Beasts from the east japan

WAIRA OPTIONS WAIRA CHA
To make a spider-bodied waira, add the 6 (-2)
Large monstrosity, unaligned
following to the waira’s stat block. Armor Class: 14 (natural armor)
• Increase the waira’s speed to 50 ft. Hit Points: 95 (10d10 + 24)
• Spider Climb: The waira can climb difficult Speed: 40 ft.

surfaces, including upside down on ceilings, STR DEX CON INT WIS
without needing to make an ability check. 20 (+5) 11 (+0) 19 (+4) 3 (-4) 12 (+1)

OKURI-INU Skills: Perception +1, Stealth +0
An okuri-inu is a monstrous dog or wolf. Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception
11
They are usually found on lonely mountain Languages: —
roads where they stalk travelers, waiting until Challenge: 3 (700 XP)
the person stumbles or falls, then striking to
kill. However, some okuri-inu are far more ACTIONS
benevolent, and protect travelers from wild Multiattack: The waira makes one bite attack
dogs and wolves. Okuri-inu (or okuri-ookami) and one claw attack. If it has a creature
means “a sending dog” or “a sending wolf.” grappled, it may make a second claw attack
Other versions include the machi-inu, or “a as a bonus action.
waiting dog,” and mukae-inu, or “a meeting Bite: Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach
dog.” 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 10 (1d10 + 5)
piercing damage, and the target is grappled
Use a worg to represent the okuri-inu. (escape DC 15). Until this grapple ends, the
target is restrained, and the waira can’t bite
YAMATA-NO-OROCHI another target.
Claw: Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach
(The Eight-Forked Serpent Of Koshi) 5 ft., one target., Hit: 9 (1d8 + 5) piercing
Yamata-no-Orochi is an immense serpent, damage.

said to be as long as eight hills and eight valleys gate he placed a platform. On each platform
put together. Each of its eight heads has bright went a huge vat of saké (rice beer). When
cherry-red eyes, while its belly is a deep reddish the monster arrived, it smelled the saké, and
hue. The creature’s great back is covered with greedily drank each vat dry, promptly falling
moss, fir trees, and cryptomeria, the body into a drunken slumber. Susano-o then took
ending in eight long tails. Note, however, that his sword and cut each of the heads off, and
in Japanese “eight” simply means many, so the then each of the tails. In the fourth tail he
Serpent can have as many heads as you wish discovered a sword, which he named either
(and can be even bigger if you so desire). Murakumo-no-tsurugi (“Sword of the Village of
Monster of Idzumo Province: Yamata-no-Orochi the Clustering Clouds”) or Ame-no-Murakumo-
haunts the Japanese province of Idzumo, near no-Tsurugi (“Heavenly Sword of Gathering
the river Hi. As it is driven primarily by hunger, Clouds”), and gave it to his sister, the goddess
it feeds on all it can catch—up to and including Amaterasu. Amaterasu, in turn, presented the
people—and will greedily devour anything set sword to the Emperor of Japan, as a symbol of
before it. his divine heritage.
Historical Notes: The original Yamata-no-Orochi
was encountered by the Shinto god Susano-o- Although a creature of ancient Japanese
no-mikoto. Told the creature had come every myth, The Eight-Forked Serpent is reminiscent
year and devoured one of the daughters of the of any number of gigantic snakes and dragons
minor deity Ashi-na-zuchi, Susano-o had a great
fence built with eight gates, and beyond each

