending on the particular story they played a role in. Some reward the honest, pious, hardworking or poor. Others manipulate powerful leaders to evil, and still others are given to arson, murder, and rape. Above all they seem to take pleasure in teaching humility, delivering hubris to the proud, greedy and powerful. More information about the traditional kitsune can be found in the links at the end of this article; the rest focuses on the furry concept of the kitsune.

Above all it should be noted that the definition of kitsune has been put together through many oral records, translated, and worked over by many anthropologists and countless fans. Because of the difficulty in collecting and referencing this information, there are a wide variety of perceptions and "definitions" of kitsune held by many members of the furry fandom.

==The furry mythology==

In furry lore, kitsune are born, either from one or two kitsune parents or a drifting kitsune soul possessing an unborn child's body. Mortals may also be turned into kitsune through 'sharing' spirit with another kitsune, or by divine figures. Some hold that kitsune live to the age of 1000 years, and then 'ascend' past the mortal world to a sort of kitsune [[Wikipedia:nirvana|nirvana]]. Others disregard any upper limit. (After all, what is a thousand years to those on other planets or the void of space?)

Kitsune might have been tied to the 13 Oriental elements in the original folklore, but in furry are almost always depicted as belonging to one of many elements, including the 'classical' elements (earth, fire, wind, and water), primal forces (good, evil, time), various scenes in nature (mountain, ocean, river, forest), and various artistic pursuits (dance, music, painting). Other, original elements have been invented for specific characters. To survive, a kitsune must be immersed in his or her element, or drain ''chi'' from living beings. Chi may be drained through many ways, but the most common are sexual intercourse and stealing breath. Because of this, many kitsune in old stories are depicted as 'evil', intent on killing humans.

Kitsune are rated in power by the number of [[tail]]s they have. Very young kitsune have one tail; the most powerful mortal kitsune have nine tails (Japanese: 九尾, ''kyūbi''). In furry lore, the Goddess of Kitsune is usually depicted as being the only ten-tailed kitsune. This goddess -- a symbol of fertility, power, and immortality -- is also sometimes depicted in furry lore as a [[hermaphrodite]], possibly because the associated kitsune deity Inari is often depicted as being of either gender. In most stories, age is the sole determinant of the number of tails, and the number of tails determines the kitsune's power. In others tails may be awarded by more powerful forces as a reward for services performed or exceptional deeds accomplished.

Kitsune powers typically involve illusion, although some mind-affecting magic tricks and ''kitsunebi'' (Japanese: 狐火, 'foxfire') are known. However, a kitsune's greatest asset is not his or her magic, but intelligence, wit, and misdirection. Traditionally, kitsune were vulnerable to faith, blessed weapons, and 'men of the cloth' from religions other than [[Wikipedia:Shinto|Shinto]] or [[Wikipedia:Buddhism|Buddhism]]. ''Oni'' (Japanese: 鬼, ''demon'') were said to be able to strip a kitsune's spirit away and devour it with little more than a glance. Within the fandom, these weaknesses are usually glossed over and ignored.

A kitsune may manifest in diferent forms: a fox, a fox-headed person, or a normal but very attractive person. Each of those options is more draining than the previous one. In all cases, the tail will still be visible, unless the kitsune expends additional effort on hiding it. The tail can still reappear if the kitsune gets too careless, for instance, by getting drunk. All this will increase the kitsune's need to feed, which depending on the amount of power it possesses can mean a blight for the land.

Kitsune can feed on live beings, but also on elements. Whatever is being fed on will weaken, but won't necessarily be destroyed. In the case of live beings they will weaken and become pale. When feeding on elements, the kitsune can snuff out flames, cause the land to dry and crack, water to become still and stale, and sealife to die. Young kitsune may not have a very noticeable effect, but older and more powerful ones could present a considerable problem for the area where they decided to manifest.

==In roleplay==
A fair proportion of [[furries]] have chosen kitsune as their [[personal furry|personas]] or [[fursona]]; in some [[roleplaying]] spheres, kitsune match or outnumber normal foxes. Kitsune are popular for being aged, enlightened, yet energetic and adventurous (and for being foxlike, but more unique and exotic than foxes). They're also attractive for their gender/[[shapeshift]]ing powers.

Ironically some kitsune seem more proud and arrogant than mortal foxes, even showy with their powers. Kitsune are stereotypically lithe, [[female|feminine]], aggressively sexual figures. In contrast, others are played as hyper, cheerful, silly characters, the furry version of Kender. [[Stereotype]]s are, of course, meant to be broken.

==In modern media==
Kitsune are playable characters in the roleplaying games [[Hengeyokai: Shapeshifters of the East]] and [[Mystic China]]. They also appear in [[Jade Empire]] (Bioware), but only as non-player characters.

Kitsune also became [[Wikipedia:Magic: The Gathering|Magic: The Gathering]] cards (in the Kamigawa block). Most Kitsune were white creatures.

The titular character of the manga [[wikipedia:Naruto|Naruto]] is a reincarnated kitsune. So, too, are Shippo from [[wikipedia:InuYasha|InuYasha]] and Kilala is a real kitsune (two tails), Kurama from [[wikipedia:Yu Yu Hakusho|Yu Yu Hakusho]], and Sakura from [[wikipedia:Hyper Police|Hyper Police]], Ninetales in [[Pokemon]], and Kyuubimon in [[Digimon]].

