Table of Contents

Preface3 Disclaimer
This guide in its inception was intended to
Geography4 inspire DMs to try running D&D in an East-
The Cities of Seigai 5 Asian fantasy setting. As it has developed,
I’ve learned more about how to create worlds
History9 inspired by cultures other than my own. While
many East-Asian cultures were cross-pollinated,
Society10 I have decided instead to narrow the scope of
this guide, restricting my research to Japanese
Hierarchy12 culture only. When pooling multiple cultures
Factions12 for inspiration, it’s easy to sandpaper out any of
the nuance, and miseducate people about the
Religion15 cultures.
With all that said, the work presented in this
Races16 guide is not intended as an educational tool
about Japanese culture. Please treat every
Racial Differences 16 sentence as if it has this asterisk!
Choose a Race 16
Kitsune17
Orochi’son Dragonborn 19
Saru20
Tanuki21

Rumours22

Art Other Credits

Page numbers in brackets. Orochi’son adapted from lung dragonborn
homebrew by QuietBrowser on enworld.org.
Christina Kraus (13)
Saru race adapted from Emperor Tamarin
Dadaiany (3)
race by Mark Wasson.
Diego Gisbert Llorens (10)
Dmitry Utkin (8)
Earl-Graey (19)
Eric Belisle (21)
Geraud Soulie (11,16,23)
Giulia Carli (11)
Hax09 (4)
Kat G Birmelin (17)
Kelley McMorris (Cover)
Nele Diel (14)
Pedro Henrique (5)
Phill-Art (18) The inclusion of art in this homebrew does not indicate endorsement
from any of the artists. Please consider supporting their work!
Tatii Lange (Back Cover)
This is unofficial Fan Content permitted under the Fan Content Policy.
Tiago da Silva (20) Not approved/endorsed by Wizards. Portions of the materials used are
tippi Lim (22) property of Wizards of the Coast. ©Wizards of the Coast LLC.

2
Preface

I
t was by some great fortune that I
was offered the opportunity to board
a vessel to the typically impenetrable
land of Seigai. The voyage, though
relatively short, was fraught with peril, and I
feared for my life on multiple occasions. Upon
our arrival in Kaikaku I was quite pleased to
leave the stricken vessel behind and touch my
feet upon dry land once more; however, that
pleasure was short-lived as I at once realised my
rusty Draconic would not open as many doors
into this foreign realm as I had hoped.
It was once again fortune that came to my
aid. While sipping a delightful jasmine in a
tea shop, pondering my next move, I was
approached by a puzzling-looking creature
named Kuemo. How can I describe him?
His face was all at once soft but fierce;
two deer-like antlers extended backwards
from his skull; soft white hair flowed from his
extended snout, with two long strands forming
his moustache. I did not know it then, but I
had met my first orochi’son. In our culture
we would know them as dragonborn,
although our dragons are more scaled and
bird-like than this creature; I see him more
mammalian in feature, and with a more
pleasant countenance.
We began talking (all the while Kuemo was
incredibly patient with the language barrier),
and he took pity on my poor soul, offering to put
me up in his home until such a time as I could
manage on my own. What followed was years of
deep friendship, in which I learned everything
I could about the land. Dear reader, such
was Kuemo’s generosity that I never
once had to worry for a roof over my
head or a warm dinner to fuel my
body for long nights at the writing
desk.
The following is presented in
honour of my dear Kuemo who
was taken from me far too soon
by illness. I dearly hope it will
enrich your understanding of the
world, in knowing that it can be
expanded by such a rich wealth of
culture.

Lafcadio
p.s. Where there is a common noun with
no equivalent in Common, I have italicised it
in order to show that it is a Ryugo word.