51

common to legends the world over (such as Full of Anger and Cruelty: For the most part
Dhrana, the seven-headed king of the snakes in yasha are consumed by anger and hate. They
Hindu mythology). are cruel and malicious and delight and causing
LEGENDARY ACTIONS trouble for anyone the come across. A yasha
may initially reserve its spite for the person
The Yamata-no-Orochi can take 3 legendary initially responsible for its transformation, but
actions, choosing from the options below. Only later, the yasha will extend its ire to anyone
one legendary action option can be used at a it comes across. About the only way to “cure”
time and only at the end of another creature’s someone who has transformed into a yasha is
turn. The Yamata-no-Orochi regains spent to resolve situation that made them become
legendary actions at the start of its turn. a yasha in the first place. For example, if the
• Move: The Yamata-no-Orochi moves up to transformation was caused by jealousy, then
the person the yasha is jealous of needs to
half its speed. welcome the yasha home and acknowledge
• Tail Slam: The Yamata-no-Orochi makes a tail their needs. If successful, this will cause the
yasha to resume their normal, human, state.
slam attack. Kin to Vampires: The transformation from
• Chomp (Costs 2 Actions): The Yamata-no- human to monster gives the yasha sharp fangs
and claws along with supernatural strength
Orochi makes one bite attack or uses its and agility. Some may be able to drink blood
Swallow. directly, while others will simply tear a body
apart and feast on the spilled blood. A few
YASHA yasha are capable of consuming a person’s life
energy, leaving withered victims in its wake.
Yasha are almost always inhumanly beautiful As supernatural beings, many yasha can fly,
with pale white skin and faces often likened with some growing great batlike wings, while
to porcelain masks. The long black hair is fine others take to the air directly. In keeping
and silky (and at times seems to have a life of with their status as bakamono, yasha are also
its own), the mouth small and dainty, and the capable of shape shifting, and may do so in
eyes are often marked with blue or red eye order to get close to a victim. Finally, as yasha
shadow. Blue eye shadow is an indicator of the are transformed humans, they may retain
supernatural nature of the yasha, while red is certain Skills: from their previous lives, such as
often found upon those yasha who are hungry weapons Skills: or martial arts techniques.
and desire to feed. Other yasha may have Undead Nature: A yasha doesn’t require air or
fine lines running from the bottom of the eye sleep.
to the edge of the jaw. In keeping with their
strong sense of vanity, most yasha will dress in KUZURYU
expensive formal clothing. If you increase the The Eight-Forked
Transformed Humans: Yasha are humans who
have become monsters due to an excess of Serpent’s heads to nine, you can create
certain negative emotions, such as anger, Kuzuryu, an immense serpent dragon who
hate, or jealousy. More often than not a sleeps under a mountain. In addition, give it
yasha is female, apparently due to a woman’s burrow 40 ft, the Jinshin-Mushi’s Tunneler
great capacity for emotion and/or a natural trait and Create Earthquake action, as
disposition for assuming monstrous forms Kuzuryu’s movements were known to set off
(according to certain Buddhists anyway). Once landslides.
transformed, the yasha takes to attacking and
preying on humans, sometimes going so far
as to drink their blood or consume their life
energies.

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YAMATA-NO-OROCHI Siege Monster: The Yamata-no-Orochi deals
double damage to objects and structures.
Gargantuan monstrosity (titan), Neutral evil Wakeful: When the Yamata-no-Orochi sleeps,
Armor Class: 23 (natural armor) at least one of its heads is awake.
Hit Points: 697 (34d20 + 340)
Speed: 50 ft. ACTIONS
Multiattack: The Yamata-no-Orochi makes as
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA many bite attacks as it has heads.
30 (+10) 14 (+2) 30 (+10) 8 (-1) 8 (-1) 21 (+5) Bite: Melee Weapon Attack: +19 to hit,
reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 32 (4d10 + 10)
Saving Throws: Str +19, Dex +11, Con +19, piercing damage. Of the target is a creature,
Cha +14 it is grappled (escape DC 20). Until this
Skills: Perception +8 grapple ends, the target is restrained, and
Damage Immunities: bludgeoning, piercing, the Yamata-no-Orochi can’t bite another
and slashing from nonmagical weapons target with the head making the grapple.
Condition Immunities: charmed, frightened, Swallow: The Yamata-no-Orochi makes
paralyzed one bite attack against a Large or smaller
Senses: darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception creature it is grappling. If the attack hits,
18 the target takes the bite’s damage, the
Languages: — target is swallowed, and the grapple ends.
Challenge: 30 (155,000 XP) While swallowed, the creature is blinded and
Freedom of Movement: The Yamata-no-Orochi restrained, it has total cover against attacks
ignores difficult terrain, and magical effects and other effects outside the Yamata-no-
can’t reduce its speed or cause it to be Orochi, and it takes 56 (16d6) acid damage at
restrained. It can spend 5 feet of movement the start of each of the Yamata-no-Orochi’s
to escape from nonmagical restraints or being turns.
grappled. If the Yamata-no-Orochi takes 60 damage or
Multiple Heads: The Yamata-no-Orochi has more on a single turn from a creature inside
eight heads. While it has more than one it, the Yamata-no-Orochi must succeed on a
head, the Yamata-no-Orochi has advantage DC 20 Constitution saving throw at the end
on saving throws against being blinded, of that turn or regurgitate all swallowed
charmed, deafened, frightened, stunned, and creatures, which fall prone in a space
knocked unconscious. within 10 feet of the Yamata-no-Orochi. If
the Yamata-no-Orochi dies, a swallowed
Whenever the Yamata-no-Orochi takes 85 creature is no longer restrained by it and can
or more damage in a single turn, one of its escape from the corpse by using 30 feet of
heads dies. If all its heads die, the Yamata- movement, exiting prone.
no-Orochi dies. Tail Slam: The Yamata-no-Orochi slams its
Reactive Heads: For each head the Yamata- eight tails down into a 90-foot cone. Each
no-Orochi has beyond one, it gets an creature in that area much make a DC 27
extra reaction that can be used only for Dexterity saving throw, taking 28 (4d8 + 10)
opportunity attacks. bludgeoning damage on a failed save, or half
as much damage on a successful one.