==See also==
*[[Kumiho]]
*[[Tanuki]]
*[[Wikipedia:Kitsune|Kitsune]] at Wikipedia

==External links==
*[http://kitsune.heliwood.org/ Kitsune Kyoudai] - A website by kitsune, for kitsune, containing not only personal essays and experiences, but also providing snippets and sections of scholarly works on kitsune, some of which are out of date or out of print. Frequently updated.
*[http://academia.issendai.com/fox-index.shtml Fox spirits in Asia] - A more purist collection of Asian fox-related lore, based on non-modern sources or academic studies only.
*[http://www.comnet.ca/~foxtrot/kitsune/ Foxtrot's Collection of Kitsune Lore] - A definitive guide to kitsune, with a PDF link to the original Kitsune book
*[http://www.kitsune.org Kitsune.org] - stories, art, and forums
*[http://blackpawproductions.tripod.com/KitsuneClan/kitinfo.htm Kitsune Information] - Although written for one setting (uses an old version of Foxtrot's Guide), this page collects much of the information known about kitsune.
*[http://www.coyotes.org/kitsune/kitsune.html The Kitsune Page] - Foxes, Fox Myths, and Fox Stories from Around the World
*''[http://www.ranea.org/watts/writing/kitsune.html Kitsune: Coyote of the Orient]'', research notes by [[Watts Martin]]
*[http://www.kitsuneparadise.com Kitsune Paradise] - A community for all kinds of roleplaying and spiritual discussion.
*[http://www.spirit-fox.com/files/kdd.htm Kitsune Deficit Disorder] - A amusing site that lists a few common effects and signs that many kitsune share.
[[Category:Fox species]]
[[Category:Japan]]
{{Featured article}}

Kitsune (mythology)

2007-06-20T01:26:24Z

Shin Nohara: /* In modern media */

{{cleanup}}
{{context}}
:''This page is about the [[species]]. There is also a character named [[Kitsune (Usagi Yojimbo)|Kitsune]] in the comic [[Usagi Yojimbo]].''

'''Kitsune''' (Japanese: 狐) is, literally, Japanese for [[fox]]. However, in English usage, kitsune usually refers to the magical fox-spirit, which a fox can become.

In [[Japanese mythology]], a fox who lives long enough and gains a great deal of knowledge will reach an enlightened state, the Eastern sense of the 'fox spirit'. These supernatural beings serve as the cultural trickster, akin to Loki, Coyote, Eris, and many others; their stories both guide humankind along a proper moral path and explain the mechanics of the physical world. Some kitsune were said to serve [[Inari]] (jovial, rotund god of rice) and guard his shrines, while others were wild and may have been either benevolent or malicious, depending on the particular story they played a role in. Some reward the honest, pious, hardworking or poor. Others manipulate powerful leaders to evil, and still others are given to arson, murder, and rape. Above all they seem to take pleasure in teaching humility, delivering hubris to the proud, greedy and powerful. More information about the traditional kitsune can be found in the links at the end of this article; the rest focuses on the furry concept of the kitsune.

Above all it should be noted that the definition of kitsune has been put together through many oral records, translated, and worked over by many anthropologists and countless fans. Because of the difficulty in collecting and referencing this information, there are a wide variety of perceptions and "definitions" of kitsune held by many members of the furry fandom.

==The furry mythology==

In furry lore, kitsune are born, either from one or two kitsune parents or a drifting kitsune soul possessing an unborn child's body. Mortals may also be turned into kitsune through 'sharing' spirit with another kitsune, or by divine figures. Some hold that kitsune live to the age of 1000 years, and then 'ascend' past the mortal world to a sort of kitsune nirvana. Others disregard any upper limit. (After all, what is a thousand years to those on other planets or the void of space?)

Kitsune might have been tied to the 13 Oriental elements in the original folklore, but in furry are almost always depicted as belonging to one of many elements, including the 'classical' elements (earth, fire, wind, and water), primal forces (good, evil, time), various scenes in nature (mountain, ocean, river, forest), and various artistic pursuits (dance, music, painting). Other, original elements have been invented for specific characters. To survive, a kitsune must be immersed in his or her element, or drain ''chi'' from living beings. Chi may be drained through many ways, but the most common are sexual intercourse and stealing breath. Because of this, many kitsune in old stories are depicted as 'evil', intent on killing humans.

Kitsune are rated in power by the number of [[tail]]s they have. Very young kitsune have one tail; the most powerful mortal kitsune have nine tails (Japanese: 九尾, ''kyūbi''). In furry lore, the Goddess of Kitsune is usually depicted as being the only ten-tailed kitsune. This goddess -- a symbol of fertility, power, and immortality -- is also sometimes depicted in furry lore as a [[hermaphrodite]], possibly because the associated kitsune deity Inari is often depicted as being of either gender. In most stories, age is the sole determinant of the number of tails, and the number of tails determines the kitsune's power. In others tails may be awarded by more powerful forces as a reward for services performed or exceptional deeds accomplished.

Kitsune powers typically involve illusion, although some mind-affecting magic tricks and ''kitsunebi'' (Japanese: 狐火, 'foxfire') are known. However, a kitsune's greatest asset is not his or her magic, but intelligence, wit, and misdirection. Traditionally, kitsune were vulnerable to faith, blessed weapons, and 'men of the cloth' from religions other than Shinto or Buddhism. ''Oni'' (Japanese: 鬼, ''demon'') were said to be able to strip a kitsune's spirit away and devour it with little more than a glance. Within the fandom these weaknesses are usually glossed over and ignored.

