Okuri-inu are traditional Japanese yokai (monsters). They take the form of dogs or wolves that harry a traveler from a distance. You’re supposed to never show weakness around them, or they will attack.

Traditionally, you thank them (from a distance) if you get to your destination to dispel them.

Okuri-Inu

Level 1 Monster

Hit Points: 9 (2d6 + 2)

Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)

Speed: 40 ft.

STR 12 +1

DEX 15 +2

CON 12 +1

INT 6 -2

WIS 12 +1

CHA 7 -2

Skills: Stealth +4, Perception +3

Damage Immunities: Piercing from nonmagical firearms

Senses: Darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 13

Languages: Understands Sylvan but cannot speak

Challenge Rating: 0.25

Experience Points: 50

Origin: Nature Yokai

Alignment: Chaotic Evil

Abilities

Yokai Ancestry: The Okuri-Inu has advantage on saving throws against being charmed, and magic can’t put it to sleep.

Pack Tactics: The Okuri-Inu has advantage on an attack roll against a creature if at least one of the Okuri-Inu’s allies is within 5 feet of the creature and the ally isn’t incapacitated.

Keen Hearing and Smell: The Okuri-Inu has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on hearing or smell.

Actions

Bite: Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 1d6 + 2 piercing damage.

Fearful Howl (Recharge 5–6): The Okuri-Inu emits a chilling howl. Each creature of its choice within 15 feet that can hear it must succeed on a DC 11 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened until the end of the Okuri-Inu’s next turn.

Legendary Actions

Shadow Slip: The Okuri-Inu moves up to half its speed without provoking opportunity attacks.

Loot

Yokai Fur: A tuft of black fur worth 5 gp, prized as an arcane component for illusion spells.

Okuri-Tooth: A single canine tooth worth 10 gp; can serve as a rare ritual component for protection charms.

---

And I really loved this artwork by Panart / Irpan, so I had to load it into RedBubble!