The art of body modification goes back a long way, and has evolved quite a lot in that time. It has been used to distinguish tribes, show accomplishments and ranks, and help wearers feel more unique! Tattoos and piercings come in many different shapes and forms, and two people with similar modifications can customize them to still look completely different from each other.
Modifoxes are a small race of creatures who are absolutely fascinated by this practice, exercising it among themselves since their creation. Individual tribes of Modifoxes are defined by a certain piece of jewelry or a specific tattoo. However, a Modifox doesn't necessarily have to be in a tribe to modify themselves! Individuals also adorn their bodies to attract romantic partners, show their commitment to a mate, or show off any personal achievements. They can also just get a bunch because they feel like looking cool. B)
The Higher Beings, also known as the Modeities, are the top rank of foxes. When the world was young, it was they who created the Modifoxes. They gave wings to the Modiphims and Modidaevas, and the rule of the tribes to the Elders. They also gave all of the foxes the knowledge of modifying and ability to be modified. The 'Deities created the lands and gifted homes to the tribes as they began to pop up, and continue to cultivate the lands to this day for the Elders and others who request their assistance.
The Modidaevas fed, and still feed, on the hatred, fear, and anger of the other foxes, making themselves strong. No other evil runs freely without being absorbed by the Modidaevas. Then the Modiphims came to the lands, as a yin to the Modidaeva's yang, balancing the situation out evenly. They brought happiness and peace, with the ability to confront and make Modidaevas stand down from the others that they bullied. The Modiphims came only to those that needed them at first, rare beings in the beginning, before eventually growing in number. The Modidaevas, like their counterparts, also grew in number. As they became less rare, both the Modidaevas and the Modiphims began mingling among the other foxes.
Regular old Modifoxes, when blessed by the Modeities, can become more powerful than their peers, moving one stage further to become Elders, true leaders of their kind. Upon successfully gathering enough like-minded members to form a tribe, their leader can pray to the Modeities of their choice for a space to call their own. When raised, they also gain a spiritual link with the 'Deities, the 'Phims, and the 'Daevas, their strongest link being with the 'Deities. Due to their connection with the Modeities and the feats they accomplish, Elders are highly respected by their kin!
But even with all that, the 'Deities still feared for the safety of the tribes and the foxes outside of the many tribe territories. And so, they made an agreement, with a powerful and elegant dragon, a mystical celestial being by the name of Yasasugata. She aided the 'Deities in creating guards for the tribes, dragon-like beasts in the image of herself, bestowing the world with both angelic and demonic beings known as Tribe Guardians. With the arrival of these draconic creatures, the 'Deities knew the tribes would be safe from outside threats, falling into a state of ease and finally allowing things to play out.
But are they truly safe...?