A kitsune may manifest in diferent forms: a fox, a fox-headed person, or a normal but very attractive person. Each of those options is more draining than the previous one. In all cases, the tail will still be visible, unless the kitsune expends additional effort on hiding it. The tail can still reappear if the kitsune gets too careless, for instance, by getting drunk. All this will increase the kitsune's need to feed, which depending on the amount of power it possesses can mean a blight for the land.

Kitsune can feed on live beings, but also on elements. Whatever is being fed on will weaken, but won't necessarily be destroyed. In the case of live beings they will weaken and become pale. When feeding on elements, the kitsune can snuff out flames, cause the land to dry and crack, water to become still and stale, and sealife to die. Young kitsune may not have a very noticeable effect, but older and more powerful ones could present a considerable problem for the area where they decided to manifest.

==In roleplay==
A fair proportion of [[furries]] have chosen kitsune as their [[personal furry|personas]] or [[fursona]]; in some [[roleplaying]] spheres, kitsune match or outnumber normal foxes. Kitsune are popular for being aged, enlightened, yet energetic and adventurous (and for being foxlike, but more unique and exotic than foxes). They're also attractive for their gender/shapeshifting powers.

Ironically some kitsune seem more proud and arrogant than mortal foxes, even showy with their powers. Kitsune are stereotypically lithe, feminine, aggressively sexual figures. In contrast, others are played as hyper, cheerful, silly characters, the furry version of Kender. Stereotypes are, of course, meant to be broken.

==In modern media==
Kitsune are playable characters in the roleplaying games [[Hengeyokai: Shapeshifters of the East]] and [[Mystic China]]. They also appear in [[Jade Empire]] (Bioware), but only as non-player characters.

Kitsune also became [[Magic: The Gathering]] cards (in the Kamigawa block). Most Kitsune were white creatures.

The titular character of the manga [[wikipedia:Naruto|Naruto]] is a reincarnated kitsune. So, too, are Shippo from [[wikipedia:InuYasha|InuYasha]], Kurama from [[wikipedia:Yu Yu Hakusho|Yu Yu Hakusho]], and Sakura from [[wikipedia:Hyper Police|Hyper Police]], Ninetales in [[Pokemon]] is litteraly a kitsune (in mythology they had white fur w/ red tipped tails), and Kyuubimon in [[Digimon]]

==See also==
*[[Kumiho]]
*[[Tanuki]]
*[[Wikipedia:Kitsune|Kitsune]] at Wikipedia

==External links==
*[http://kitsune.heliwood.org/ Kitsune Kyoudai] - A website by kitsune, for kitsune, containing not only personal essays and experiences, but also providing snippets and sections of scholarly works on kitsune, some of which are out of date or out of print. Frequently updated.
*[http://academia.issendai.com/fox-index.shtml Fox spirits in Asia] - A more purist collection of asian fox-related lore, based on non-modern sources or academic studies only.
*[http://www.comnet.ca/~foxtrot/kitsune/ Foxtrot's Collection of Kitsune Lore] - A definitive guide to kitsune, with a PDF link to the original Kitsune book
*[http://www.kitsune.org Kitsune.org] - stories, art, and forums
*[http://blackpawproductions.tripod.com/KitsuneClan/kitinfo.htm Kitsune Information] - Although written for one setting (uses an old version of Foxtrot's Guide), this page collects much of the information known about kitsune.
*[http://www.coyotes.org/kitsune/kitsune.html The Kitsune Page] - Foxes, Fox Myths, and Fox Stories from Around the World
*''[http://www.ranea.org/watts/writing/kitsune.html Kitsune: Coyote of the Orient]'', research notes by [[Watts Martin]]
*[http://www.kitsuneparadise.com Kitsune Paradise] - A community for all kinds of roleplaying and spiritual discussion.
*[http://www.spirit-fox.com/files/kdd.htm Kitsune Deficit Disorder] - A amusing site that lists a few common effects and signs that many kitsune share.
[[Category:Fox species]]
[[Category:Japan]]
{{Featured article}}

Kitsune (mythology)

2007-06-20T01:25:43Z

Shin Nohara: /* In modern media */

{{cleanup}}
{{context}}
:''This page is about the [[species]]. There is also a character named [[Kitsune (Usagi Yojimbo)|Kitsune]] in the comic [[Usagi Yojimbo]].''

'''Kitsune''' (Japanese: 狐) is, literally, Japanese for [[fox]]. However, in English usage, kitsune usually refers to the magical fox-spirit, which a fox can become.

In [[Japanese mythology]], a fox who lives long enough and gains a great deal of knowledge will reach an enlightened state, the Eastern sense of the 'fox spirit'. These supernatural beings serve as the cultural trickster, akin to Loki, Coyote, Eris, and many others; their stories both guide humankind along a proper moral path and explain the mechanics of the physical world. Some kitsune were said to serve [[Inari]] (jovial, rotund god of rice) and guard his shrines, while others were wild and may have been either benevolent or malicious, depending on the particular story they played a role in. Some reward the honest, pious, hardworking or poor. Others manipulate powerful leaders to evil, and still others are given to arson, murder, and rape. Above all they seem to take pleasure in teaching humility, delivering hubris to the proud, greedy and powerful. More information about the traditional kitsune can be found in the links at the end of this article; the rest focuses on the furry concept of the kitsune.

Above all it should be noted that the definition of kitsune has been put together through many oral records, translated, and worked over by many anthropologists and countless fans. Because of the difficulty in collecting and referencing this information, there are a wide variety of perceptions and "definitions" of kitsune held by many members of the furry fandom.