3
 Geography
I
n the South-East quarter of the Austrel
Islands lies the realm of Seigai. The island
consists of two landmasses connected by
a narrow land-bridge, giving the island the
appearance of a dragon in-flight to our eyes, or
to the Seigai’jin it would be a gaping maw, ready
to engulf any prey that wanders too close.
The land that comprises the wing is named
Izanami’jima (shortened to Izanami). This land
is rich in minerals and dominated by agriculture;
however, as the rich farmland is highly prized,
this area sees regular conflict between the
Daimyo that often spills out into skirmishes.
Towering over Izanami, the great Mount
Kazan dominates the landscape to the East.
Once every hundred years, Mount Kazan
unleashes a terrible eruption that covers the
nation in ash.
4
The remaining portion of Seigai is known as
Izanagi’jima (shortened to Izanagi). This land is
less populated than Izanami as the challenging
terrain limits travel to the main road, which
leads travellers from the capital of Kumanokawa
at the head down to the most remote city of
Shinrin at the tail.
The mountain range known as The Spine
(Seyamanami) runs parallel to this main road,
with two traversable passages to the city of
Kanchoi’ki to the North. Izanagi receives a
large amount of yearly rainfall, giving rise to the
region’s thick jungles. These are lawless places
haunted by fey spirits.
Roads are segmented throughout the land by
military checkpoints, approximately one day’s
march apart. These checkpoints are hotspots
for trade and many of the largest cities in Seigai
were former checkpoints.
The Cities of Seigai
Seigai is separated into nine prefectures
or Ken, each ruled by a Daimyo (except for
Kumanokawa’ken). A prefecture is named after
the largest city within it. The twelve recognised
cities are as follows:
Kumanokawa (Kumanokawa’ken)
The capital city of Seigai, and the home of the
Great Azure Palace, where the Dragon Emperor
resides—in theory.
Kumanokawa is located at the “head” of
Seigai in the shade of Mount Tosaka. It is
underpopulated considering its sprawl and
renowned for its clean streets and strict policing.
Ryugu’jo
This is the underwater palace where the Dragon
Emperor Watatsumi actually resides. It is said
he remains mostly unconcerned with the affairs
of the Orochi’in on the mainland.
Gyogyo (Gyogyo’ken)
Famous for its fish markets, it is said that the
smell of Gyogyo is so strong that it keeps the
magma spirit of Mount Kazan from opening
their windows (by this the Seigai’jin mean a
volcanic eruption).
Honhoro (Honhoro’ken)
The safe harbour of Izanagi. The streets of
Honhoro are home to many deer. The Kaidan
states this is due to the evil forces in the forests
outside the city walls.
Jyujiro (Kusongu’ken)
The city of the bridge. Ironically, there is no
bridge to speak of. A prosperous market city as it
is the point of intersection of three roads.
Kaikaku (Kaikaku’ken)
Where I first arrived in Seigai, and where I
called home. Often referred to as the “Claw” due
to its location on the wing. A windy harbour city.
Kanchoi’ki (Kanchoi’ki’ken)
Many attempts have been made over the
centuries to assail the city of Kanchoi’ki,
however thanks to the limited access to the city
only via the mountain passes or across the sea,
Kanchoi’ki has never been captured.
Kusongu (Kusongu’ken)
Situated on the neck. For centuries Kusongu
was a simple historical village, however in
recent years it became a military outpost and
grew in size exponentially. The current Shogun
is the Daimyo of Kusongu’ken.
Saisai (Saisai’ken)
Unremarkable city, except it is the most reliable
and safest route into the port of Kanchoi’ki via
ferry.
Sankan (Gyogyo’ken)
The most exquisite views of the Yishan
mountain range are to be found in Sankan. How
the farmers concentrate on their labour with
such a vista I shall never know.
Sharinan (Sharinan’ken)
Regrettably, a place of much conflict. You will
stick out like a sore thumb here if you are
not one of the Azure. I would advise skipping
Sharinan entirely.
Shinrin (Shinrin’ken)
Located at the very Southern tip of Izanagi. This
city is barely a city and home to hardy folk due
to its extreme humidity and frequent tropical
storms.
Ukyoku (Sharinan’ken)
The Kaidan states that Ukyoku was founded
after a man fishing on the banks of the river
discovered a carp with a gold coin in its mouth.
It is said the source of the river is located in the
Border Ethereal.
Geography
5
 Geography
6
Geography
7
 Geography
8
History
T
here are many tales contained in the
Kaidan, which I need not repeat here.
However I include the passage below
as it is a formative tale in the history of
Seigai, and if you believe the discourse, explains
the origins of Seigai’s governing structure.
The story begins with the trickery god
Susano’o (His-Swift-Impetuous-Male-
Augustness) thrown out of heaven for tricking
Amaterasu (Heaven-Shining-Great-August-
Deity). His wandering leads him into an
encounter with Orochi, the eight-headed and
eight-tailed dragon-serpent.
[...] [His-Swift-Impetuous-Male-
Augustness] descended to a place [called]
Tori-kami at the head-waters of the River
Hi in the Land of Idzumo. At this time some
chopsticks came floating down the stream.
So His-Swift-Impetuous-Male-Augustness,
thinking that there must be people at the
head-waters of the river, went up it in
quest of them, when he came upon an old
man and an old woman, two of them, who
had a young girl between them, and were
weeping. [...] [His-Swift-Impetuous-Male-
Augustness] asked: “What is the cause of
your crying?”
[The old man answered] saying: “I
originally had eight young girls as daughters.
But the eight-forked serpent of Koshi has
come every year and devoured [one], and
it is now its time to come, wherefore we
weep.”
Then he asked him: “What is its form like?”
[The old man] answered, saying: “Its eyes
are like winter cherries, it has one body with
eight heads and eight tails. Moreover on its
body grows moss, and also chamaecyparis
