Tofu-Kozo 豆腐小僧
Small fey (yokai), chaotic neutral
Armor Class 14 (natural armor)
Hit Points 52 (8d6 + 16)
Speed 30 ft.
STR 8 (−1) · DEX 16 (+3) · CON 14 (+2) · INT 10 (+0) · WIS 12 (+1) · CHA 16 (+3)
Skills Deception +5, Perception +3, Persuasion +5, Stealth +5
Damage Resistances poison, immune to disease
Condition Immunities charmed (while carrying tofu), poisoned
Senses darkvision 40 ft., passive Perception 13
Languages Yokai Speech, Common, Sylvan
Challenge 4
Traits
Innocent Visage. While wearing his wide-brimmed straw hat, Tofu-Kozo appears as a harmless child at first glance. Creatures have disadvantage on Wisdom (Insight) checks made to discern his true nature unless they see his clawed feet or he performs an overtly hostile act.
Tempting Tofu. If a creature willingly accepts tofu from Tofu-Kozo and eats it, it must make a DC 14 Constitution saving throw.
On a success, nothing happens (the tofu is harmless).
On a failure, the creature contracts a magical fungal disease. Until cured, the creature’s skin begins to develop foul-smelling patches. In addition:
The creature has disadvantage on Charisma (Persuasion) and Charisma (Deception) checks due to the unsettling appearance and odor.
At the end of each long rest, the infected creature takes 3 (1d6) necrotic damage if it fails a DC 14 Constitution saving throw. This damage does not reduce the creature’s hit point maximum. A successful save ends the disease entirely.
Magic Resistance (Optional). If you wish to make Tofu-Kozo more formidable, you can grant him Magic Resistance: Tofu-Kozo has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.
Actions
Multiattack. Tofu-Kozo makes two Claw attacks, or one Claw attack and uses Offer Tofu if available.
Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 7 (1d6 + 3) slashing damage plus 3 (1d6) poison damage. On a hit, if the target is a creature, it must succeed on a DC 13 Constitution saving throw or be poisoned until the end of its next turn.
Offer Tofu (Recharge 4 - 6). Tofu-Kozo brandishes a plate of tofu adorned with a bright maple leaf, attempting to entice one creature within 5 feet. The target must make a DC 14 Wisdom saving throw.
On a failed save, the target is charmed by Tofu-Kozo until the start of Tofu-Kozo’s next turn. While charmed, the target feels an overwhelming urge to sample the tofu if offered again (triggering Tempting Tofu).
On a successful save, the creature is immune to Offer Tofu from Tofu-Kozo for 24 hours.
Bonus Actions
Nimble Retreat. Tofu-Kozo can take the Disengage or Hide action.
Reactions
Childlike Evasion (1/Day). When Tofu-Kozo is hit by an attack roll and can see the attacker, he reduces the damage of that attack to 0. He swiftly ducks or spins aside, the hit grazing only his straw hat.
Roleplaying & Behavior
Tofu-Kozo isn’t typically out for blood—he prefers to offer tofu to unsuspecting passersby. If refused, he rarely becomes violently aggressive; he may just pout or move on.
His greatest danger lies in the magical disease spread by his tofu, which can create panic in towns plagued by bizarre fungal outbreaks.
Tofu-Kozo often flees if he encounters strong resistance, using Nimble Retreat and stealth. He sees direct combat as a last resort.
Removing the fungal infection requires either a lesser restoration, a remove curse, or a successful series of Constitution saves as outlined in Tempting Tofu.
Lore
Childlike spirit carrying tofu on a tray, surprising nighttime travelers.
Known as the “tofu boy,” Tofu-Kodzo is a yokai whose name translates to “child carrying tofu.” Outwardly, he resembles a near-normal child toting a tray with a square of tofu. Ancient records describe him as a small boy in traditional attire (often a simple-patterned kimono), vaguely reminiscent of a youthful Buddhist monk - thanks in part to the widebrimmed straw hat often worn by komuso (wandering monks). Yet a few details betray his inhuman nature: an oversized head, usually concealed beneath his hat, sharp claws on his hands and feet, and occasionally a long tongue. His eyes may appear oddly vacant or glassy, and in some stories, his skin is mottled with suspicious patches, implying a connection to disease.
Tofu-Kodzo is frequently said to appear at night in rainy weather—though that’s hardly a rule, and he can show up at other times as well. Typically, he’s spotted carrying a plate on which rests a piece of tofu adorned with a scarlet momiji (Japanese maple) leaf. Tales hold that the crimson maple leaf is associated with danger and illusions, especially when appearing near yokai. It can act as a charm to amplify their magic.
From Yokai Bestiary 5E, p. 14 · Fern Flower Press