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KUSANAGI-NO-TSURUGI YASHA OPTIONS
Apply any of the following to the base
(“Grass-Cutting Sword”)
Weapon (longsword), artifact (requires yasha stat block.
attunement) • Bat-like Wings or Free Flight: Add fly 60

Found in the fourth tail of Yamata-no-Orochi ft. to the yasha’s Speed.
by the storm god Susanoo-no-Mikoto, this sword
was initially called Ame-no-Murakumo-no-Tsurugi • Shapechanger: The yasha can use its
(“Heavenly Sword of Gathering Clouds”) or action to polymorph into a Small or
Murakumo-no-tsurugi (“Sword of the Village of the Medium humanoid, or back into its
Clustering Clouds”). Susanoo, wishing to settle an true form. Its statistics, other than its
ancient grievance with this sister, Amaterasu, the size, are the same in each form. Any
goddess of the sun, gave her the sword. Amaterasu, equipment it is wearing or carrying isn’t
in turn, passed it on to the Emperor of Japan. transformed. It reverts to its true form
if it dies.
Hundreds of years later, Yamatohime-no-mikoto,
daughter of Suinin, the 11th Emperor of Japan, and • Drink Blood (replaces Bite): Melee
founder of the Ise Shrine (dedicated to Amaterasu) Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft.,
gave the sword to her nephew, the great warrior one willing creature, or a creature that
Yamato Takeru. He took the sword with him when is grappled by the yasha, incapacitated,
he went to visit a local warlord. The warlord or restrained. Hit: 9 (2d6 + 5) piercing
invited Yamato Takeru to a hunting trip, and then damage plus 7 (2d6) necrotic damage.
tried to kill him with a barrage of flaming arrows, The target’s hit point maximum is
intending to start a grass fire and burn Yamato reduced by an amount equal to the
Takeru to death. Yamato Takeru used Ame-no- necrotic damage taken, and the
Murakumo-no-Tsurugi to cut the grass away, thus yasha regains hit points equal to that
denying fuel for the fire and found the wind blew in amount. The reduction lasts until the
the direction of each sword swing. After using the target finishes a long rest. The target
sword to turn the fire around and burn the warlord dies if this effect reduces its hit point
instead, Yamato Takeru named the sword Kusanagi- maximum to 0.
no-Tsurugi (“Grasscutter Sword”).
• Magic Weapon: Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi is a magic • Life Drain: Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to
hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 12
longsword that grants +3 bonus to attack and (2d6 + 5) necrotic damage. The target
damage rolls made with it. It scores a critical must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution
hit on a roll of 19 or 20, and deals an extra 2d8 saving throw or its hit point maximum
slashing damage to plants. It also functions as a is reduced by an amount equal to the
sword of sharpness. Finally, it allows the wielder damage taken. This reduction lasts
to cast gust of wind three times per day. until the target finishes a long rest. The
• Random Properties: The sword has the following target dies if this effect reduces its hit
randomly determined properties: point maximum to 0.
• 2 minor beneficial properties
• 1 major beneficial property • Long Hair: Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to
• 2 minor detrimental properties hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (1d8
• Destroying the Sword: The only way to destroy + 5) bludgeoning damaging. If the target
the sword is to have it swallowed by Yamata-no- is Medium or smaller, it is grappled
Orochi’s mother, the demonic dragon Tiamat. (escape DC 15). Until this grapple ends,
the target is restrained, and the yasha
can’t grapple another target. Each
round the target is restrained, it must

54

YASHA WIS CHA nobusuma will land on a sleeping individual, tap
14 (+2) 16 (+3) on his chest and suck the victim’s breath away.
Medium undead, chaotic evil If no one sees this happening, the victim will die
Armor Class: 14 in three days. However, if someone witnesses
Hit Points: 76 (9d8 + 36) the nobsuma’s attack, then the victim will have
Speed: 30 ft. a long lifespan.

