Homebrew Baku Species Details

The baku is a strange holy beast that has the body of a bear, the head of an elephant, the eyes of a rhinoceros, the tail of an ox, and the legs of a tiger. Despite their monstrous appearance, baku are revered as powerful forces of good, and as one of the holy protectors of mankind.

Dream Eaters

Baku watch over humans and act as a guardian spirits. They feed on the dreams of humans – specifically bad dreams. Evil spirits and demons fear baku and flee from them, avoiding areas inhabited by them. Therefore, health and good luck follow a baku wherever it goes.

Honorable Luck

The baku’s written name and image have been used as symbols of good luck in talismans and charms throughout Japanese history. In the old days it was even common to embroider the kanji for baku onto pillows in order to keep bad dreams, sickness, and evil spirits away. Fearsome baku images are commonly carved into the pillars above temple doors and on the columns supporting temple roofs. It is one of only a handful of holy creatures frequently honored in this manner.

God's Creation

Legend has it that when the world was new and the gods were making the animals, the baku was put together from the leftover bits and pieces at the end of creation. That is why it has such a bizarre appearance, and why it is considered a favorite of the gods.

Common Misconception: People confuse baku with tapirs, for they have a somewhat similar appearance. Please note that tapirs have no dream-eating or good luck properties, only baku do.

 

Baku Traits

The head of an elephant, the body of a bear, the eyes of a rhinoceros, the tail of an ox, and the legs of a tiger.

Baku's Charm

INT -1
DEX -1
WIS +1
CHA +1

Consume Dream

If an opposing enemy is asleep, you can use this ability to gain a dream from that enemy. You can hold up to 2 dreams at a time. Eating a dream wakes the target up and deals 3 hit points.

Digest Dream

If a dream is consumed, you can choose to fully digest the dream to produce a cloud below them, which will grant the ability to fly at a speed of 45ft for 15 minutes. This will also remove one consumed dream.