==The furry mythology==

In furry lore, kitsune are born, either from one or two kitsune parents or a drifting kitsune soul possessing an unborn child's body. Mortals may also be turned into kitsune through 'sharing' spirit with another kitsune, or by divine figures. Some hold that kitsune live to the age of 1000 years, and then 'ascend' past the mortal world to a sort of kitsune nirvana. Others disregard any upper limit. (After all, what is a thousand years to those on other planets or the void of space?)

Kitsune might have been tied to the 13 Oriental elements in the original folklore, but in furry are almost always depicted as belonging to one of many elements, including the 'classical' elements (earth, fire, wind, and water), primal forces (good, evil, time), various scenes in nature (mountain, ocean, river, forest), and various artistic pursuits (dance, music, painting). Other, original elements have been invented for specific characters. To survive, a kitsune must be immersed in his or her element, or drain ''chi'' from living beings. Chi may be drained through many ways, but the most common are sexual intercourse and stealing breath. Because of this, many kitsune in old stories are depicted as 'evil', intent on killing humans.

Kitsune are rated in power by the number of [[tail]]s they have. Very young kitsune have one tail; the most powerful mortal kitsune have nine tails (Japanese: 九尾, ''kyūbi''). In furry lore, the Goddess of Kitsune is usually depicted as being the only ten-tailed kitsune. This goddess -- a symbol of fertility, power, and immortality -- is also sometimes depicted in furry lore as a [[hermaphrodite]], possibly because the associated kitsune deity Inari is often depicted as being of either gender. In most stories, age is the sole determinant of the number of tails, and the number of tails determines the kitsune's power. In others tails may be awarded by more powerful forces as a reward for services performed or exceptional deeds accomplished.

Kitsune powers typically involve illusion, although some mind-affecting magic tricks and ''kitsunebi'' (Japanese: 狐火, 'foxfire') are known. However, a kitsune's greatest asset is not his or her magic, but intelligence, wit, and misdirection. Traditionally, kitsune were vulnerable to faith, blessed weapons, and 'men of the cloth' from religions other than Shinto or Buddhism. ''Oni'' (Japanese: 鬼, ''demon'') were said to be able to strip a kitsune's spirit away and devour it with little more than a glance. Within the fandom these weaknesses are usually glossed over and ignored.

A kitsune may manifest in diferent forms: a fox, a fox-headed person, or a normal but very attractive person. Each of those options is more draining than the previous one. In all cases, the tail will still be visible, unless the kitsune expends additional effort on hiding it. The tail can still reappear if the kitsune gets too careless, for instance, by getting drunk. All this will increase the kitsune's need to feed, which depending on the amount of power it possesses can mean a blight for the land.

Kitsune can feed on live beings, but also on elements. Whatever is being fed on will weaken, but won't necessarily be destroyed. In the case of live beings they will weaken and become pale. When feeding on elements, the kitsune can snuff out flames, cause the land to dry and crack, water to become still and stale, and sealife to die. Young kitsune may not have a very noticeable effect, but older and more powerful ones could present a considerable problem for the area where they decided to manifest.

==In roleplay==
A fair proportion of [[furries]] have chosen kitsune as their [[personal furry|personas]] or [[fursona]]; in some [[roleplaying]] spheres, kitsune match or outnumber normal foxes. Kitsune are popular for being aged, enlightened, yet energetic and adventurous (and for being foxlike, but more unique and exotic than foxes). They're also attractive for their gender/shapeshifting powers.

Ironically some kitsune seem more proud and arrogant than mortal foxes, even showy with their powers. Kitsune are stereotypically lithe, feminine, aggressively sexual figures. In contrast, others are played as hyper, cheerful, silly characters, the furry version of Kender. Stereotypes are, of course, meant to be broken.

==In modern media==
Kitsune are playable characters in the roleplaying games [[Hengeyokai: Shapeshifters of the East]] and [[Mystic China]]. They also appear in [[Jade Empire]] (Bioware), but only as non-player characters.

Kitsune also became [[Magic: The Gathering]] cards (in the Kamigawa block). Most Kitsune were white creatures.

The titular character of the manga [[wikipedia:Naruto|Naruto]] is a reincarnated kitsune. So, too, are Shippo from [[wikipedia:InuYasha|InuYasha]], Kurama from [[wikipedia:Yu Yu Hakusho|Yu Yu Hakusho]], and Sakura from [[wikipedia:Hyper Police|Hyper Police]], Ninetails (also spelled Ninetales) in [[Pokemon]] is litteraly a kitsune (in mythology they had white fur w/ red tipped tails), and Kyuubimon in [[Digimon]]

