BIWA BOKUBOKU
Lore
Far in the depths of Japanese lore, there exist yokai that take the form of aged musical instruments. After a century of silent service, they awaken with personalities all their own. Forget harmless spirits nibbling on rice cakes in a remote woodland—these musicians command the power of sound. Their “revenge,” you ask? Imagine your biwa suddenly striking up a jaunty tune at three in the morning—all without your involvement. And then decide for yourself whether neglecting your musical instrument is worth the risk.
Small fey (construct, tsukumogami), neutral
Stat block
Armor Class
12 (natural armor)
Hit Points
22 (5d6 + 5)
Speed
20 ft., hover 20 ft. (it drifts or “walks” like a minstrel)
Saving Throws
—
Skills
Performance +7, Deception +5, Insight +4
Damage Resistances
bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks
Damage Immunities
—
Condition Immunities
exhaustion (the living lute neither tires nor sleeps)
Senses
darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 12
Languages
understands Yokai Speech, Common (or local dialect) and can produce musical “speech” through chord progressions but cannot speak words
Challenge
1
