The Tanuki (Nyctereutes sapiens) originated in Japan, although their exact evolutionary path remains unknown. They appear to have arisen in conjunction with the nation's human population, and have spread around the world in close parallel to their human neighbors. Consequentially, Tanuki can and will be sighted anywhere in the world, and are frequently found in large human cities with a low Covenant presence.
While several studies have been performed on the Tanuki, they are frequently self-contradictory, leading to Frances Healy concluding that, "I think they're messing with us," in 1934. Despite this, relations with the Tanuki have always been pleasant, and they are considered a generally friendly cryptid race.
Tanuki are considered critically endangered due to the efforts of the Covenant of St. George, and have been known to claim asylum with other therianthropes when threatened. They are fierce in their protection of their families, and a Tanuki with children is best avoided unless your intentions are provably good.
BIOLOGY
Tanuki belong to the class Therianthropa, making them one of several types of natural shapeshifter still extant in the modern world. They are biologically mammalian, and bear live young. Tanuki are highly social, which makes their current conservation status all the more tragic; unlike the Waheela, who would be perfectly happy never seeing another member of their own species, Tanuki would prefer to live in large family groups. It simply is no longer possible for most of them to do so.
Unlike most therianthropes, Tanuki are cross-fertile with many other species, including humans. This may be all that has saved them from extinction, as therianthropic genetics appear to be dominant in eight out of ten cases, and entirely dormant in the remaining two. Whether this will eventually lead to "throwbacks" in apparently human families is beside the point; the Tanuki are trying to survive in the best way open to them.
Tanuki tend to be friendly, gregarious individuals, and are generally willing to be helpful when asked. They are just likely to tie your shoelaces into a knot while doing so.
DESCRIPTION
Tanuki possess three primary forms. One is physically identical to the human norm; another physically identical to the Japanese raccoon dog. The third, assumed when circumstances require, is eight to ten feet tall and looks like something out of a Hammer film. It is recommended that one not goad the Tanuki into assuming its more combat-ready shape.
Artwork by Kory Bing.