Mythic Japan: the Tengu

The tengu of Japanese legend is an odd creature.  It seems to have started out as a type of evil spirit, specifically one opposed to Buddhism.  Over the years, the priest-abducting, temple-burning bird-monster became both more humanlike and more benevolent.  Tengu became mischievous, powerful creatures not unlike kitsune fox-spirits, and eventually became protectors of Buddhism, seekers of wisdom, and master swordsmen — though they retained their weakness of pride.  It became common to ascribe to great swordsmen, such as Minamoto no Yoshitsune, tengu training.

Obviously they make a great addition to a game that features mythic Japanese elements.

The Kenku of D&D, which was introduced to fourth edition in the Monster Manual 2, is clearly based on the tengu, but its attributes have changed to reflect its place in D&D lore.  The kenku could be used to reflect the mischievous version of the tengu, but it’s a poor match for the demons, and even for the wise blademasters.

So I used stats of my own.  In 4e, they look like this:

TENGU

Reclusive sword-sages, seekers and teachers of wisdom, fierce and proud.

RACIAL TRAITS

Average Height: 5′6″ – 6′2″
Average Weight: 115 – 170 lbs.

Ability Scores: +2 Strength, +2 Wisdom
Size: Medium
Speed: 6 squares
Vision: Low-Light
Languages: Common, choice of one other
Skill Bonuses: +2 Perception, +2 Religion

Crow’s Wings: When you make an Athletics check to jump, you gain a +5 racial bonus to your check, and you are always treated as having a running start.

Iaijutsu Mastery: You gain Quick Draw as a bonus feat, even if you do not meet the prerequisite.

Pride of the Tengu: You gain the Pride of the Tengu encounter power.

Tengu Weapon Proficiency: You gain proficiency with longswords and short swords.

Pride of the Tengu
Your pride demands retribution against those who would dare to strike you.
Encounter
Immediate Reaction * Personal
Trigger: A creature hits you with an attack.
Effect: Make a melee or ranged basic attack against the triggering creature.

Physical Qualities

Tengu are humanlike beings with reddish faces, often featuring round cheeks and long, beak-like noses.  They possess black-feathered wings, which they sometimes conceal beneath a robe or cloak.  Their bones, though very strong, are hollow in the avian manner, which makes them significantly lighter than a human of equivalent size would be.  Tengu usually have dark hair, which grows grey or white with age, and many of the males sport beards and mustaches.  Tengu age a little more slowly than humans, but they can live much longer — tengu have been known to live for upwards of 300 years.  They remain vigorous even in old age.

Playing a Tengu

Tengu are mysterious and often reclusive.  Many are content to live in near-solitude in distant places; it is not unusual to find tengu watching over small mountain shrines.  Younger tengu, who are more impulsive, are the most likely to be drawn to adventure.  Tengu adventurers tend to be motivated by a search for lost knowledge or by the opportunity to hone their skills with a blade, rather than by material wealth — although they are also very curious, and they have an appreciation for beautiful and well-crafted objects, especially swords.  Tengu expect much of themselves and their companions, and often are prone to treating those they meet as lessers until they have proven themselves.  However, they feel a strong sympathy toward children and the helpless, and their loyalty, once gained, is unwavering.  Despite their own pride, many tengu see it as an obligation to punish pride in others, particularly in those priests and monks whose doctrine includes humility.

Tengu favor the barbarian, fighter, ranger, warden, and warlord classes.

Tengu Characteristics: Curious, cynical, detached, enigmatic, honor-bound, impulsive, loyal, perfectionist, proud, stern, stout-hearted

TENGU RACIAL FEATS

Heroic Tier

Powerful Pride
Prerequisite: Tengu
Benefit: When you use your Pride of the Tengu power and hit with your attack, you can add your Wisdom modifier to the damage you inflict.

Tengu Blademaster
Prerequisite: Tengu
Benefit: You gain proficiency and a +2 feat bonus to damage with all heavy blades.

Paragon Tier

Enduring Pride
Prerequisite: Tengu
Benefit: When you use your Pride of the Tengu power and miss with your attack, you do not expend the power.

Tengu Swiftness
Prerequisite: Tengu
Benefit: Your move increases by one square.

Epic Tier

Justified Pride
Prerequisite: Tengu
Benefit: When you use your Pride of the Tengu power, you may use an at-will attack power instead of making a basic attack.

Soaring Wings
Prerequisite: Tengu
Benefit: You can fly your speed as a move action.  If you do not end your move on a surface, you fall.  If you make a double move, you need not land between the moves.

Related posts:

1. Fox Magic: Arcane Feats
2. Fox Magic: Feats
3. Fox Magic: Martial Feats
4. Fox Magic: Kitsune
5. Fox Magic: Allies and Adversaries

Tags: 4e d&d, feats, Galadria, gamemastering, races
Categories: Mythic Japan, Original Game Content | Comments (0)