Tearai-Oni 手洗い鬼

Gargantuan giant (yokai), neutral

Armor Class 17 (natural armor)

Hit Points 275 (22d20 + 66)

Speed 40 ft.

STR 30 (+10) · DEX 8 (−1) · CON 16 (+3) · INT 6 (−2) · WIS 12 (+1) · CHA 8 (−1)

Saving Throws Str +16, Dex +4, Con +8

Skills Athletics +16, Perception +6, Survival +6

Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks (due to colossal size)

Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 16

Languages understands Yokai Speech, Giant and elemental “whispers, ” but never speaks

Challenge 13

Traits

Colossal Figure. Tearai-Oni’s Gargantuan size and immense weight make typical movements (e.g., stepping, turning, shifting arms) produce tremors and debris. Whenever Tearai-Oni uses half or more of its movement on a turn, each creature on the ground within 30 feet of the path must succeed on a DC 18 Dexterity saving throw or be knocked prone from the vibrations. Structures within 10 feet of that path may also sustain damage at the GM’s discretion.

Monumental Anatomy. Tearai-Oni can’t be grappled, pushed, or knocked prone by creatures smaller than Huge unless magic or extraordinary effects say otherwise. It automatically succeeds on Strength checks or saving throws made against attempts to forcibly move or restrain it by creatures smaller than itself.

Indifferent Nature. Tearai-Oni does not attack unless severely provoked (for example, if it takes significant damage or is targeted by repeated hostile actions). Even then, it fights sluggishly, often ignoring smaller threats as beneath its notice—until they become highly irritating or dangerous.

Actions

Multiattack (Provoked Only). Tearai-Oni makes two Casual Strike attacks. If multiple foes are harassing it, it might substitute one Casual Strike with Massive Sweep.

Casual Strike (Fist or Backhand). Melee Weapon Attack: +16 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target.

Hit: 36 (6d8 + 9) bludgeoning damage. A creature struck must succeed on a DC 18 Strength saving throw or be flung up to 20 feet away, landing prone. If the target collides with a solid obstacle, both the target and the obstacle take an additional 7 (2d6) bludgeoning damage.

Massive Sweep (Recharge 5-6). In lieu of a single attack, Tearai-Oni sweeps one mountainous arm or leg across a 20-foot cone. Each creature in that area must succeed on a DC 18 Dexterity saving throw or take 42 (12d6) bludgeoning damage and be knocked prone. On a success, a creature takes half damage and isn’t knocked prone.

Legendary Actions

Tearai-Oni isn’t truly legendary by ambition—merely colossal. However, if you want to reinforce its overwhelming power, you may grant it 1 Legendary Action at the end of another creature’s turn, choosing one of the options below:

Unsteady Ground. Tearai-Oni shifts its footing or dips a massive limb into the earth. Each creature within 10 feet of its base must make a DC 16 Dexterity saving throw or fall prone.

Brush Aside (Costs 2 Actions). Tearai-Oni casually swipes one target within 10 feet that it can see. That target must succeed on a DC 18 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone and slid up to 10 feet away from Tearai-Oni.

Tactics (If Forced into Combat)

Tearai-Oni might not realize it’s under attack until foes deal significant damage (>40 hp in a single round).

Once provoked, it uses Multiattack with Casual Strike or Massive Sweep to smash or scatter enemies.

If severely injured (reduced to half HP or lower) and able to do so, Tearai-Oni often flees, shrugging off attacks as it lumbers away. Opponents who follow risk landslides or shockwave effects.

Environmental Hazards

River Ablutions. Tearai-Oni is often found stooped at a massive river to wash its hands. When it dips its arms in the torrent or straightens its posture, minor floods or rockslides can occur:

Washing Surge. Once per round, if Tearai-Oni submerges its hands in a river, the water around that area becomes turbulent. Creatures within 20 feet of the disturbance must succeed on a DC 15 Strength saving throw or be pulled 10 feet downstream.

Cracking Cliff. If near a rocky gorge, Tearai-Oni’s shifting weight can dislodge rocks. The GM may require a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw for creatures along cliff edges, or they risk falling or taking rockfall damage.

Behavior & Lore

Tearai-Oni’s entire existence revolves around cleaning its massive hands. It visits isolated highlands or ravines with powerful rivers for the sole purpose of washing.

This yokai is indifferent to humanoids. However, a single careless gesture can crush travelers. Its presence may reshape mountain roads or cause floods if startled.

Legends describe only a handful of sightings across centuries. The giant rarely appears near populated valleys; if it does, the devastation from mere footfalls can be catastrophic.

Lore

Giant demon hand emerging from toilets, demanding cleanliness from startled users.

Legends speak of a colossal yokai whose name literally translates to “the Demon Who Washes His Hands.” Referred to as Tearai‑oni, he is sometimes linked to the mighty giant Daitaro‑bo of Japanese mythology, said to dwell in the Shikoku region. Accounts describe him as an immense figure capable of stepping over mountains more than three ri (about seven miles) tall. Some tales credit him with shaping the island’s terrain—he could cross vast distances in just a few strides.

In certain narratives, Tearai‑oni created mountain ranges by hauling enormous slabs of stone. After a long day of labor, he would wade into rivers to wash his hands, bracing his feet against the mountains on either side. Whenever he felt weary and lay down to rest, the sheer weight of his body pressed deep depressions into the earth—depressions that later filled with water to become lakes.

From Yokai Bestiary 5E, p. 82 · Fern Flower Press