and cryptomerias. Its length extends over
eight valleys and eight hills, and if one looks
at its belly, it is all constantly bloody and
inflamed.”
[...] So His-Swift-Impetuous-Male-
Augustness, at once taking and changing
the young girl into a multitudinous and
close-toothed comb which he stuck into his
august hair-bunch, said to the Deities Foot-
Stroking-Elder and Hand-Stroking-Elder: “Do
you distill some eight-fold refined liquor?
Also make a fence round about, in that fence
make eight gates, at each gate tie [together]
eight platforms, on each platform put a
liquor-vat, and into each vat pour the eight-
fold refined liquor, and wait.”
So as they waited after having thus
prepared everything in accordance with his
bidding, the eight-forked serpent came truly
as [the old man] had said, and immediately
dipped a head into each vat, and drank the
liquor. Thereupon it was intoxicated with
drinking, and all [the heads] lay down and
slept. Then His-Swift-Impetuous-Male-
Augustness drew the ten-grasp saber, that
was augustly girded on him, and cut the
serpent in pieces, so that the River Hi flowed
on, changed into a river of blood.
This passage is presented as it occurs in the
sacred texts of the Seigai people, edited for
brevity and clarity. Following this there is no
definitive view on what came of the serpent
Orochi in Seigai. However, in the oral history,
it is believed the eight heads of Orochi became
the eight dragons that form the Daimyo, which
is why they are often referred to as the Orochi’in
(offspring of Orochi).
The Orochi’in quickly began bickering, so they
say, and so Amaterasu summoned Watatsumi,
the dragon god of the sea, to corral the Orochi’in
and lead them away from chaos and destruction.
Watatsumi was granted the greatsword
Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi, which was found by
Susano’o in the tail of Orochi, and by wielding
this artifact the Orochi’in were frightened of
Watatsumi and became reverent of him. Thus
Watatsumi became the Dragon Emperor of land
and sea, and divided the land for the Orochi’in
to govern, as his home was the ocean and
Watatsumi could not bear the land for long.
History
9
 Society
S
eigai is ruled by the descendents of
the eight original Orochi’in dragons.
Unlike the chromatic and metallic
dragons of other lands, these dragons
are nebulous creatures with no clear consistent
morality: at one moment the wisest creatures
one could ever meet; the next, incomparably
cruel and vindictive.
The Orochi’in are governed by the Dragon
Emperor, whose name is Watatsumi. Watatsumi
resides within the Great Azure Palace Ryugu’jo
in the East Sea, and governs from afar.
Watatsumi retains his power and influence via
the military, who are known as the Azure Guard.
The Azure are hard to miss; indeed, as soon
as I stepped off the boat in Kaikaku I was
confronted by two of these soldiers, dressed
in their pearlescent blue armour. Any race can
“take up the blue” as they say, although I confess
the majority of my interactions were with
hobgoblins. (I suppose the militaristic regimen
of their society makes this a natural career path
for a hobgoblin.)
It is worth noting the racial composition of
the Seigai society. There is some variance
depending on whether you find yourself in
Izanami or Izanagi, but you will generally find
over half of the population consisting of humans,
History
10
a quarter hobgoblins and the orcish races, then
limited pockets of dwarves, elves, halflings,
gnomes, and the other common races. I have
already made mention of the Orochi’son. There
are other quirks of the racial composition of
Seigai; I will detail these in a later chapter.
You will be hard-pressed to find an individual
who speaks Common on the streets in
Kumanokawa. The equivalent language for the
citizens of Seigai is Ryugo, which is a dialect
of Draconic. Each glyph when written operates
as a syllable, and this construction makes the
language more staccato than conventional
Draconic. It is quite absorbing to listen to a
heated conversation take place in Ryugo (as rare
as these may be, due to the mild nature of many
of the natives); it calls to mind the percussive
clangs one finds in a dwarven forge.
If the scriptures of the Twelve form the
predominant holy text of our land, it is the
Kaidan that occupies the same role in Seigai.
The Kaidan is a compendium of folk tales
(literally meaning “ghost stories”). It is a
broadly-used term that encompasses far more
than spirits. Parents use the Kaidan to educate
their children to stay away from the thick
forests where the evil spirits reside.
 These precautionary tales are essential lore in
order to survive in Seigai, which is a dangerous
place to live, especially in Izanagi if you were to
wander outside the safe walls of the checkpoints
and towns. It is far safer to travel by sea, but
even this is fraught with peril as I discovered on
my voyage to the island. Rather than send the
valuable Azure to patrol these roads, well-paying
contracts are available to capable individuals.
Each contract usually requires some proof that
a threat has been dealt with, for instance some
kind of trophy from a hostile creature. (On some
rare occasions, a member of the Azure may join
to observe the contract’s fulfilment.) Those who
undertake these contracts are typically referred
to as the Ronin.
Ronin are paid from the coffers of the local
Daimyo. The Daimyo is always one of the
Orochi’in. (An official once noted to me that,
in their opinion, every Daimyo is more than
capable of dealing with many of the local threats
themselves. The contracts are merely a diversion
to give the Ronin an external foe so that their
gaze does not point upwards. This example
points to both the cunning and the laziness of
the Orochi’in.)
The Orochi’in will go to any length to
present the veneer of stability, peace,
and harmony. Scratch a little bit at the
veneer and you will find a hidden
history of centuries of jealousy and
in-fighting. The contemporary
all-out conflict observable in

