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bakeneko

A few more monster conversion from the 3rd edition Creatures of Rokugan Oriental Adventures supplement.


BAKENEKO

Medium fey (yokai), chaotic good
Armor Class 11
Hit Points 22 (5d8)
Speed 30 ft., climb 30 ft.
STR      DEX     CON     INT     WIS     CHA
10 (+0) 12 (+1) 11 (+0) 14 (+2) 15 (+2) 19 (+4)
Skills Deception +6, Iaijutsu +4, Perception +4, Stealth +5
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 14
Languages Common, Spirit Tongue
Challenge 1 (200 XP)

Shapechanger. The bakeneko can use its action to polymorph into a humanoid,  its true form, which is a Small cat. It can also take the form of a Large, impressive looking feline with stone skin, a flowing mane, and articulate hands. This form is identical to its normal form, except it cannot use its alter self ability and gains a fly speed of 20 feet. Finally, it can assume the form of any Small or Medium-size Beast or Humanoid. Otherwise, its statistics, other than its size, are the same in each form. Any equipment it is wearing or carrying isn’t transformed. It reverts to its true form if it dies.

Magic Resistance. The bakeneko has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.

Speak with Cats. The bakeneko can communicate with felines as if they shared a language.

Actions

Katana. Melee Weapon Attack: +2 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d8) slashing damage. If the bakeneko moves first during combat or surprises its opponent it does 9 (2d8) or 13 (3d8) slashing damage respectively.

DESCRIPTION

These capricious cat spirits are natives of an area common to Sakkaku, the Realm of Tricksters, and Chikushudo, the Realm of Animals. They are fascinated by humans and their strange ways, particularly that most somber and stern of individuals: the duelists. The bakeneko, like their ancient rivals the kenku, enjoy seeking out and testing the skills of duelists, often playing humiliating tricks and pranks to prove to the human that life is not as serious as they would believe.

In their natural form, bakeneko appear as large domestic cats. Astute observers would note the cat’s strange intensity, however, as the bakeneko are constantly following humans and watching them with great curiosity. If a human proves himself to be interesting enough, the bakeneko will begin playing small pranks on him with its shape-changing abilities. In human form, the bakeneko are usually small in stature, very attractive, and athletic.

Bakeneko rarely take anything seriously, and combat is no exception. They will attempt to use their abilities to distract and disorient their opponents. If seriously threatened, they escape at the first available opportunity

 


Banner Credit: “[PKMNation] What a Mesmerizing Family” by mewhaku.

 

 

Posted in 5e, Dungeons & Dragons, Monstrous Compendium, Oriental Adventures

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