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Kitsune

Small · Fey · CR 2 · Chaotic Neutral

Source. Creature Codex

49 (14d6)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

-1

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Small

Type Fey

Alignment Chaotic Neutral

XP 450

Initiative Bonus +2

Movement

Walk 30 ft (9.1 m)

Swim 15 ft (4.6 m)

Climb 15 ft (4.6 m)

Crawl 15 ft (4.6 m)

Senses

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 14

Skills

Perception +4

Languages

Common, Sylvan

Traits

Innate Spellcasting

The kitsune's innate spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 12, +4 to hit with spell attacks). The kitsune can innately cast the following spells, requiring no material components:
At will: detect thoughts, fire bolt (2d10), invisibility (self only), major image
2/day each: disguise self, fear, tongues
1/day each: confusion, fly

Shapechanger

The kitsune can use its action to polymorph into a Small or Medium humanoid, or back into its true form. The kitsune's tails remain, however, and its humanoid form often has a fine coat of fur the same color as the kitsune. Its statistics, other than its size, are the same in each form. Any equipment it is wearing or carrying isn't transformed. It reverts to its true form if it dies.

Actions

Attack

+4 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d4 + 2) piercing damage.

Bite

+4 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d4+2 piercing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (2d4 + 2) piercing damage.

Multiattack

In humanoid form, the kitsune makes one rapier attack and one dagger attack. In fox form, it makes two bite attacks.

Rapier

+4 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d8+2 piercing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d8 + 2) piercing damage. Dagger (Humanoid Form Only). Melee or Ranged Weapon

About Kitsune

Kitsune is a small fey with a Challenge Rating of 2. It has a chaotic neutral alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 12 and possesses 49 hit points (derived from 14d6).

Kitsune has communication capabilities including Common, Sylvan. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Kitsune

2 tips available

When using Kitsune in your D&D 5e campaign, consider these tactical approaches:

Flight Control Strategy: Target flying creatures with spells like 'Hold Person', 'Web', or 'Grease' to ground them. Without flight restriction, they can escape melee range easily. Consider area denial spells below their flight altitude to force them into disadvantageous positions.
Shapechanging Tactics: This creature can change form, potentially gaining new abilities or escaping. Use 'True Seeing' or abilities that reveal true form. Consider finishing blows before it transforms.

Player Guide: Facing Kitsune

2 strategies available

When your party encounters this creature, keep these strategies in mind:

Counter Flight Advantage: This creature can fly! Use ranged attacks, reach weapons, or spells like 'Thunderwave' to push it away. Consider 'Gust of Wind' or 'Earthbind' to ground it. Melee characters need fly speed or flight magic to engage.
Counter Shapechanging: This creature can change form! Use 'True Seeing' to see its true form. Finish it quickly before it transforms. 'Dispel Magic' might prevent transformation.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 2.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 4 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 600 XP
Hard: 900 XP
Deadly: 1,200 XP

Based on D&D 5e Dungeon Master's Guide encounter building guidelines. CR roughly equals party level for medium encounters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the challenge rating of Kitsune?: Kitsune has a Challenge Rating of 2, making it appropriate for parties of level 2.0.
What type of creature is Kitsune?: Kitsune is a Small Fey, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Kitsune speak?: Kitsune can communicate in Common, Sylvan.