places like Sharinan is a recent development;

typically (and I assure you this practice has not
gone away), rival Orochi’in have been known
to employ Ronin for missions of sabotage and
espionage, thereby washing their hands of any
accountability. These missions are reserved for
only the most trusted of Ronin, but I am told the
rewards are quite generous.
I have also heard rumour of dragons like the
Orochi’in who reside in the deep wilds. These
dragons tend to hold firmly to their ideals, which
may be for the good or ill of the citizens of
Seigai.
The technology in Seigai is fairly rudimentary,
relying heavily on the arcane to achieve efficient
industry. The recent discovery of saltpetre has
led to a thriving fireworks market; I anticipate
firearms are not far away.

Society
11
 Hierarchy
Seigai operates under a simple feudal system.
Emperor
At the very top of the chain is the Emperor, or to
use his full title, His-Most-Dreadful-the-Great-
Dragon-God-Emperor-certified-sovereign-who-
rules-all-under-heaven, typically shortened to
Dragon Emperor. Watatsumi has occupied this
role for the past thousand years unchallenged.
Shogun
Below the Emperor is Yoritomo, who is the
Shogun. The Shogun is the most powerful of
the Daimyo, recognised by Watatsumi as his
primary general and trusted with total command
of the military. Usually the Shogun rises to
power through conflict. However the office does
not change hands regularly, as each Daimyo
knows that to challenge the Shogun and win
would leave them with battle-weary forces and
at the mercy of the other Daimyo. Typically an
alliance has to be made among multiple Daimyo
to challenge the Shogun, and alliances always
create their own internal conflict. As a result, the
majority of coups fizzle out with a whimper.
Daimyo
The role of Daimyo is hereditary, although the
death of a Daimyo by natural causes is rare, as
they are all members of the Orochi’in family of
dragons who typically live for centuries.
Samurai
The highest authority that a humanoid can
aspire to in Seigai is to become a Samurai.
These knights are employed by the Daimyo as
their personal retainers, and once again, the role
is hereditary. However, it has been known for
the Daimyo to employ headhunters to find gifted
Azure soldiers and adopt them into the Samurai
class.
Azure
The Azure are mostly Nomin who have decided
on a career in the military. There are many
advantages to such a station, as it grants a
generous pension, and the living costs of one’s
family are provided for. The Azure can also be
considered as a faction.
Nomin
The Nomin are everyone else. They are not
typically oppressed, although life is not often
pleasant for the Nomin, especially if your
Society
12
prefecture is in conflict with another. Nomin are
expected to be loyal to their Daimyo and answer
the draft if necessary.
Ronin
You may be wondering about the Ronin. The
Ronin are not a class in and of themselves;
they are typically Nomin, although I have heard
of squads of Ronin captained by a Samurai.
The important thing to note is that Ronin are
considered expendable to the Daimyo. To them,
they are worth next-to-nothing, and as such, no
loyalty is expected of them.
Factions
Akatashi Merchants
If there is any power to rival the Daimyo, it is the
Akatashi Merchants. The familiar red seahorse
crest adorns the sails of most non-military
vessels in Seigai.
Noh Gakko Theatre
Much of the Kaidan is taught among the
Seigai’jin through dramatisation. The Noh
Gakko is the largest school of actors and bards
in the land.
The Monks of Budo
Similarly disparate to the Priests of the Great
Religion, the Monks of Budo are the leaders
of martial arts and self-improvement through
spiritual practice. Each faction is led by a sensei
who typically resides in a remote location.
Finding the sensei is an achievement in itself.
The Sacred Sound
There is a great reverence for the power of
words in Seigai; as such, wizards, bards, and
sorcerers all seek furtherance of their somatic
skills in the company of the Sacred Sound, a
mage college with campuses all across the land.
Shinobi
Those who prey in the night. Every nation
has their clandestine cabals, and Seigai is no
exception. The Shinobi are often viewed as the
shadow side of the Ronin.
The Way of Warriors
Those who aspire to the ways of the Samurai
will most likely take schooling with the Way
of Warriors. This faction is run by Samurai
and focuses on training civilians with knightly
ideals—at a profit, of course.
Society
13
 Religion
14
Religion