STR DEX CON INT Use the Stirge to represent the nobusuma.
20 (+5) 18 (+4) 18 (+4) 13 (+1) NODEPPO

Skills: Athletics +8, Perception +5, Stealth +7 The nodeppo is another bat-like creature.
Damage Resistances: bludgeoning, piercing, Horrific in face and form, it preys on lone
and slashing from nonmagical weapons travelers by exhaling a bat-like creature at
Damage Immunities: poison them. This bizarre manifestation then wraps
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned its wings about the intended victim, instantly
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception killing them by sucking out their breath. Attacks
15 from the nodeppo can be avoided by carrying
Languages: Common a few leaves of the nanomani plant on one’s
Challenge: 5 (1,800 XP) person.

ACTIONS Use the Stirge to represent the nodeppo.
Multiattack: The yasha makes two attacks:
one with its bite and one with its claws. TSUTSUGA MUSHI
Bite: Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach
5 ft., one creature. Hit: 12 (2d6 + 5) piercing Once found in the Yagami Mountains, the
damage. tsutsuga mushi were known to exist in great
Claws: Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, numbers around 600 CE. They took the forms
reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 12 (2d6 + 5) of different animals and entered into people’s
slashing damage. homes during the night, drinking the blood of
those the tsutsuga mushi found asleep. The
succeed in a DC 15 Strength saving throw or tsutsuga mushi’s reign of terror was finally
be pulled up to 10 feet toward the yasha. halted by the Empress Saimei Tenno, who had
YASHA VARIENTS one of her priests confine the tsutsuga mushi to
The yasha is only one of a number of a certain stretch of wilderness, stopping their
creatures who go aboard at night and prey on attacks altogether. Although no longer seen,
luckless travelers and those who have stayed out once can still hear the term tsutsuga nashi (lit.
too late a night. The following three creatures “without tsutsuga”), and means one who is free
can be used in much the same way as yasha, and of illness or disease. In order to build a tsutsuga
like the yasha, share in its vampiric habits. mushi, add the following to a Tiny, Small, or
NOBUSUMA Medium—sized beast’s stat block of your choice:
If a bat manages to live for a thousand years, • Increase the beast’s Intelligence to 13.
then it will transform into a creature called a • Increase the beast’s Wisdom to 10 if it isn’t
nobusuma. A nobusuma has a lithe and muscular
body similar in size and shape to a flying already 10 (or higher).
squirrel, a narrow, beak-like mouth, hairy brown • Increase the beast’s Charisma by 5.
skin, four clawed legs, and wings stretching • Blood Drain: For Tiny beasts, use the stirge’s
from limb-to-limb. Going abroad at night,
blood drain action. For Small or Medium
beasts, use the vampire spawn’s bite action.

