In-o 인어

Medium humanoid (in-o), neutral

Armor Class 13 (tough hide)

Hit Points 38 (7d8 + 7)

Speed 30 ft., swim 40 ft.

STR 12 (+1) · DEX 14 (+2) · CON 12 (+1) · INT 12 (+1) · WIS 14 (+2) · CHA 15 (+2)

Saving Throws Dex +4, Wis +4

Skills Medicine +4, Perception +4, Performance (Weaving) +4

Damage Vulnerabilities radiant (sun-sensitive skin)

Damage Resistances cold

Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 14

Languages Aquan, Common, Sylvan

Challenge 1/2 (100 XP)

Traits

Amphibious. The in-o can breathe air and water.

Sunlight Sensitivity. While in direct sunlight, the in-o has disadvantage on attack rolls and on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight.

Water Camouflage. The in-o has advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks made while submerged.

White Tears (Healing). The in-o’s pearly tears hold curative power. As an action, it can touch a creature (including itself) and restore 9 (2d8) hit points. After using this trait, the in-o must finish a short or long rest before it can do so again.

Instinct to Flee. The in-o has advantage on saving throws against being frightened. In addition, when a creature the in-o can see targets it with an attack, the in-o can move up to half its speed without provoking opportunity attacks as a reaction.

Actions

Spear. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 2) piercing damage, or 7 (1d8 + 2) piercing damage if wielded with two hands.

Water Jet (Recharge 6). The in-o exhales a blast of water in a 15-foot line that is 5 feet wide. Each creature in the line must succeed on a DC 12 Strength saving throw or take 7 (2d6) bludgeoning damage and be pushed up to 10 feet away from the in-o. On a successful save, a creature takes half the damage and isn’t pushed.

Bonus Actions

Nimble Dive. While the in-o is within 5 feet of a body of water large enough to contain it, it can dive into that water, moving up to its swim speed.

Lore

Water-dwelling beings with yellowish, prominent eyes, pronounced ears, a yellow beard, and black hair;

In-o (인어) is the name of a water-dwelling creature from Korean folklore. These beings are fully humanoid, with several distinctive traits, and look nothing like European mermaids. Descriptions say they have a high bridge to the nose and yellow-tinged eyes, pronounced outer ears, a yellow beard, and black hair—often compared to a horse’s tail. Their skin is pale red with patches as white as pearl, the result of spending most of their lives in the water. Unlike many aquatic creatures, they have no scales. One unique feature: their tears are said to be white. As they age, a black pattern appears on their backs.

The myths of the In-o are deeply rooted in coastal culture and tied to real geographic locations, giving the stories special weight. Legends place them near specific seaside regions and islands such as Heuksando, Jangbongdo, Geomundo, and Dochodo. In-o are said to live in both fresh and salt water. One tale tells of an In-o healing its wounds by jumping into a village well. No reliable story explains how long an In-o can remain on land; daytime sightings are absent. Most accounts suggest they avoid sunlight because of their sensitive skin and venture ashore only at night, returning to the water after roughly three hours.

From Korean Bestiary 5E, p. 68 · Fern Flower Press