T
he Seigai’jin are a pious people who
pay regular tribute to their deities.
Although driven by superstition, it is
true that one needs all the protection
one can afford in Seigai, as the many corrupt
and evil forces of the Shadow Realms often spill
over into the Material Plane.
The Ryugo word for deity is kami, which is
the name of the language often used by the gods
when communicating with mortal folk. Kami are
often of inconsistent morality. Good, neutral, and
evil kami are entreated by the Seigai’jin with no
societal stigma.
Tribute to the kami is most often paid at a
temple (o’tera) or a shrine ( jinja). The entrance to
these sacred spaces is always via a red or stone
torii gate. It is said that in Seigai one is never
more than the length of the Emperor’s robe away
from a place to pay your respects to the kami,
even in the jungles of Izanagi.
The kami can present as any gender, but their
most common pronouns are listed alongside.

Kami Description Major Domain Minor Domain

Izanami Among the first deities. With her husband Izanagi, Life Death
(she,her) created the land of Seigai, and birthed the rest of the
kami.

Izanagi Among the first deities. With his wife Izanami, created Forge Nature
(he,him) the land of Seigai, and sired the rest of the kami.

Amaterasu The great goddess of the Sun, supreme among the Light Life
(she,her) deities. Amaterasu ordained Watatsumi as Emperor.

Tsukuyomi A brother of Amaterasu, and governs the light of the Twilight Light
(he,him) moon. He and Amaterasu have an ancient quarrel,
hence they are in different parts of the sky.

Susano’o Another brother of Amaterasu, and also in conflict Trickery Tempest

(he,him) with her. Through his cunning, Susano’o slew Orochi,
giving rise to the Orochi’in.

Uzume The goddess of the dawn and revelry. When Light Unity
(she,her) Amaterasu once went into hiding, Uzume made the
other kami laugh so much that Amaterasu came out of
hiding to see what the commotion was about.

Fujin The god of the wind, and often paired with Raijin Tempest Arcana
(he,him) in holy places. Fujin has a terrifying green-skinned
appearance and carries a bag of wind around his
shoulders.

Raijin The god of storms, and often paired with Fujin in holy Tempest Nature
(he,him) places. Raijin has a similarly terrifying appearance, and
carries with him the taiko drums of thunder.

Inari The goddess of fertility and agriculture. Inari has Nature Life
(she,them) a close relationship with the kitsune, and is often
depicted with a fox-like appearance. She is the most
widely venerated kami in Seigai.

Hachiman The divine protector of Seigai and the god of warriors. War Unity
(he,him) The Azure invoke Hachiman before going into battle.

Omoikane “He who brings together the thoughts of the myriad Order Knowledge
(he,him) deities.” Omoikane is the great mediator; the most
wise of the kami.

Suijin The guardian of pools, lakes, seas, and the ocean, Nature Grave
(she,her) and all who reside in them. Also the goddess of the
sewers.

Tenjin The holy scholar. It is said his library holds every book Knowledge Tempest
(he,him) that has ever been written. However, he guards it
jealously.