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YUKI-ONNA YUREI

A yuki-onna (lit. “snow woman”) appears as Yurei are ghosts (“yurei” translates to “dim/
a beautifully proportioned woman with long, hazy/faint spirit”), usually formed when
flowing black hair and pale skin, dressed in a someone dies in battle, by murder, or from an
white kimono. unexpected accident. Most yurei are women,
Spirit of the Snow: She is the spirit of the snow although male yurei are known. They tend to
and snowstorms, going abroad during blizzards appear late a night, during the Greater Hour of
looking to seduce men and steal their souls, the Ox (2:00 to 3:00 AM), at the place of their
leaving them frozen and dead for the morning death.
sun. They seem to delight in killing those
foolish enough to be out during snowstorms Typically, a yurei looks like a pale human
and the like. Yuki-onna apparently prey on men figure dressed in white funerary vestments.
exclusively, but will spare those whose youth The hair is often long and wild, the hands are
and beauty impresses them. held loosely in front of the body, the eyes
seem unfocused, and the lower body simply
The creatures attack through the use of fades away to nothingness. Some yurei may
stealth. They tend to wait until their victim is look as they did when they died, wearing
tired and steal up on them quietly, breathing whatever clothing or armor they may have
into their prey’s face with their icy breath. had on, and exhibiting terrible wounds or the
If unable to take their target by surprise, or signs of disease. In addition, yurei are often
resisted strongly, the yuki-onna will become a accompanied by floating balls of spirit fire
white misty vapor and escape. known as “hi no tama” (better known in the
Historical Notes: This deadly spirit of frost and West as a will o’ the wisp).
snow is probably best known from the short Single-minded Spirits: As a rule, yurei are
story Yuki-onna written by Lafcadio Hearn. In notable for their single-mindedness. Female
it, two woodcutters are caught in a snowstorm yurei are usually driven by a need for revenge
and take refuge in a small hut. In the middle of or to have a wrong righted, while male yurei
the night a yuki-onna comes into the hut, kills are unable to free themselves from the place
one woodcutter, but taken with the handsome of their death. A female yurei makes for an
features of the second, allows him to live, implacable foe, and will stop at nothing in
provided he never mentions the experience. seeking vengeance. A male yurei, on the other
Latter, this same woodcutter meets a beautiful hand, may simply wish to inform a passerby of
woman by the name of Yuki (which means the events that lead to his death (usually in
“snow”) and eventually marries her. They have battle), thus ensuring his name and history will
many children and a pleasant life, until at one be remembered.
point the woodcutter mentions how Yuki looks
like a woman he encountered many years ago. Spirits of Vengeance: Most yurei doesn’t
At this point Yuki turns on him and informs him attack foes directly, but instead drive them
that if it weren’t for their children, she’d kill to madness and distraction by haunting their
him on the spot. She then becomes a cloud of nights. Female yurei tend to wail, crying out
frost and flies out the smoke-hole. their pain and anguish into the night, night-
after-night, until the target of their vengeance
goes mad or commits suicide in shame.
Others may take a more active roll, physically
assaulting their target, or using illusions to
make them see things that aren’t really there.

Yurei can be kept away from their intended
target by the use of Buddhist sutras or Shinto

56

YUKI-ONNA Ice Walker: The yuki-onna can move across
and climb icy surfaces without needing to
Medium fey (shapechanger), lawful evil make an ability check. Additionally, difficult
Armor Class: 13 terrain composed of ice or snow doesn’t cost
Hit Points: 67 (9d8 + 27) her extra moment.
Speed: 30 ft., fly 60 ft. Innate Spellcasting: The yuki-onna’s innate
spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA DC 14). The yuki-onna can innately cast
10 (+0) 16 (+3) 15 (+3) 14 (+2) 14 (+2) 18 (+4) the following spells, requiring no material
components:
Skills: Perception +4, Persuasion +6, Stealth
+5 At will: chill touch, ray of frost
Damage Vulnerabilities: fire 3/day each: expeditious retreat, misty step
Damage Immunities: cold 1/ day each: ice storm, sleet storm
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception Magic Resistance: The yuki-onna has
14 advantage on saving throws against spells and
Languages: Common other magical effects.
Challenge: 3 (700 XP) Snow Camouflage: The yuki-onna has
Shapechanger: The yuki-onna can use her advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks made
action to polymorph into a Medium cloud of to hide in snowy terrain.
frosty vapor, or back into its true form.
While in vapor form, the yuki-onna can’t take ACTIONS
any actions, speak, or manipulate objects. Multiattack: The yuki-onna makes two fist
She is weightless, has a flying Speed of 30 attacks.
feet, can hover, and can enter a hostile Fist: Melee Weapon Attack:+5 to hit, reach
creature’s space and stop there. In addition, 5 ft., one target. Hit: 3 (1d6) bludgeoning
if air can pass through a space, the vapor can damage plus 3 (1d6) cold damage.
do so without squeezing, and it can’t pass Cold Breath (Recharge 5-6): The yuki-onna
through water. It has advantage on Strength, exhales a blast of freezing breath in a 15-foot
Dexterity, and Constitution saving throws, cone. Each creature in that area must make a
and it is immune to all nonmagical damage, DC 14 Dexterity saving throw, taking 21 (6d8)
except the damage it takes from fire. The cold damage on a failed save, or half as much
yuki-onna reverts to its true form if she dies. damage on a successful one.

talismans (known as “ofuda”). A yurei cannot
touch written sutras or ofuda, is usually unable
to tolerate even the sight of them, and in some
cases, can’t even see something covered in
written sutras. Thus, a page of sutras (or an
ofuda) placed on a door will keep a yurei from
entering a dwelling.
Undead Nature: A yurei doesn’t require air,
food, drink, or sleep.

