Nobiagari のびあがり

Medium or Large undead (yokai, incorporeal), unaligned

Hit Points — (cannot be harmed by normal attacks)

Speed 10 ft. (hover 0 ft. while rising/shrinking in place)

INT 8 (−1) · WIS 10 (+0) · CHA 8 (−1)

Skills Stealth +5

Damage Immunities all damage

Condition Immunities all conditions (except banished by specific means)

Senses darkvision 60 ft. (only in dim light or darkness), Common (or local dialect) but does not speak, passive Perception 10

Languages understands Common (or local dialect) but does not speak

Challenge —

Traits

Incorporeal Nature. Nobiagari is an ephemeral shadow with no physical form. It cannot be harmed by weapon attacks, spells, or any damage source—no HP or AC are applicable. Likewise, it cannot harm creatures with attacks or spells. It phases through objects and occupies the same space as creatures freely.

Expanding Shadow. As an action, Nobiagari can shift its size from shadow). It can loom overhead or shrink to insignificance, typically to startle or confuse onlookers. This intangible growth exerts no physical force and causes no direct harm.

Actions

Mischief & Tripping. While Nobiagari can’t deal damage, it can perform illusions of “expanding height” or surprising silhouette. A creature studying or craning its neck to follow Nobiagari’s size changes must make a DC 12 Dexterity saving throw if it tries to keep eyes locked upward on the growing shadow. On a failed save, the creature loses balance and falls prone, taking no damage but possibly feeling foolish or alarmed.

Banishment by Perception. If a creature intentionally gazes downward at Nobiagari’s “feet” (or base) for a full round (no other actions) and asserts something like “I am taller than you!” or “I look down on you!”, Nobiagari becomes flustered. It shrinks to nothingness and vanishes, ending the encounter. Alternatively, a Remove Curse (PHB, p. 271), Dispel Evil (PHB, p. 233), (PHB p. 246) and Good, or Greater Restoration spell cast at the location also disperses Nobiagari.

Behavior & Lore

Nobiagari emerges on a lonely road at night, appearing as a stretching silhouette behind a traveler. It grows unnervingly tall when noticed, but never attacks.

This yokai obtains amusement from scaring travelers. Beyond causing minor mishaps, it does nothing harmful.

Lore

Phantom ghost that grows taller when approached, startling onlookers in the dark.

Little is known with certainty about Nobiagari, a mysterious yokai that appears from nowhere and vanishes without a trace. It does not manifest in physical form so much as materialize as a shadow, featureless and unremarkable. Its sole purpose seems to be startling lone travelers on deserted roads at twilight.

Stories describe Nobiagari as a living silhouette that rises from the ground and follows its chosen victim. One of its favorite pranks is simple yet unnerving: if the traveler doesn’t flee, it slowly begins to grow taller and taller.

From Yokai Bestiary 5E, p. 114 · Fern Flower Press