==See also==
*[[Kumiho]]
*[[Tanuki]]
*[[Wikipedia:Kitsune|Kitsune]] at Wikipedia

==External links==
*[http://kitsune.heliwood.org/ Kitsune Kyoudai] - A website by kitsune, for kitsune, containing not only personal essays and experiences, but also providing snippets and sections of scholarly works on kitsune, some of which are out of date or out of print. Frequently updated.
*[http://academia.issendai.com/fox-index.shtml Fox spirits in Asia] - A more purist collection of asian fox-related lore, based on non-modern sources or academic studies only.
*[http://www.comnet.ca/~foxtrot/kitsune/ Foxtrot's Collection of Kitsune Lore] - A definitive guide to kitsune, with a PDF link to the original Kitsune book
*[http://www.kitsune.org Kitsune.org] - stories, art, and forums
*[http://blackpawproductions.tripod.com/KitsuneClan/kitinfo.htm Kitsune Information] - Although written for one setting (uses an old version of Foxtrot's Guide), this page collects much of the information known about kitsune.
*[http://www.coyotes.org/kitsune/kitsune.html The Kitsune Page] - Foxes, Fox Myths, and Fox Stories from Around the World
*''[http://www.ranea.org/watts/writing/kitsune.html Kitsune: Coyote of the Orient]'', research notes by [[Watts Martin]]
*[http://www.kitsuneparadise.com Kitsune Paradise] - A community for all kinds of roleplaying and spiritual discussion.
*[http://www.spirit-fox.com/files/kdd.htm Kitsune Deficit Disorder] - A amusing site that lists a few common effects and signs that many kitsune share.
[[Category:Fox species]]
[[Category:Japan]]
{{Featured article}}

Kitsune (mythology)

2007-06-19T17:03:25Z

Shin Nohara: /* In modern media */

{{cleanup}}
{{context}}
:''This page is about the [[species]]. There is also a character named [[Kitsune (Usagi Yojimbo)|Kitsune]] in the comic [[Usagi Yojimbo]].''

'''Kitsune''' (Japanese: 狐) is, literally, Japanese for [[fox]]. However, in English usage, kitsune usually refers to the magical fox-spirit, which a fox can become.

In [[Japanese mythology]], a fox who lives long enough and gains a great deal of knowledge will reach an enlightened state, the Eastern sense of the 'fox spirit'. These supernatural beings serve as the cultural trickster, akin to Loki, Coyote, Eris, and many others; their stories both guide humankind along a proper moral path and explain the mechanics of the physical world. Some kitsune were said to serve [[Inari]] (jovial, rotund god of rice) and guard his shrines, while others were wild and may have been either benevolent or malicious, depending on the particular story they played a role in. Some reward the honest, pious, hardworking or poor. Others manipulate powerful leaders to evil, and still others are given to arson, murder, and rape. Above all they seem to take pleasure in teaching humility, delivering hubris to the proud, greedy and powerful. More information about the traditional kitsune can be found in the links at the end of this article; the rest focuses on the furry concept of the kitsune.

Above all it should be noted that the definition of kitsune has been put together through many oral records, translated, and worked over by many anthropologists and countless fans. Because of the difficulty in collecting and referencing this information, there are a wide variety of perceptions and "definitions" of kitsune held by many members of the furry fandom.

==The furry mythology==

In furry lore, kitsune are born, either from one or two kitsune parents or a drifting kitsune soul possessing an unborn child's body. Mortals may also be turned into kitsune through 'sharing' spirit with another kitsune, or by divine figures. Some hold that kitsune live to the age of 1000 years, and then 'ascend' past the mortal world to a sort of kitsune nirvana. Others disregard any upper limit. (After all, what is a thousand years to those on other planets or the void of space?)

Kitsune might have been tied to the 13 Oriental elements in the original folklore, but in furry are almost always depicted as belonging to one of many elements, including the 'classical' elements (earth, fire, wind, and water), primal forces (good, evil, time), various scenes in nature (mountain, ocean, river, forest), and various artistic pursuits (dance, music, painting). Other, original elements have been invented for specific characters. To survive, a kitsune must be immersed in his or her element, or drain ''chi'' from living beings. Chi may be drained through many ways, but the most common are sexual intercourse and stealing breath. Because of this, many kitsune in old stories are depicted as 'evil', intent on killing humans.

Kitsune are rated in power by the number of [[tail]]s they have. Very young kitsune have one tail; the most powerful mortal kitsune have nine tails (Japanese: 九尾, ''kyūbi''). In furry lore, the Goddess of Kitsune is usually depicted as being the only ten-tailed kitsune. This goddess -- a symbol of fertility, power, and immortality -- is also sometimes depicted in furry lore as a [[hermaphrodite]], possibly because the associated kitsune deity Inari is often depicted as being of either gender. In most stories, age is the sole determinant of the number of tails, and the number of tails determines the kitsune's power. In others tails may be awarded by more powerful forces as a reward for services performed or exceptional deeds accomplished.

Kitsune powers typically involve illusion, although some mind-affecting magic tricks and ''kitsunebi'' (Japanese: 狐火, 'foxfire') are known. However, a kitsune's greatest asset is not his or her magic, but intelligence, wit, and misdirection. Traditionally, kitsune were vulnerable to faith, blessed weapons, and 'men of the cloth' from religions other than Shinto or Buddhism. ''Oni'' (Japanese: 鬼, ''demon'') were said to be able to strip a kitsune's spirit away and devour it with little more than a glance. Within the fandom these weaknesses are usually glossed over and ignored.

A kitsune may manifest in diferent forms: a fox, a fox-headed person, or a normal but very attractive person. Each of those options is more draining than the previous one. In all cases, the tail will still be visible, unless the kitsune expends additional effort on hiding it. The tail can still reappear if the kitsune gets too careless, for instance, by getting drunk. All this will increase the kitsune's need to feed, which depending on the amount of power it possesses can mean a blight for the land.

Kitsune can feed on live beings, but also on elements. Whatever is being fed on will weaken, but won't necessarily be destroyed. In the case of live beings they will weaken and become pale. When feeding on elements, the kitsune can snuff out flames, cause the land to dry and crack, water to become still and stale, and sealife to die. Young kitsune may not have a very noticeable effect, but older and more powerful ones could present a considerable problem for the area where they decided to manifest.

