Naizu-ha

Small fey (kami), neutral evil

Armor Class 17 (natural armor)
Hit Points 117 (18d6 + 54)
Speed 30 ft.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
17 (+3)	15 (+2)	17 (+3)	13 (+1)	11 (+0)	13 (+1)

Skills Stealth +5
Condition Immunities blinded, grappled
Senses passive Perception 10
Languages Common, Sylvan
Challenge 6 (2,300 XP)

Special Traits

• Blunting Ambiance. Each creature that deals piercing or slashing damage with a bladed weapon while within 30 feet of the naizu-ha must roll the damage twice and take the lower result.
• Dagger Form (1/Day). As a bonus action, the naizu-ha transforms into a magical dagger. A creature that wields the naizu-ha while it is in this form gains +1 bonus to attack and damage rolls with the dagger, and attacks with the dagger score a critical hit on a roll of 19 or 20. In addition, the wielder can’t take the Disengage action unless it succeeds on a DC 12 Wisdom saving throw.
• Spider Climb. The naizu-ha can climb difficult surfaces, including upside down on ceilings, without needing to make an ability check.
• Tripping Charge. If the naizu-ha moves at least 15 feet straight toward a creature and then hits it with a scythe tail attack on the same turn, that target must succeed on a DC 14 Dexterity saving throw or be forced prone. If the target is prone, the naizu-ha can make one dagger legs attack against it as a bonus action.

Actions

• Multiattack. The naizu-ha makes three attacks: two with its scissor claws and one with its scythe tail. If both scissor claws attacks hit the same target, the target must succeed on a DC 14 Dexterity saving throw or take an extra 7 (2d6) slashing damage.
• Scissor Claws. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (2d6 + 3) slashing damage.
• Scythe Tail. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 12 (2d8 + 3) slashing damage.
• Dagger Legs. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one prone creature. Hit: 8 (2d4 + 3) piercing damage.

About

An old fable suggests every blade that has been used to kill is actually a naizu-ha in its native form. This is untrue, but the naizu-ha enjoy the myth and perpetuate it whenever possible.

Daggers Personified. The naizu-ha are the act of violence perpetrated by small blades given form. Dealings with naizu-ha are fraught with danger. Initially presumed to be good allies in battle, it was quickly discovered that they couldn’t be controlled in a pitched combat and eagerly lashed out at anything that came into reach. Most often, naizu-ha are summoned to assassinate specific targets.

Impartial Betrayers. A naizu-ha has no loyalty to anything but its own desire for blood and pain. If dispatched to kill someone, a naizu-ha can be coerced to switch sides with a promise that their new task will involve more violence than the current job does. They have no patience for subtle work or trickery that involves more than a quick feint. A favorite tactic of naizu-ha is to fulfill a contract, collect whatever payment has been agreed upon, and immediately murder the initial contractor.

Bloody Biers. To summon a naizu-ha, the blood of no fewer than three humanoids must be splashed on a stand forged of fused blades. If the petitioner uses their own blood in the ceremony, they have advantage on any ability checks they make to treat with the naizu-ha.

Immortal Spirit Nature. The kami doesn’t require food, drink, or sleep.