Akikage (Ah-kee-kah-geh)
Akikage, also referred to by some as shadow assassins, are the ghosts of ninja that failed to complete their mission in life. Whether that be to report vital information to their allies, protect a client, or assassinate a target, the restless spirit has arisen from the grave with an obsessive desire to correct their failure. They travel as an invisible spirt until they strike at a target, manifesting in a form similar to their mortal form but wreathed in mist, smoke, or shadow. Even in death, they are often dressed in garb that obscures their identity from potential witnesses.
History
These ghosts are native to the dread domain of Rokushima Taiyou, an archipelago in the Doku Umi (Poison Sea) ruled by the darklord Shinpi Haki. In life, Haki was a two-faced daimyou that espoused the importance of honor while covertly undermining potential rivals. Despite his best efforts to build a grand legacy, his feuding sons tore his kingdom apart while he watched from his death bed.
Upon his death, Haki's kingdom was struck by a massive earthquake and tsunami. What survived was taken by the Mists and formed into the dread domain. Now a powerless spirit, Haki can only watch as his remaining sons continue to squabble over the scraps that remain of their inheritance. His vain attempts at rebuilding only serve to fuel further rivalry.
During his lifetime Haki, and later his sons, would make extensive use of a network of spies and assassins, often referred to as shinobi or ninja. During the fued between Haki's sons and when Rokushima Taiyou was claimed by the Dark Powers, a fair number of these agents died with their missions left uncompleted. The dread domain's corruption combined with their unfulfilled purpose to create the first akikage.
Akikage are notoriously problematic for the Rokuma that simply seek a way to survive on their broken islands. The undead ninja does its best to somehow fulfill its unfinished purpose, but through obsession or the fog of undeath that goal is often twisted. For example, in life an akikage was told to defend a gate against intruders, but decades later it now kills anyone that passes by the crumbling ruins. Another example could be an akikage that was told to assassinate a rival lord, but now goes about killing anyone that bares a passing resemblence to the target. No matter the circumstances, an akikage will leave a trail of frozen corpses in its wake in the vain hope of fulfilling its purpose.
Statblock
Homebrew, Ravenloft: Denizens of Darkness (3.5e)
Akikage CR: 8
STR
10 +0
DEX
17 +3
CON
14 +2
INT
12 +1
WIS
16 +3
CHA
13 +1
Ethereal Sight. The akikage can see 60 feet into the Ethereal Plane when it is on the Material Plane, and vice versa.
Incorporeal Movement. The akikage can move through other creatures and objects as if they were difficult terrain. It takes 5 (1d10) force damage if it ends its turn inside an object.
Sneak Attack (1/Turn). The akikage deals an extra 7 (2d6) damage when it hits a target with a weapon attack and has advantage on the attack roll, or when the target is within 5 feet of an ally of the akikage that isn't incapacitated and the akikage doesn't have disadvantage on the attack roll.
Sunlight Weakness. While in bright light created by sunlight, the akikage has disadvantage on attack rolls, ability checks, & saving throws.
Undead Nature. A ghost doesn't require air, food, drink, or sleep.
Actions
Multiattack. The akikage can make two Freezing Strikes as an action.
Freezing Strike. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5', one target. Hit: 5 (1d4 + 3) force damage and 7 (2d6) cold damage. The targeted creature must succeed on a DC 14 Constitution saving throw or be stunned until the end of its next turn.
- If the attack is a critical hit, the targeted creature must succeed on a DC 14 Constitution saving throw or in 1d3 + 1 rounds the targeted creature will die as its heart and other internal organs freeze solid. The process can be stopped with the use of magical healing that removes conditions, such as Lesser Healing, Remove Curse, or a paladin's Lay on Hands.
Bonus Actions
Shadow Blend. While in dim light or darkness, the akikage becomes invisible, along with anything it is wearing or carrying. The invisibility lasts until the akikage uses a bonus action to end it or until the akikage attacks, is in bright light, or is incapacitated.
Suggested Environments
Any Climate; Any Terrain
Ravenloft: Denizens of Darkness, p 10-11
Domains of Dread
Rokushima Taiyou. Being the ghosts of ninjas that died in service to the daimyo of this haunted archipeligo, there is very little chance for an akikage to somehow travel to another domain of dread.
Dark Powers
Eternal Shadow (XI). As creatures capable of merging with darkness in order to slay their targets, rumor that one is nearby can make the slightest shadow terrifying.
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