==In roleplay==
A fair proportion of [[furries]] have chosen kitsune as their [[personal furry|personas]] or [[fursona]]; in some [[roleplaying]] spheres, kitsune match or outnumber normal foxes. Kitsune are popular for being aged, enlightened, yet energetic and adventurous (and for being foxlike, but more unique and exotic than foxes). They're also attractive for their gender/shapeshifting powers.

Ironically some kitsune seem more proud and arrogant than mortal foxes, even showy with their powers. Kitsune are stereotypically lithe, feminine, aggressively sexual figures. In contrast, others are played as hyper, cheerful, silly characters, the furry version of Kender. Stereotypes are, of course, meant to be broken.

==In modern media==
Kitsune are playable characters in the roleplaying games [[Hengeyokai: Shapeshifters of the East]] and [[Mystic China]]. They also appear in [[Jade Empire]] (Bioware), but only as non-player characters.

Kitsune also became [[Magic: The Gathering]] cards (in the Kamigawa block). Most Kitsune were white creatures.

The titular character of the manga [[wikipedia:Naruto|Naruto]] is a reincarnated kitsune. So, too, are Shippo from [[wikipedia:InuYasha|InuYasha]], Kurama from [[wikipedia:Yu Yu Hakusho|Yu Yu Hakusho]], and Sakura from [[wikipedia:Hyper Police|Hyper Police]], Ninetails [[Pokemon]], Also Kyuubimon from [[Digimon]]

==See also==
*[[Kumiho]]
*[[Tanuki]]
*[[Wikipedia:Kitsune|Kitsune]] at Wikipedia

==External links==
*[http://kitsune.heliwood.org/ Kitsune Kyoudai] - A website by kitsune, for kitsune, containing not only personal essays and experiences, but also providing snippets and sections of scholarly works on kitsune, some of which are out of date or out of print. Frequently updated.
*[http://academia.issendai.com/fox-index.shtml Fox spirits in Asia] - A more purist collection of asian fox-related lore, based on non-modern sources or academic studies only.
*[http://www.comnet.ca/~foxtrot/kitsune/ Foxtrot's Collection of Kitsune Lore] - A definitive guide to kitsune, with a PDF link to the original Kitsune book
*[http://www.kitsune.org Kitsune.org] - stories, art, and forums
*[http://blackpawproductions.tripod.com/KitsuneClan/kitinfo.htm Kitsune Information] - Although written for one setting (uses an old version of Foxtrot's Guide), this page collects much of the information known about kitsune.
*[http://www.coyotes.org/kitsune/kitsune.html The Kitsune Page] - Foxes, Fox Myths, and Fox Stories from Around the World
*''[http://www.ranea.org/watts/writing/kitsune.html Kitsune: Coyote of the Orient]'', research notes by [[Watts Martin]]
*[http://www.kitsuneparadise.com Kitsune Paradise] - A community for all kinds of roleplaying and spiritual discussion.
*[http://www.spirit-fox.com/files/kdd.htm Kitsune Deficit Disorder] - A amusing site that lists a few common effects and signs that many kitsune share.
[[Category:Fox species]]
[[Category:Japan]]
{{Featured article}}

Kitsune (mythology)

2007-06-19T00:38:49Z

Shin Nohara: /* In modern media */

:''This page is about the [[species]]. There is also a character named [[Kitsune (Usagi Yojimbo)|Kitsune]] in the comic [[Usagi Yojimbo]].''

'''Kitsune''' (Japanese: 狐) is, literally, Japanese for [[fox]]. However, in English usage, kitsune usually refers to the magical fox-spirit, which a fox can become.

In [[Japanese mythology]], a fox who lives long enough and gains a great deal of knowledge will reach an enlightened state, the Eastern sense of the 'fox spirit'. These supernatural beings serve as the cultural trickster, akin to Loki, Coyote, Eris, and many others; their stories both guide humankind along a proper moral path and explain the mechanics of the physical world. Some kitsune were said to serve [[Inari]] (jovial, rotund god of rice) and guard his shrines, while others were wild and may have been either benevolent or malicious, depending on the particular story they played a role in. Some reward the honest, pious, hardworking or poor. Others manipulate powerful leaders to evil, and still others are given to arson, murder, and rape. Above all they seem to take pleasure in teaching humility, delivering hubris to the proud, greedy and powerful. More information about the traditional kitsune can be found in the links at the end of this article; the rest focuses on the furry concept of the kitsune.

Above all it should be noted that the definition of kitsune has been put together through many oral records, translated, and worked over by many anthropologists and countless fans. Because of the difficulty in collecting and referencing this information, there are a wide variety of perceptions and "definitions" of kitsune held by many members of the furry fandom.

==The furry mythology==

In furry lore, kitsune are born, either from one or two kitsune parents or a drifting kitsune soul possessing an unborn child's body. Mortals may also be turned into kitsune through 'sharing' spirit with another kitsune, or by divine figures. Some hold that kitsune live to the age of 1000 years, and then 'ascend' past the mortal world to a sort of kitsune nirvana. Others disregard any upper limit. (After all, what is a thousand years to those on other planets or the void of space?)

