Tenko

Tenko (天狐) is a type of Japanese divine beast. A fox spirit who has aged 1,000 years becomes a tenko, a nine-tailed fox spirit. It is viewed as a benign guardian entity and a helpful servant for rice gods. If it lives to 3,000 years, the tenko will evolve into the highest rank for its kind, a kuuko.

Toukiden's mascot characters are named after the beast. In this continuity, they are mysterious beings born outside of Nakatsu Kuni with no known packs or origins. Clever and friendly towards humans, they integrate themselves into society as helpers or pets. They enjoy napping leisurely in villages and wander to wherever pleases them. Tenko communicate with "Kyuu!" mewings, which can be translated by people.

Players who participated in Famitsu's Toukiden questionnaire answered that Tenko was their fifth favorite character, tying with Fugaku for the same spot.

Function
The protagonist obtains a Tenko pet in chapter 2. It can be found next to the fireplace (save point) in the protagonist's house. Talking it triggers the option to send it away for treasure hunting. Confirm an area for its search and it will disappear to loot it. It will return home when the player has cleared a mission, bringing back parts which can be sold or used for making equipment. The results of its findings are completely random.

Tenko may change its pigmentation after returning from its trip. Red, pink, green, blue, golden fur Tenko are the known variations. Its color change increases the chances of obtaining better and more loot. It's currently unknown if the colors have any distinct connection to a particular area or not.

After the player completes the main story, Tenko can explore the upper tier version of an area. The player has to complete at least one mission in an area for it to explore it.

Requests
The protagonist can complete each colored Tenkos request clearly labeled in each posting. They must be unlocked by seeing a colored Tenko at least once and by finishing the requests in consecutive order.