Religion
15
 Races

A
s mentioned in a previous section,
approximately half of all the natives
Racial Differences
I met were humans, followed by
hobgoblins and the orcish races, then Aarakocra
dwarves, elves, halflings, and gnomes. I did
encounter some leonin and tabaxi during my Aarakocra resemble native birds that one might
time there. Tortles were present too, although find in Seigai, such as the red-crested crane, or
referred to by their Ryugo name, kappa. I met the uguisu.
one native kenku (Ryugo name tengu).
Minotaurs
A visitor of another race will typically be met
with curiosity. Do not mistake the wandering Minotaurs are a rare sight and resemble a
eyes for looks of judgement. bison more than a bull—in fact, one could easily
mistake a minotaur for a orochi’son.

Yuan-ti Purebloods
Whereas the yuan-ti purebloods of Seigai have
no distinction from the common yuan-ti, their
ancestors resemble the mamushi.

Choose a Race
If you are not sure which race to choose for your
character, you can roll on the table below.

d100 Race

1–10 Human

11–20 Hobgoblin

21–25 Half-orc

26–29 Orc

30–37 Dwarf

38–41 Elf

42–46 Half-elf

47–52 Halfling

53–58 Gnome

59–60 Leonin

61–64 Tabaxi

65–68 Kappa (Tortle)

69–70 Tengu (Kenku)

71–74 Aarakocra

75–76 Minotaur

77–78 Yuan-ti Pureblood

79–82 Kitsune

83–88 Orochi’son

89–94 Tanuki

95–100 Saru

Races
16
Kitsune Your humanoid appearance is hereditary just
like any other race.
There is a special reverence for foxes among the Your game statistics are replaced by the
people of Seigai. They are often thought of as statistics of the fox, but you retain your
the messengers of the kami. However, the kami alignment, personality, hit points, and
do not always bring good tidings. Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma scores.
The Kaidan states that kitsune (pronounced You also retain all of your skill and saving throw
kit-soon-eh) are a race of legendary foxes who proficiencies, in addition to gaining those of the
learned how to shapeshift into humanoid form fox. If the fox has the same proficiency as you
in order to integrate into society. Oftentimes, and the bonus in its stat block is higher than
kitsune would form relationships with yours, use the fox’s bonus instead of
other races, and their offspring yours.
would carry the same ability Kami Guardian. You can
to shapeshift. The Seigai cast Sanctuary innately,
people however can be without using a spell
quite superstitious, and slot or any material
if a person appears too components. Once
cunning, they may be you cast it, you must
accused of being a finish a long rest
before you can
kitsune bringing a
cast it again
bad omen.
using this
Racial ability.
Magic
Traits Resistance.
Ability You have
Score advantage on
Increase. Your saving throws
Charisma score against
increases by spells and
2, and your other magical
Intelligence effects.
score increases Languages.
by 1. You can speak
Age. Kitsune Common
have been known (Ryugo) and
to live as long as Sylvan.
the elves. You can
tell a kitsune’s age by
the number of tails it Fox
has in its fox form: nine Small beast, unaligned
means it is reaching the Armor Class 12
end of its life. For the first Hit Points 3 (1d6)
Speed 40 ft.
100 years of its life a kitsune
will only have one tail. STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
3 (-4) 15 (+2) 10 (0) 4 (-3) 14 (+2) 7 (-2)
Alignment. Kitsune are typically
neutral creatures. They are almost always Skills Perception +4, Stealth +4, Survival +4
Senses darkvision 30 ft., passive Perception 14
chaotic. Languages —
Size. When in humanoid form, you are a Challenge 0 (10 XP)

medium creature. Keen Sight and Smell. The fox has advantage on Wisdom
Speed. When in humanoid form, your walking (Perception) checks that rely on sight or smell.

speed is 30 feet.
Actions
Fey. Your creature type is fey, rather than
humanoid. Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit:
1 piercing damage.
Fox Form. You can use an action to shapeshift
into the form of a fox, or back into a humanoid.