Kitsune might have been tied to the 13 Oriental elements in the original folklore, but in furry are almost always depicted as belonging to one of many elements, including the 'classical' elements (earth, fire, wind, and water), primal forces (good, evil, time), various scenes in nature (mountain, ocean, river, forest), and various artistic pursuits (dance, music, painting). Other, original elements have been invented for specific characters. To survive, a kitsune must be immersed in his or her element, or drain ''chi'' from living beings. Chi may be drained through many ways, but the most common are sexual intercourse and stealing breath. Because of this, many kitsune in old stories are depicted as 'evil', intent on killing humans.

Kitsune are rated in power by the number of [[tail]]s they have. Very young kitsune have one tail; the most powerful mortal kitsune have nine tails (Japanese: 九尾, ''kyūbi''). In furry lore, the Goddess of Kitsune is usually depicted as being the only ten-tailed kitsune. This goddess -- a symbol of fertility, power, and immortality -- is also sometimes depicted in furry lore as a [[hermaphrodite]], possibly because the associated kitsune deity Inari is often depicted as being of either gender. In most stories, age is the sole determinant of the number of tails, and the number of tails determines the kitsune's power. In others tails may be awarded by more powerful forces as a reward for services performed or exceptional deeds accomplished.

Kitsune powers typically involve illusion, although some mind-affecting magic tricks and ''kitsunebi'' (Japanese: 狐火, 'foxfire') are known. However, a kitsune's greatest asset is not his or her magic, but intelligence, wit, and misdirection. Traditionally, kitsune were vulnerable to faith, blessed weapons, and 'men of the cloth' from religions other than Shinto or Buddhism. ''Oni'' (Japanese: 鬼, ''demon'') were said to be able to strip a kitsune's spirit away and devour it with little more than a glance. Within the fandom these weaknesses are usually glossed over and ignored.

A kitsune may manifest in diferent forms: a fox, a fox-headed person, or a normal but very attractive person. Each of those options is more draining than the previous one. In all cases, the tail will still be visible, unless the kitsune expends additional effort on hiding it. The tail can still reappear if the kitsune gets too careless, for instance, by getting drunk. All this will increase the kitsune's need to feed, which depending on the amount of power it possesses can mean a blight for the land.

Kitsune can feed on live beings, but also on elements. Whatever is being fed on will weaken, but won't necessarily be destroyed. In the case of live beings they will weaken and become pale. When feeding on elements, the kitsune can snuff out flames, cause the land to dry and crack, water to become still and stale, and sealife to die. Young kitsune may not have a very noticeable effect, but older and more powerful ones could present a considerable problem for the area where they decided to manifest.

==In roleplay==
A fair proportion of [[furries]] have chosen kitsune as their [[personal furry|personas]] or [[fursona]]; in some [[roleplaying]] spheres, kitsune match or outnumber normal foxes. Kitsune are popular for being aged, enlightened, yet energetic and adventurous (and for being foxlike, but more unique and exotic than foxes). They're also attractive for their gender/shapeshifting powers.

Ironically some kitsune seem more proud and arrogant than mortal foxes, even showy with their powers. Kitsune are stereotypically lithe, feminine, aggressively sexual figures. In contrast, others are played as hyper, cheerful, silly characters, the furry version of Kender. Stereotypes are, of course, meant to be broken.

==In modern media==
Kitsune are playable characters in the roleplaying games [[Hengeyokai: Shapeshifters of the East]] and [[Mystic China]]. They also appear in [[Jade Empire]] (Bioware), but only as non-player characters.

Kitsune also became [[Magic: The Gathering]] cards (in the Kamigawa block). Most Kitsune were white creatures.

The titular character of the manga [[Naruto]] is a reincarnated kitsune. So, too, are Shippo from [[InuYasha]], Kurama from [[Yu Yu Hakusho]], and Sakura from [[Hyper Police]], Nine tails [[Pokemon]] in fact nine tails is a kitsune (look it up on any search engine with Images Although he has multiple tails and was undoubtedly inspired by old Japanese myth to at least a small degree, Miles "Tails" Prower is not. The jury is still out on [[Kaiketsu Zorori]].

==See also==
*[[Kumiho]]
*[[Tanuki]]
*[[Wikipedia:Kitsune|Kitsune]] at Wikipedia

==External links==
*[http://kitsune.heliwood.org/ Kitsune Kyoudai] - A website by kitsune, for kitsune, containing not only personal essays and experiences, but also providing snippets and sections of scholarly works on kitsune, some of which are out of date or out of print. Frequently updated.
*[http://academia.issendai.com/fox-index.shtml Fox spirits in Asia] - A more purist collection of asian fox-related lore, based on non-modern sources or academic studies only.
*[http://www.comnet.ca/~foxtrot/kitsune/ Foxtrot's Collection of Kitsune Lore] - A definitive guide to kitsune, with a PDF link to the original Kitsune book
*[http://www.kitsune.org Kitsune.org] - stories, art, and forums
*[http://blackpawproductions.tripod.com/KitsuneClan/kitinfo.htm Kitsune Information] - Although written for one setting (uses an old version of Foxtrot's Guide), this page collects much of the information known about kitsune.
*[http://www.coyotes.org/kitsune/kitsune.html The Kitsune Page] - Foxes, Fox Myths, and Fox Stories from Around the World
*''[http://www.ranea.org/watts/writing/kitsune.html Kitsune: Coyote of the Orient]'', research notes by [[Watts Martin]]
*[http://www.kitsuneparadise.com Kitsune Paradise] - A community for all kinds of roleplaying and spiritual discussion.
*[http://www.spirit-fox.com/files/kdd.htm Kitsune Deficit Disorder] - A amusing site that lists a few common effects and signs that many kitsune share.
[[Category:Fox species]]
[[Category:Japan]]
{{Featured article}}

Vorarephilia

2007-06-17T01:52:21Z

Shin Nohara: /* Vorarephilia in the furry fandom */

'''Vorarephilia''' (also known as '''Voraphilia''', '''Vore''', '''Voreaphilia''', and '''Phagophilia''') is the interest/sexual fetish in which a person fantasizes about eating another furry and/or human, or being eaten. People with this fetish sometimes refer to themselves as '''vores'''.