57

YUREI CHA ACTIONS
20 (+5) Forceful Slam: Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to
Medium undead, any alignment hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 10 (3d6)
Armor Class: 14 force damage.
Hit Points: 45 (10d8) Become Invisible: As a bonus action, the
Speed: 0 ft., fly 40 ft. yurei can magically turn invisible until its
concentration ends (as if concentrating on
STR DEX CON INT WIS a spell). Any equipment the yurei wears or
10 (+0) 18 (+4) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 17 (+3) carries is invisible with it.
Etherealness: The ghost enters the Ethereal
Damage Resistances: acid, fire, lightning, Plane from the Material Plane, or vice versa.
thunder; bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing It is visible on the Material Plane while it is
from non magical weapons in the Border Ethereal, and vice versa, yet it
Damage Immunities: cold, necrotic, poison can’t affect or be affected by anything on the
Condition Immunities: charmed, exhaustion, other plane.
frightened, grappled, paralyzed, petrified, Fearful Wail: Each creature within 60 feet of
poisoned, prone, restrained the yurei that can hear its wail and that isn’t
Senses: darkvision 60ft., passive Perception an undead must succeed on a DC 13 Wisdom
13 saving throw or become frightened until the
Languages: any languages it knew in life end of the yurei’s next turn. If a creature’s
Challenge: 3 (700 XP) saving throw is successful, the creature is
Ethereal Sight: The yurei can see 60 feet into immune to the yurei’s wail for the next 24
the Ethereal Plane when it is on the Material hours.
Plane, and vice versa. Telekinetic Thrust: The yurei targets a
Incorporeal Movement: The yurei can move creature or unattended object within 30 feet
through other creatures and objects as if they of it. A creature must be Medium or smaller
were difficult terrain. It takes 5 (1d10) force to be affected by this magic, and an object
damage if it ends its turn inside an object. can weigh up to 150 pounds.
Images Of The Floating World: The yurei can
innately cast major illusion 3 times a day If the target is a creature, the yurei makes
requiring no material components. a Charisma check contested by the target’s
Yurei Weaknesses: The yurei has the following Strength check. If the yurei wins the contest,
flaw: the yurei hurls the target up to 30 feet in
any direction, including upward. If the target
Stopped by Sutras: A yurei cannot touch, then comes into contact with a hard surface
look at, or cross a barrier made of either or heavy object, the target takes 1d6 damage
holy ofuda or sutras. A barrier can consist per 10 feet moved.
of sutras pasted across a doorway or
placed along the walls of a residence. If the target is an object that isn’t being
This prevention extends into the Ethereal worn or carried, the yurei hurls it up to 30
Plane. feet in any direction. The yurei can use the
object as a ranged weapon, attacking one
creature along the object’s path (+4 to hit)
and dealing 5 (2d4) bludgeoning damage on a
hit.