Races
17
 Races
18
Orochi’son Dragonborn
Orochi’son have few elements in common with
regular dragonborn. Rather than tendrils,
orochi’son have furry hair, and two large flowing
whiskers. Most have long, serpentine tails
and iridescent scales. Their heads are often
more mammalian than reptilian and two horns
protrude backwards from the rear of the skull.
Racial Traits
Ability Score Increase. Your Wisdom score
increases by 2.
Age. Orochi’son live between 100 and 150
years.
Alignment. The orochi’son can be as tricky as
the Orochi’in. As a general rule, there tends to
be more good orochi’son than bad.
Size. Your size is Medium.
Speed. Your walking speed is 30 ft.
Claws. Your claws are natural weapons, which
you can use to make unarmed strikes. If you hit
with them, you can deal slashing damage equal
to 1d4 + your Strength modifier, instead of the
bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed
strike.
Languages. You can speak Common (Ryugo)
and one other language of your choice.
Subrace: Carp Orochi’son
All orochi’son start out their lives as carp
orochi’son. Once they reach adolescence at
around age 15, they mature into another type
of orochi’son as defined by their ancestry.
They exchange the traits associated with carp
orochi’son with those of their new type.
Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity score
increases by 1.
Amphibious. You can breathe water and have
a Swim speed of 30 feet.
Blooming Wisdom. When you need to make
a Wisdom check for a skill you do not have
Proficiency in, you may still apply half of your
Proficiency bonus (rounding down).
Subrace: Orochi’son of the Border
You are just as much a part of the Ethereal
Realm as the Material Plane. Your skin is
ghostly pale.
Ability Score Increase. Your Intelligence
score increases by 1.
Cloud Step. You do not take damage from falls
if you are not Restrained, and you are always
considered to have a running start when making
Strength (Athletics) checks for the purpose of
jumping.
Damage Resistance. You are resistant to fire
damage.
Ethereal Sight. You can see 30 feet into the
Ethereal Plane when on the Material Plane, and
vice versa.
Ethereal Spirit of the Orochi’in. You can cast
the Gust cantrip at will.
Subrace: Orochi’son of the Earth
You have a natural affinity with the ground
beneath your feet. Your back is covered in rocky
scales.
Ability Score Increase. Your Strength score
increases by 1.
Armored Scales. When not wearing armour,
your AC is 13 + your Constitution modifier.
Darkvision. You can see in dim light within
60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and
in darkness as if it were dim light. You can’t
discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.
Damage Resistance. You are resistant to acid
damage.
Earth Spirit of the Orochi’in. You can cast
the Mold Earth cantrip at will.
Subrace: Orochi’son of the Sea
You are at one with the ocean, able to
instinctively feel and respond to the currents as
you swim. Your tail is considerably longer than
other orochi’son.
Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity score
increases by 1.
Amphibious. You can breathe water and have
a Swim speed of 30 feet.
Damage Resistance. You are resistant to cold
damage.
Rippling Form. You have advantage on
Dexterity (Stealth) checks when hiding in water.
Water Spirit of the Orochi’in. You can cast
the Shape Water cantrip at will.
Races
19
 Saru
The saru are a race of intelligent bipedal
primates native to the jungles of Izanagi. They
are typically curious and blunt creatures, full
of impropriety. At the same time, they are
known for their great bravery and loyalty.

Racial Traits
Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity
score increases by 2 and your Wisdom
score increases by 1.
Age. Saru typically live up to about 60
years.
Alignment. Saru are almost always chaotic,
and tend towards good.
Size. Saru range in size from 4 and a half to
5 and a half feet tall. Your size is Medium.
Speed. You have a walking and climbing
speed of 25 ft.
Animal Empathy. Whenever you make a
Wisdom (Animal Handling) check related
to primates or tamed animal species, you
are considered proficient in the Animal
Handling skill and add double your
proficiency bonus to the check,
instead of your normal
proficiency bonus.
Forager. You have
advantage on rolls
for foraging for
food.
Light-Footed
and Light-
Tailed. You have
advantage on
stealth rolls when
you’re at a higher
elevation than the
person/people trying
to detect you.
Prehensile Tail.
Your tail is dexterous
enough to use basic tools,
pick up objects, and hold you hanging from
something. Your tail cannot wield weapons or a
shield.
Languages. You can speak, read, and write
Common (Ryugo), and you can speak primate.
Primate does not have a written language.