Preferences vary, but most vores prefer to fantasize about being devoured whole and alive (sometimes called '''soft vore''' or '''smooth vore'''). Those who prefer to be torn, chewed, and killed are often referred to as '''shreddies''' (and such stories and pictures may be categorized as '''hard vore'''). Vore may alternatively involve consumption via the rectum (anal vore), the penis (cock vore), the nipple/breast (breast vore) or the vagina ([[unbirth]]ing), though these are not universally classified as vore, and are not as common. The fetish is often associated with [[macrophilia]] and [[microphilia]], and is most commonly found portrayed in [[fiction]], cartoonish drawings, and internet [[role play]].

Motivations behind the vore paraphilia vary but [[Wikipedia:Endosomatophilia|endosomatophilia]] (attraction to fantasies involving complete encapsulation of a living thing within the body of another living thing) and dominance/submission play are two common driving forces. Allowing oneself to be literally devoured could arguably be called the ultimate act of submission on the prey's part, and the ultimate act of dominance by a predator. It is easy to draw a connection between vore and the 'snuff' fetish, but in reality the overlap is far from complete. Death is frequently sidestepped or avoided in stories and roleplaying, though for some it plays an integral role in their fantasies.

Vorarephilia is typically considered an "imaginary fetish" given that fulfilling vore fantasies in reality would be difficult to say the least; although the specific cases of [[Wikipedia:Issei Sagawa|Issei Sagawa]] in Paris, [[Wikipedia:Armin Meiwes|Armin Meiwes]] in Germany, and possibly [[Wikipedia:Jeffrey Dahmer|Jeffrey Dahmer]] in the United States, show that it is within the realm of possibility (though most vorarephiles are aware of the inherent silliness of their fetish, and are largely uninterested in the idea of cannibalism).

== Vorarephilia in the furry fandom ==

Vorarephilia is a relatively popular topic for [[roleplay]] and [[art]] in the furry fandom as compared to the wider world, although it is still considered a fringe interest, shared to a greater or lesser extent by perhaps 2-5% of furry fans. Its popularity may be due to the large number of predator/prey species matchups that mingle daily, although some vorarephile characters will eat just about anything with no regard for the conventional food chain. Likewise, the mixed animal/human nature of the fandom allows bestial behavior like vore to emerge naturally alongside mutual grooming and other animalistic traits. Furry vore is also made somewhat easier to act out and depict by the fact that many furry characters do not wear [[clothes]] to begin with - and those that are doing the eating often have claws to handle the rest.

The general sequence of roleplay goes something like this:
* Boy meets girl
* (optional) Non-vore roleplay of various kinds
* Girl declares that boy looks awfully tasty, either verbally or by nibbling on something
* (optional) Boy tries to appease girl with gifts of alternate foods
* Girl pounces upon boy
* Boy puts up a token resistance but lacks the physical strength to escape
* Girl swallows boy, either all at once, or (more commonly) over a series of [[pose]]s in which boy bemoans his fate (if swallowed [[tail]]/feet first) or struggles (if swallowed head first)
* (Optional) Boy is crushed into the (usually tight) confines of girl's stomach, and expires from digestion, typically falling unconscious first due to lack of oxygen

The above is just a rough guide of the most typical sequence of events - for example, each participant may be of either gender, or [[hermaphrodite|both]], or none. Vore may not be fatal - such consumption is sometimes offered as a "warm place to stay the night". Even if digestion occurs, the consumed participant typically "respawns" or "reforms" within a few minutes to a few days. This neatly sidesteps the major disadvantage of [[real life]] vore (that you only get to do it once). The level of realism in a roleplay varies from player to player, ranging from absurd and cartoonish to anatomically correct and theoretically feasible.

Vore is in many cases - even in the role-play form - a consensual activity. For every player who decides he wants his [[fox]] to go down kicking and screaming as he is ruthlessly gobbled up, there is another who enters a chatroom with the comment "I'm feeling tasty tonight." Some wish to be hunted while others offer themselves up on a platter, and not always figuratively.

Preferences vary so widely in regards to the 'ideal' vore scenario that MUCKs like [[FurryMUCK]] and [[Tapestries]] allow players to create publicly accessible tables of 'flags' to indicate their preferences and facilitate compatible pairings. Flags like 'no pain,' 'predator,' and 'soft vore' supplement broader flags not specific to vore like 'bisexual' and 'male-biased.'

Some popular places for vorarephiles include the [[Vor Cafe]] on [[Tapestries]] (adjoined by [[The Feedery]], which caters to [[fat furs]]), the [[Zaftig City]] mailing list, (for some inhabitants) [[The Giants' Club]] on [[FurryMUCK]], [[Jess]] and [[Avon]]'s [[Vor-com]], the largest vore MUCK [[Voregotten Realm]], and one of the largest Vore communities, [[Eka's Portal]].

{{Wikipedia|Vorarephilia}}
[[Category:Paraphilias]]