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Nue and Nue Familiar

The Japanese chimera with an option for wizards to turn it into a familiar (also appropriate to the lore of Japan).  Most of the inspiration came from Nioh as opposed to mythology as such.

Possesses a monkey’s face, a tiger’s torso, and snake for a tail, Nue is a fearsome creature of lightning. In addition to mauling prey with its claws, its roar can summon bolts of lightning, almost as if Nue itself were an embodiment of thunderstorms.

NUE

Large monstrosity, chaotic evil
Armor Class 14 (Natural Armor)
Hit Points 114 (12d10 + 48)
Speed 30 ft.
STR      DEX     CON     INT   WIS     CHA
19 (+4) 11 (+0) 19 (+4) 3 (-4) 14 (+2) 10 (+0)
Skills Perception +8
Damage Resistance Poison
Damage Immunity Lightning
Senses Darkvision 60 ft., Passive Perception 18
Languages Understands Draconic but can’t speak it
Challenge 6 (2,300 XP)

Pounce. If the nue moves at least 20 feet straight toward a creature and then hits it with a claw attack on the same turn, that target must succeed on a DC 15 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone. If the target is prone, the nue can make one bite attack against it as a bonus action.

Running Leap. With a 10-foot running start, the nue can long jump up to 25 feet.

Quill Mane. Attacking creatures within 5 feet of the nue take 6 (1d12) piercing damage on their first attack in a turn against the nue.

ACTIONS

Multiattack. The nue makes two attacks: one with its bite and one with its claws. When its poison cloud is available, it can use this in place of its claws. When its sweeping lighting beam is ready, it can use this in place of its bite.

Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) piercing damage.

Claws. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) slashing damage.

Poison Cloud (1/Day). The snake tail exhales a poison loud in a 15-­-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw, taking 18 (4d8) poison damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

Sweeping Lightning Beam (Recharge 5–6). The monkey head exhales fire in a 15-ft cone. Each creature in that area must make a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw, taking 31 (7d8) lightning damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

Cloud Form. A nue can change into the form of a 10-foot black cloud or back to its normal form. A nue in cloud form is otherwise treated as if under the effects of gaseous form, except that the area is area is heavily obscured.

DESCRIPTION

Pronounced New-ay. A yokai chimaera.  Its fanged mouth terrorizes its prey with an eerie cry. Nue is wreathed in dark smoke, making it diffcult to discern its overall appearance. Its ability to summon thunder has earned it the alternate name of Raiju, the thunder-beast.

Possesses a monky’s face, a tiger’s torso, and snake for a tail. Its mane is quilled and sharp enough to cut any who approach, In addition to fierce claw and fang attacks, it can hurl itself bodily with enough force to smash a stone wall. There are many legends of Nue appearing in Japan, unleashing lightning and causing all sorts of disasters.

One legend holds that a fearsome cry heralded the appearance of a Nue over the royal palace in Kyoto every night, draining the young emperor of vitality. No medicine could cure him, but after the samurai Minamoto Yorimasa was felled the Nue with an arrow, the emperor recovered at once. Yorimasa was bestowed with a beautiful sword called Shishi-Oh, King of lions, as a reward.


NUE as a FAMILIAR

Nue’s can be familiars of powerful wu-jens (or other wizards). As a wizard you may replace your 14th level arcane tradition feature with the following to gain a nue as a familiar. This works well with the animal companion feat.

CREATE LIFE
14th level Arcane Tradition feature
Through hours of magical research and cross-breeding you have created a nue to be your familiar. It acts in every way as per the find familiar spell.


Banner Credit: In game screenshot, (c) team ninja.

Posted in 5e, Monstrous Compendium, Oriental Adventures

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