Races
20
Tanuki
While on my travels, I would occasionally
encounter one of these portly furry creatures,
mostly in rural areas. The tanuki bear some
resemblance to raccoons and pandas, however I
do believe they are unrelated.
I have heard it said that the male tanuki
have abnormally large scrota; while I have not
seen this in person, I did notice many of them
wearing baggy trousers.
Racial Traits
Ability Score Increase. Your Wisdom score
increases by 2, and your Charisma score
increases by 1.
Age. A tanuki has reached adulthood by the
age of 10, and the average lifespan is 50 years.
Alignment. Like the kitsune, tanuki
are typically chaotic creatures,
and tend towards good.
Size. Tanuki rarely
grow above 3 foot tall.
Your size is Small.
Speed. Your walking speed is 25 feet.
Bayashi. You can take an action to drum on
your belly, producing a mysterious sound known
as bayashi. Choose a point within 120 feet. This
point becomes the source of the sound of your
belly drumming. A creature who succeeds on an
Intelligence (Investigation) check against your
Spell Save DC can see through this illusion.
Mutable Form. As an action, you can
exaggerate elements of your appearance. This
includes your height, weight, the colour of your
fur, facial appearance, and any other cosmetic
features. The effect of the cosmetic alteration
is not sufficient to appear as a different kind of
creature.
Money Bags. You make your money stretch
further. Whenever you make a Charisma
(Persuasion) check to barter, you can make
this check with advantage. Additionally,
you have advantage on Intelligence
(Investigation) checks to find
treasure.
Languages. You can
speak Common
(Ryugo) and
Sylvan.
Races
21
 Rumours

I
heard many rumours during my time in
Seigai, some of which I have presented
below as a window into the concerns of its
citizens.
The Ritual of Chinkon
The Ara-Mitama on the Southern Islands are
stirring the seas, and must be appeased.

Blood of our Fathers Rogue Ronin

The springs that provide hot water to the famous After failing to meet the terms of a contract, a
onsens of Ukyoku have recently begun pouring team of Ronin has decided to deliver retribution
with blood. on the Daimyo, by sneaking into the city at night
and assassinating prominent officials.
The Curious Case at Sankan Gate
Sound Reasoning
After the murder of a Samurai, four witnesses
all have different tales of what took place. A village has been spooked by the sound of
a brass bell ringing deep in the mountains,
Hell’s Gate
Recently, citizens paying respect at the shrine
to Tenjin have gone missing. It seems once
someone passes through the torii gate, they
cross a threshold into a cursed realm.

Hoichi the Earless

At the Akama Shrine, there lives a blind biwa-
player named Hoichi. While playing in the
temple graveyard, Hoichi roused a Samurai
spirit who demanded Hoichi play every day for
a thousand years. The priests wrote the Heart
Sutra all over Hoichi’s body to protect him from
the spirit; however, they forgot to write on his
ears. The spirit stole Hoichi’s ears, and now he
cannot hear himself play biwa.

Lady of the Snow

Deep in the Yishan mountains, a lumberjack
has recently found out to his horror that he is
married to a spirit, who has taken their son
away.

The Long Goodbye

A young Orochi’in has vacated her office and
departed into the wilds. This has left the Shogun
very angry.

Noh Way, Hosei

The Noh Gakko of Kumanokawa is short of
performers and looking for bards to bolster their
ranks. Bring your own mask.

Oni Oh My
The soybean crop in the village of Haecheon has
failed, leaving the villagers with no legumes for
their Oni-repelling ceremony.

Rumours
22
seemingly emanating from an abandoned
temple.

Starter for Zen

A stone representing Mt Kazan in the famous
rock garden of Jyujiro has been stolen. No
footprints were left behind in the gravel.

Take up the Blue

A generous offer from the Dragon Emperor is
announced across the realm: join the Azure
Guard and your crimes against the state will
be forgiven. The word around town is that
Watatsumi is recruiting for war.

Terror-Cotta
The one-thousand clay soldiers
of Kusongu have suddenly and
mysteriously come to life, and threaten
the safety of the city and its inhabitants.

Thanks O-Kappa
A tribe of saru who have been living on the back
of an ancient Dragon Turtle are being evicted, as
the Dragon Turtle wants to retire underwater.

Trash Pandas
A tribe of peaceful tanuki has been persistently
raided by goblin bandits in the foothills of the
Yishans.

Tremors in Mt Kazan
Recently, the area around Mt Kazan has
experienced a large amount of seismic
activity. Fearing the worst, the Daimyo
of Sankan has hatched a plan to
appease the volcanic spirits.

What We Do in the Shadows

The Shogun is looking for a highly
skilled team of Shinobi to break
into the city of Kanchoi-ki.
The mission: assassinate the
Daimyo.

Wight as a Sheet
The death of the village
elder in Taehae means the
Kofun must be reopened.
The spirits inside however
are not at rest.

Rumours
23
 More
Adventures
in Seigai!
Thank you for flicking to the back
of my little book. It’s been a lot of
fun to make this.

This is a living document and will

be added to as the realm of Seigai
expands.

Future Updates:
• Refining homebrew Races
• More Rumours
• Guide to the Shogunate
• Factions
• Backgrounds
• Feats
• Magic Items
• Monsters

1st Release (1.3)