58

ONE HUNDRED RANDOM GHOSTS from starvation. It wanders the land after
In Japan the general term for ghosts is midnight, biting the heads off of its victims.
Kerakera-onna: The ghost of a dead
“shiryo.” Shiryo include both ancestral ghosts prostitute, the name “kerakera-onna” means
as well as the spirits of the dead. Yurei are “laughing woman.” They tend to appear
but one example, others include the ghosts as middle-aged women with heavy make-
of dead sailors will demand a bucket from a up, startling passerby with bursts of loud,
passing ship, and if given one will attempt to booming laughter. Those who try to run
fill the ship with water (this is why you give will find the laughter follows them, getting
them one with no bottom), while the ghosts louder, and louder.
of those who died on mountain trails will seek Konaki-jiji: Said to be the spirits of children
to kill lone travelers. Even inanimate objects left to die in the woods, a konaki-jiji appears
can become “ghosts,” a prime example being as a small child with an old-man’s face.
the karakasa, an umbrella with one glaring eye Anyone who picks up the “child” (usually with
hopping about on a single foot. Of course, it the intent of rescuing them) quickly finds
doesn’t stop there, as the following list shows: the ghost getting heavier and heavier, until
the would-be rescuer is crushed under the
Betobeto-san: Not so much a ghost as a konaki-jiji’s immense weight.
ghostly noise, betobeto-san is the sound of Onbu-obake: This creature is either some
footsteps following a person at night. Of form of spirit, or the creation of a kitsune
course, no one is there when one turns to or tanuki. They appear as children, old men,
look, but if the person being followed steps and gold coins. If picked up and carried, the
aside and says “After you, Betobeto-san” the onbu-obake will become heavier and heavier,
noise will stop. in much the same manner as the konaki-
Dorotabou: This rather odd ghost is created jiji. However, those who can bear the great
when an old man’s rice fields are sold weight will be granted either riches or great
soon after he dies. Dorotabou has a black, strength.
hairless body, one eye, and three fingers on Tukap: This Ainu spirit of the dead tends to
each hand. He will haunt the rice paddies, appear in dreams, carrying messages from
crying “Give me back my rice fields!” at the the deceased or from the deity Kamui Fuchi
workers. (or other gods).
Ikiryo: Possibly the most dangerous form of Ubume: These are the ghosts of women who
ghost is the ikiryo, or “living ghost”. An ikiryo were buried while pregnant and have given
is created when a person’s strong emotions birth to a living child while still enclosed in
manifest into physical form. Usually, ikiryo their coffins. They venture out at night to buy
are created by women, a side effect of milk or sweet syrup to feed the infant. Some
intense jealousy or anger. Unlike the yurei, ubume haunt crossroads, and ask anyone
the ikiryo is a solid entity, and looks exactly who passes by to hold their child for them.
like the person who created it. However, the The child will slowly get heavier over time.
ikiryo is completely independent being, and Anyone who can bear to hold the child will be
acts of its own accord—its creator usually rewarded by the Ubume. Anyone who can’t
has no idea what the ikiryo is doing or that it will be devoured.
even exists. Zashiki-warashi: The ghosts of children who
Gaki: A Hungry Ghost. See the Preta on page sit on a sleeper’s chest, stealing the sleeper’s
33 of Beasts from the East: India. breath (a condition known as kanashibari).
Gashadokuro: Standing fifteen times the Another version of the zashiki-warashi
height of a man (roughly 80 feet tall), describes them as mischievous house spirits.
the gashadokuro is an immense skeleton,
made up of the spirits of people who died

59

Historical Notes kill her, disfiguring Oiwa terribly before she
The appearance of a yurei should not be a died. Unfortunately for the ronin, his servant
Kohei was aware of what happened. In an
random event. Instead, you need to decide effort to cover his tracks, the ronin murdered
who the yurei is (or was), why it exists, and Kohei, nailed him and Oiwa to either sides of
what can be done to put it to rest (aside from a wooden door, and dumped the door in the
a forceful exorcism that is). The following river. He then told everyone he’d caught the
two classic Japanese ghosts stories should two having an affair as a justification for his
help illustrate how yurei can be used in a actions.
campaign:
The Ghost of Okiku: Okiku was a maid in the Now free to marry, the ronin took the
home of a samurai and the keeper of one of granddaughter as his wife, only to see the
the samurai’s most treasured possessions: horrid visage of Oiwa when he lifted the bridal
a set of ten ceramic plates acquired from a veil. Drawing his katana, the ronin slashed at
Dutch trader. As Okiku was very beautiful, the terrible apparition, only to find he’d cut
the samurai desired her to be his mistress, off the head of his new wife. Appalled at what
but she repeatedly refused. Frustrated, he’d done, he ran off to find his the woman’s
the samurai hid one of the plates and then grandfather (who had encouraged the ronin
demanded Okiku produce all ten. When to murder Oiwa in the first place), only to
she was unable, the samurai told her he’d find the ghost of Kohei blocking his way. Once
overlook her carelessness if she agreed to again he struck out with his sword only to kill
become his mistress. When she once again the grandfather instead.
refused, he killed her in a fit of rage and
dumped her body down a well. Every night From that moment on, the ronin cannot
thereafter, her ghost would rise from the escape the ghosts of either Kohei or Oiwa.
well, slowly count to nine, and then break He goes fishing and catches the door (with
into a loud wail. Driven nearly to madness, corpses still attached) that he’d hurled into
the samurai was saved from Okiku’s haunting the river in the first place. A paper lantern
by a neighbor, who hid himself beside the catches fire and assumes the disfigured face
well and waited for Okiku to appear. Once of Oiwa. Voices call out to him in the night.
she reached nine, he shouted out “Ten!” He flees to an isolated cottage and discovers
and Okiku vanished with a scream, never to nearby vines and creepers become snakes in
return (An alternate version has the samurai the night. Finally, the ronin’s suffering is put
going insane instead.). at an end when Oiwa’s brother catches up
with him, giving him the death the ronin now
Ghost of Oiwa: A far more graphic example desperately craves.
of the power if a yurei is the story of Oiwa.
The wife of a ronin (a masterless samurai), As you can easily see from these two
Oiwa was murdered by her husband after he examples, the appearance of a female yurei
fell in love with the granddaughter of a rich should be a cry for justice, and can easily
neighbor. He gave her poison in an attempt to be used as the starting point for a single
adventure or even an entire campaign.

