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    Obariyon おばりよん

    Small fey (yokai), chaotic neutral

    Armor Class 15 (natural armor)

    Hit Points 85 (10d8 + 40)

    Speed 30 ft., climb 20 ft.

    STR 18 (+4) · DEX 14 (+2) · CON 18 (+4) · INT 10 (+0) · WIS 12 (+1) · CHA 8 (−1)

    Saving Throws Str +7, Con +7

    Skills Athletics +7, Stealth +5

    Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks that aren’t silvered Senses darkvision: 60 ft., passive Perception 11

    Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 11

    Languages Yokai Speech, understands Common (or regional dialect) but usually speaks only in short demands

    Challenge 5

    Traits

    Ambusher. In forested terrain or low light, the Obariyon has advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks and initiative rolls.

    Strange Reward (1/Day). If the Obariyon is successfully carried by a character at least 100 feet (cumulatively), there is a 50% chance it leaves behind a small pouch of coins when it departs. This pouch is worth 200-400 gp (GM’s choice). On a roll of 16-20 on 1d20, it instead leaves a mysterious cursed object (GM’s discretion).

    Actions

    Multiattack. The Obariyon makes two attacks with its Claw or one Claw attack and uses Gnawing Bite if it is latched onto a target.

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

    Hit: 9 (1d8 + 5) slashing damage.

    Leap & Latch. The Obariyon jumps onto the back of a creature within 5 feet that it can see. The target must succeed on a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw or become latched. While latched:

    • The target is grappled (escape DC 15), and the Obariyon moves with the target.

    • Each turn the target begins while latched, the Obariyon grows heavier. The target’s speed is reduced by 10 feet (cumulatively), to a minimum speed of 0.

    • If the target’s speed reaches 0 this way, the target is knocked prone, and the Obariyon deals 10 (3d6) bludgeoning damage plus 10 (3d6) psychic damage as it revels in the target’s collapse.

    A latched Obariyon can be dislodged by a successful grapple escape (DC 16) or by knocking it unconscious.

    Gnawing Bite (Latched Only). Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 0 ft., one target.

    Hit: 14 (2d8 + 5) piercing damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or have disadvantage on Strength and Dexterity checks until the end of its next turn.

    Reactions

    Sudden Shift. When a creature attempts to shove or grapple the Obariyon while it’s latched, the Obariyon can use its reaction to shift position. The Obariyon makes a Dexterity (Acrobatics) check against the creature’s Strength (Athletics) or Dexterity (Acrobatics). On a success, the Obariyon avoids being dislodged and forces the creature to repeat the saving throw against Leap & Latch (see above), potentially re-latching in a new position.

    Behavior & Lore

    The Obariyon hides along remote woodland paths, pouncing with a gleeful cry of “Obariyon!”

    Once latched, it steadily increases its weight, seeking to topple or exhaust its victim.

    Some tales claim it leaves gold for those who endure the ordeal; others insist it bites at the bearer’s head.

    If confronted or outmatched, the Obariyon may flee, scampering up a tree or bounding away through dense undergrowth—often cackling as it vanishes.

    Lore

    Childlike spirit clinging to a victim’s back, growing heavier until acknowledged.

    Obariyon is an unusual yokai said to lurk deep within the forests, lying in wait along remote woodland trails for unwary travelers. Without warning, it leaps onto a person’s back, joyfully shouting, “Obariyon!”—often interpreted as “Carry me on your shoulders!”

    Descriptions of this creature vary. Some claim it looks like an oversized child, while others say it resembles a rounded mass with arms and legs but no facial features. Because it typically attacks in darkness, few get a clear view of whatever has latched onto them. When Obariyon cries out its call, it clings to the traveler’s back and starts growing heavier and heavier with every step. In many tales, the victim inevitably topples under its weight. However, some stories mention a more generous outcome—upon recovering, a traveler finds a pouch of clinking coins left as “payment” for the ride, if it can be called that. Other versions describe a less pleasant custom, where the yokai bites into the unfortunate person’s head. Certainly not a memory anyone would cherish.

    From Yokai Bestiary 5E, p. 66 · Fern Flower Press