Hengeyokai
THESE SPIRITS ENCOMPASS EVERY KIND OF supernatural creature; from malign to monstrous, demonic to divine, and everything in between. Most of them seem strange and scary — even evil — from a human perspective. Normally, we keep to our world and they keep to theirs. However, there are times and places where the boundaries between the worlds thin, and crossing over is possible.
Hengeyokai — also known as henge — are shapeshifting animal spirits, capable of changing between humanoid and animal forms as naturally as they breathe. Although some see them as nothing more than trickster spirits, their diversity is as great as the number of species on the world.
Animal Souls
While hengeyokai are able to assume any humanoid form they want, their bestial nature always shines through. Dog henges usually retain their love for playing, and cat henges still have their hunter instinct.
Their animal origins also show in their humanoid appearance, even if they try to hide it. A fox tail may be present, or its face might have markings reminiscent of a raccoon dog. These details can be difficult to deal with for
Independent From People
Hengeyokai are animals that have transcendend earthly limitations, being now considered nature spirits. While that doesn't make them all immortal, it's common for henge to grow to despise mortal animals and people, or at least to not like being around them. This can come from being hunted or mistreated by them, or from a natural rivalry — such as with cats and dogs. Whatever the reason, this usually results in a solitary life and a strong sense of independence.
However, there are cases where the opposite happens and the hengeyokai becomes curious or attached to animals and people, either because they're a sociable animal or because of being well-treated by them. Nevertheless, these henge may stay in animal form with their favorite person or pack, or even protect a small community using their inherent magical power.
Hengeyokai Names
Since they don't generally have a good grasp on human concepts such as names, hengeyokai tend to receive their names from other people, sometimes even before they
became a spirit. If the henge and the person, or persons, who gave the name are particularly close, the spirit may consider them their owner, creating a bond closer than family. This happens more often with cats, dogs and other animal kept as pets.
In general, the names of hengeyokai are short and simple, and based on one of their traits. For example, a white fur henge may be known as Yuki (meaning snow).
Hengeyokai Names: Akari, Aki, Aoi, Azuki, Hanako, Haruki, Matcha, Mei, Momo, Nami, Pochi, Sakura, Sora, Tadeo, Umi, Yoshi, Yuki.
Hengeyokai Traits
Hengeyokai characters gain the following traits as part of their spiritual heritage.
Ability Score Increase. Your Charisma score increases
by 1.
Age. It is said that hengeyokai are born from animals who have lived for more than 100 years, at which point they are considered mature and gain the ability to transform. Hengeyokai have very long lifespans, being able to live up
to 1000 years.
Alignment. Most henge are chaotic, prefering an independent lifestyle instead of following the laws of
society. Carp, dog and sparrow henge tend to be good, helping the honest and just. Cat, fox and raccoon dog
henges tend to be evil, serving their selfish needs before others'.
Size. In your humanoid form, you are Medium or Small (your choice).
Speed. Your base walking speed in humanoid form is
30 feet.
Darkvision. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of
you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were
dim light. You can't discern color in darkness, only shades
of gray.
Spirit Form. You have both a humanoid form and an animal form. Your humanoid form may be any Medium
or Small humanoid, with certain details of your animal
form, such as dog ears. As an action, you can transform
into your animal form. This transformation follows the
same rules as the druid's Wild Shape, except for the following:
- You can only transform in one animal using Spirit
Form, which depends on your subrace, and it can have swimming or flying speed. - There is no limit on the duration or uses of the transformation.
- You are able to speak your known languages while in animal form.
- Your creature type is Fey, rather than Beast, while in animal form.
- Your retain your Constitution score in your animal
form, as you would your Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma. - Your hit points remain the same regardless of your form.
- If reduced to 0 hit points in animal form you do not revert to humanoid form, you simply start dying.
Additionaly, you can speak with animals of the same type
of your animal form, as if under the effects of the Speak with Animals spell, and you can do so in both your humanoid and animal forms.