60

ZUNBERABOU ZUNBERABOU

Zunberabou, also known as mujina, are Medium monstrosity (shapechanger), neutral
shapeshifters. They look and dress just like Armor Class: 13
regular humans, dwell wherever humans Hit Points: 44 (8d8 + 8)
do, and often live among them, never once Speed: 30 ft.
giving any indication as to their true nature.
Nightmarish Prankster: Occasionally, the STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
zunberabou’s mischievous nature will take 10 (+) 16 (+3) 13 (+1) 14 (+2) 14 (+2) 14 (+2)
hold and he will venture out to in search
of entertainment; said entertainment Skills: Deception +4, Insight +4, Persuasion +4,
usually resulting in some unsuspecting Stealth +5
passerby being frightened out of their Condition Immunities: charmed
wits. Zunberabou like to meet travelers Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception
on the road, strike up a conversation, find 12
out where they are headed to, and then Languages: Common
go there themselves and assume the form Challenge: 1 (200 XP)
of the person the traveler was planning Shapechanger: The zunberabou can use its
on seeing. Once the traveler arrives, the action to polymorph into a Small or Medium
zunberabou will engage his visitor in small humanoid it has seen, or back into its true
talk before turning away for some reason. form. Its statistics, other than its size, are
When the visitor tries to see what is wrong, the same in each form. Any equipment it
the zunberabou will turn around to reveal is wearing or carrying isn’t transformed. It
an utter lack of a face! Other zunberabou reverts to its true form if it dies.
have been known to work as noodle sellers
and the like, and have pulled similar stunts ACTIONS
on lone patrons late a night. However, for Multiattack: The zunberabou makes two dagger
the most part, zunberabou aren’t malicious attacks.
and don’t actively seek to scare people to Dagger: Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to
death, but they do seem to have a rather hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target.
twisted sense of humor. Hit: 5 (1d4 + 3) piercing damage.
No Face: As an action, the zunberabou wipes
Mutable Form: The typical zunberabou is its hand across its face, revealing a blank
armed with nothing more than a knife, expanse of flesh. Each humanoid within 30
but those of a more martial intent could feet of the zunberabou and can see it must
carry arms and armor appropriate to their make a DC 13 Wisdom saving throw. On a
occupation. Regardless of their martial failed save, the creature is frightened for
skills, however, all zunberabou have the 1 minute. A creature can repeat the saving
ability to assume the form of any humanoid throw at the end of each of its turns, with
they meet. Their shape shifting is such disadvantage if the zunberabou is within
they can become almost perfect duplicates line of sight, ending the effect on itself
of anyone, although the zunberabou only on a success. If a creature’s saving throw
imitate a person’s flesh, not their clothing is successful or the effect ends for it, the
and other items. creature is immune to the zunberabou’s No
Face for the next 24 hours.
Unless the target is surprised or the revelation
of the zunberabou’s blank face is sudden, the
target can avert its eyes and avoid making
the initial saving throw. Until the start of
its next turn, a creature that averts its eyes
has disadvantage on attack rolls against the
zunberabou.

61

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of any Product Identity in Open Game Content does not constitute a Challenge: to the ownership of that Product Identity. The owner of
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15. COPYRIGHT NOTICE Open Game License v 1.0a Copyright 2000, Wizards of the Coast, LLC. System Reference Document 5.1
Copyright 2016, Wizards of the Coast, LLC.; Authors Mike Mearls, Jeremy Crawford, Chris Perkins, Rodney Thompson, Peter Lee,
James Wyatt, Robert J. Schwalb, Bruce R. Cordell, Chris Sims, and Steve Townshend, based on original material by E. Gary Gygax and
Dave Arneson.

63