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    Kitsune 狐

    Medium fey (shapechanger, yokai), any alignment

    Armor Class 15 (natural agility)

    Hit Points 78 (12d8 + 24)

    Speed 40 ft.

    STR 10 (+0) · DEX 18 (+4) · CON 14 (+2) · INT 14 (+2) · WIS 16 (+3) · CHA 18 (+4)

    Saving Throws Dex +7, Cha +7

    Skills Deception +7, Perception +6, Persuasion +7, Stealth +7

    Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks that aren’t silvered (optional, if you want a more elusive Kitsune)

    Condition Immunities charmed

    Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 16

    Languages Common, Sylvan, Yokai Speech; telepathy 60 ft. (with willing creatures)

    Challenge 5

    Traits

    Shapechanger. The Kitsune can use its action to polymorph into a specific humanoid form (often a beautiful woman), into a fox, or back into its true hybrid fox-humanoid form. Its statistics, other than its size and speed, are the same in each form. Any gear it is wearing or carrying isn’t transformed. It reverts to its true form if it dies.

    Illusory Disguise. As a bonus action, the Kitsune can cast a disguise self at will (spell save DC 15), requiring no material components. This illusion can mask its fox ears or multiple tails when in humanoid form, making it indistinguishable from a normal person.

    Flickering Reflection. If the Kitsune’s illusion is observed in a reflective surface (such as water or a polished mirror), there is a faint flicker of its true foxlike features. Any creature that actively inspects the reflection and succeeds on a DC 15 Wisdom (Perception) check can see through its illusions until the end of their next turn.

    Innate Spellcasting. The Kitsune’s spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 15, +7 to hit with spell attacks). It can innately cast the following spells, requiring no material components:

    • At will: minor illusion (PHB p. 260), prestidigitation (PHB p. 267), thaumaturgy (PHB p. 282)

    • 3/day each: charm person (PHB p. 221), invisibility (PHB p. 254), mirror image (PHB p. 260), silent image (PHB p. 276)

    • 1/day each: mislead (PHB p. 260), suggestion (PHB p. 279)

    Some Kitsune may have different or additional spells, reflecting their unique personalities (e.g., healing spells for a benevolent Kitsune, more offensive illusions for a malicious one).

    Actions

    Multiattack. The Kitsune makes two attacks with its Foxfire or its melee weapon, or one melee attack and uses Beguiling Kiss if available.

    Foxfire. Ranged Spell Attack: +7 to hit, range 60 ft., one target.

    Hit: 13 (3d6 + 3) fire or psychic damage (Kitsune’s choice). The Kitsune conjures a fox-shaped flame or ghostly light that streaks toward the target.

    Claw (Hybrid Form). Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.

    Hit: 8 (1d6 + 4) slashing damage, plus 5 (1d8) psychic damage as the Kitsune’s illusory aura distracts the target.

    Melee Weapon Attack (Humanoid Form). For example, a Wakizashi (short sword):Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.

    Hit: 8 (1d6 + 4) piercing damage.

    Beguiling Kiss (Recharge 5 - 6). The Kitsune attempts to siphon a target’s life force. One creature within 5 feet must succeed on a DC 15 Charisma saving throw or be charmed by the Kitsune for 1 minute. While charmed in this way, the target also takes 5 (1d10) psychic damage at the start of each of its turns as the Kitsune subtly draws on its vitality. The target can repeat the save at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success.

    Reactions

    Fox’s Dodge. When the Kitsune is hit by an attack and can see the attacker, it can use its reaction to impose a disadvantage on that attack roll, possibly turning the hit into a miss. The Kitsune then can move up to 10 feet without provoking opportunity attacks.

    Behavior & Tactics

    Kitsune generally uses illusions and charm effects first, resorting to Foxfire and claws only when threatened or angered.

    In a fight, they may cast mirror images (PHB p. 260) to confuse foes, then use invisibility or illusions to reposition.

    If reduced to half HP or less, a Kitsune may attempt to flee, shapechanging into a small fox to escape notice or slip through tight spaces.

    Lore

    Intelligent, shape-shifting spirits, known for both benevolent and trickster behavior.

    Kitsune are enigmatic beings known to take on many roles: protectors, lovers, cunning tricksters, and even vengeful foes. Their personality often hinges on age, power, or mood. In folklore, they are frequently depicted as shapeshifting foxes with mastery over illusions.

    In their natural form, kitsune appear to be ordinary foxes—albeit with notable traits. White or golden-furred kitsune are especially famous; their abilities grow with age, and they gain additional tails over time. In some traditions, the older the kitsune, the more potent its magic. Ancient Japanese chronicles even recount nine-tailed foxes endowed with extraordinary wisdom and supernatural power. While masquerading as humans, a kitsune might accidentally reveal a fox ear, a tail, or a strange voice. One could also unmask a kitsune by its shadow, which stays foxshaped, or by its reflection in a mirror or a body of water.

    From Yokai Bestiary 5E, p. 24 · Fern Flower Press