You can also modify your humanoid form to have characteristics of your animal form, such as ears, tail, and claws, or even becoming an anthropomorphic animal.
Cantrip. You know one cantrip of your choice from the Wizard spell list. Charisma is your spellcasting ability for it.
Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common and one other language of your choice.
Subrace. There are six main subraces of hengeyokai, each based on a different animal: carps, cats, dogs, foxes, raccoon dogs, and sparrows. However, those are far from the only hengeyokai that exist, so feel free to change these to suit your needs.
Carp Henge (Koi)
A proud and hardy fish, the koi are easily recognized by their colors, but that also makes them easier for predators to spot, forcing them to face more danger. However, when a koi is able to become a hengeyokai, its resilience is rewarded with great power. Legends even say some dragons are descended from koi henge.
Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity and Constitution scores each increase by 1.
Perseverance. You gain proficiency in the Athletics and Survival skills.
Carp Spirit. When you use Spirit Form, you transform into a carp. Additionaly, in your human form, you have a swim speed equal to your base speed, and can breathe above and underwater normally.
Cat Henge (Neko)
Cunning and vicious, neko are not to be messed with. Many have fallen victim to their own cats who, unbeknownst to them, had become a vengeful hengeyokai. However, neko also remember those who treated them well, and will do what they can to enect vengeance upon whoever hurts their beloved owners.
Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity score increases by 2.
Sneaky and Flexible. You gain proficiency in the Acrobatics and Stealth skills.
Cat Spirit. When you use Spirit Form, you transform into a cat.
Dog Henge (Inu)
The most loyal of all henge and the most liked by people. Inu have strong bodies and can intuitively know the feelings of others, making them incredible combat partners, or just really good friends.
Ability Score Increase. Your Strength score increases by 2.
Man's Best Friend. You gain proficiency in the Athletics and Insight skills.
Dog Spirit. When you use Spirit Form, you transform into a dog.
Fox Henge (Kitsune)
Known for their trickery, these fox spirits are the most widely recognized henge, though not always for good reasons. Evil kitsune have been known to deceive others with attractive forms to steal their gold, while more neutral kitsune usually only play pranks and pester commoners. Either way, it's always best to just avoid them when possible.
Ability Score Increase. Your Charisma score increases by an additional 1 (for a total of 2), and your Dexterity score increases by 1.
Trickster. You gain proficiency in the Deception and Persuasion skills.
Fox Spirit. When you use Spirit Form, you transform into a fox.
Raccoon Dog Henge (Tanuki)
Greedy spirits moved not by their hearts, but by their pockets. Despite their reputation as charlatans, they have an amazing way with words, knowing exactly how to get you to buy something — even if you know it's broken.
Ability Score Increase. Your Charisma score increases by an additional 1 (for a total of 2), and your Constitution score increases by 1.
Charm of a Merchant. You gain proficiency in the Insight and Persuasion skills.
Raccoon Dog Spirit. When you use Spirit Form, you transform into a raccoon dog.
Sparrow Henge (Suzume)
A small but wise bird, knowing evil when it sees it. The suzume helps those who accept their help, getting rid of pests and bringing prosperity in return; but are just as able to strike down those who want more than they need.
Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity and Wisdom scores each increase by 1.
Friend of the Honest. You gain proficiency in the Acrobatics and Insight skills.
Sparrow Spirit. When you use Spirit Form, you transform into a sparrow.
Thank you for Reading!
And thank you to the homebrewing community and The Homebrewery for all the resources that made this project possible.
Art Credit
First Page
"Danzaburou Recolor 2 - SMITE" by Ramza Ardyputra
Second Page
Fourth Page
"The Dog and the Blind Girl" by Lorenz Basuki
Inspiration Credit
"[WIP] Oriental Adventures Subrace, race, and subclass" by u/NoskcajLlahsram
"Hengeyokai - The Struggle to Create a Balanced Shapeshifter for 5e" by u/beardify