Vulpes
The Vulpes tribe of Ochae'nafod are bonded to the red fox found in both Thiskel and Kalesten. The red fox is largest and most populous species, found throughout the northern hemisphere. They prefer forests and woodlands, sometimes venturing into grasslands.
The red fox tribes are the most well-known, in part because they are a widespread tribe bonded to a familiar species, but also because a member of their tribe entered the legends of the Religion of Light. The Vulpes adventurer Chepol became the lover of the goddess Erada when the Third Generation Gods descended to Aserra. He became the father of the demi-god Casril.
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Other Foxes
There are other small canids in Aserra that are bonded to Ochae'nafod but are not as well-defined as the Vulpes tribe. Three other true fox species (in the Vulpes genus) are just large enough to be shape-shifted into.
True Fox Tribes
| Tribe Name | Species | Region | Size Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chama | (Cape) Fox | NW, N, South Thiskel | Extra small | |
| Ferrilata | (Tibetan) Fox | Lianqai Mountains | Extra small | |
| Velox | Swift Fox | Central, W Kalesten | Extra small |
South Kalesten Lycalopex Fox Tribes
The fox genus of Lycalopex corresponds with several species of fox from South America, which are transplanted to South Thiskel.
| Tribe Name | Species | Region | Size Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Culpaeus | Culpeo of (Andean) Zorro/Fox | N. South Thiskel | Extra small | |
| Griseus | (South American) Gray fox | S. South Kalesten | Extra small | |
| Gymnocercus | Pampas fox | South Kalesten | Extra small |
Other Fox-Like Tribes
| Tribe Name | Species | Region | Size Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nyctereutes | Raccoon Dog or Tanuki | NW North Thiskel | Small | |
| Urocyon | Gray Fox | Central, W North Kalesten | Extra small | |
| Atelocynus | Short-eared dog or zorro | South Kalesten | Extra small | |
| Cerdocyon | Crab-eating fox | South Kalesten | Extra small | |
| Speothos | Bush Dog | South Kalesten |
Appearance
The Vulpes tribe are among the smaller of the Ochae'nafod tribes, with males standing at an average of 5' (152cm) and females at 4'7" (140cm). Their build is often lean and lithe, carrying very little fat on their slender frames. Their faces have a subtle vulpine look with oval faces with narrow chins. Vulpes eye colors are commonly gold but also have a slitted pupil. Their eyes are framed with dark lashes and eyebrows, regardless of their hair color.
Skin color among the red fox Vulpes is close to the color of the local humans, ranging through fair to tan to light brown. Their hair color is commonly the red color of the fox's coat, but with the variety in wild foxes, there is likewise variety in the Vulpes tribe, including dilute and melanistic forms. Individuals with these color varieties have a hair color that matches the dominant coat color. Golden eye colors are the most common.
Culture
The Vulpes tribe possess a nature that is balanced between caution and curiosity. As they are bonded to a small species that is sometimes prey and seen as a pest by humans, they can be wary of interacting with humans. But, they are also known to be playful and mischievous, even adventurous. In the War of the Gods they joined with other more aggressive carnivore-bonded tribes, but typically served as scouts and assassins rather than front-line warriors.
Their usual settlements are kept hidden, either by deep vegetation or other geographical features. Typically, they build small structures for individual or couple residences in a circular formation around a common area. Some Vulpes tribes have moved into cities, either as full citizens or living on the fringes in abandoned buildings or other structures.
Romantically, the Vulpes form committed relationships, though they aren't often life-long bonds. Most relationships last for a few decades before a couple simply tire of each other and part ways. Foxes are semi-social and clans are typically made up of extended family with some outsiders married in.
