Issun-bōshi, The Tiny Hero

Tiny Humanoid (Human), Lawful Good

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Armor Class 18 (Magical Armor and Shield)
Hit Points 60 (8d6 + 32)
Speed 25 ft., Climb 20 ft.

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STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
14 (+2)	24 (+7)	18 (+4)	20 (+5)	18 (+4)	22 (+6)

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Saving Throws Dexterity +11, Wisdom +8, Charisma +10
Skills Acrobatics +11, Perception +8, Stealth +11
Damage Resistances Psychic, Bludgeoning (from non-magical attacks)
Senses Darkvision 60 ft., Passive Perception 18
Languages Common, Sylvan
Challenge 8 (3,900 XP)

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Proficiency Bonus +4

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Abilities

• Tiny Size: Issun-bōshi is Tiny, which means he can use the Hide action as a bonus action, move through the space of any creature that is at least one size larger, and he has advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks to hide.
• Evasion: When subjected to an effect that allows him to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, Issun-bōshi takes no damage on a successful save, and only half damage on a failed save.
• Bravery: Issun-bōshi has advantage on saving throws against being frightened.
• Heroic Resilience: Issun-bōshi has resistance to all damage from attacks he can see and can use his reaction to halve the damage from a successful attack once per round.

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Actions

• Magic Sword (Melee Weapon Attack):
  Weapon Attack: +12 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
  Hit: 14 (2d8 + 5) slashing damage.
  The sword is a +1 magical weapon, allowing Issun-bōshi to bypass resistances and deal additional damage.
• Shield Bash (Melee Weapon Attack):
  Weapon Attack: +12 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
  Hit: 10 (1d8 + 6) bludgeoning damage.
  Special: On a hit, the target must succeed on a DC 18 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.
• Heroic Leap (Recharge 5–6):
  Issun-bōshi leaps up to 30 feet to an unoccupied space he can see. Each creature within 10 feet of the point he lands must make a DC 18 Dexterity saving throw, taking 27 (6d8) bludgeoning damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
• Deflect Missiles (Reaction):
  When Issun-bōshi is hit by a ranged weapon attack, he can use his reaction to deflect or catch the missile. If he does so, the damage he takes from the attack is reduced by 1d10 + 7. If the damage is reduced to 0, he can catch the missile if it is small enough to hold in one hand and throw it back with a +12 to hit.

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Legendary Actions

Issun-bōshi can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action option can be used at a time and only at the end of another creature’s turn. Issun-bōshi regains spent legendary actions at the start of his turn.

• Quick Strike: Issun-bōshi makes one Magic Sword attack.
• Dodge Roll: Issun-bōshi moves up to his speed without provoking opportunity attacks and gains advantage on Dexterity saving throws until the start of his next turn.
• Shield Toss (Costs 2 Actions): Issun-bōshi throws his shield (rice bowl) at a target within 30 feet. Weapon Attack: +12 to hit, reach 30 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (2d8 + 5) bludgeoning damage. The target must succeed on a DC 18 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.

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Equipment

• Magic Sword: A finely crafted sword with a +1 bonus to attack and damage rolls. It grants Issun-bōshi the ability to perform his Heroic Leap.
• Shield (Rice Bowl): Provides +2 to AC and is a representation of Issun-bōshi’s legendary shield. It also allows for the Shield Bash attack.
• Leather Armor (Magical): Provides a base AC of 12 + Dexterity modifier and is enchanted to give additional protection.

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Regional Effects

The area within 1 mile of Issun-bōshi’s current location is affected by the following magical effects:

• Inspiring Presence: Allies within 1 mile of Issun-bōshi have advantage on saving throws against being frightened and gain a +2 bonus to attack rolls and saving throws while fighting alongside him.
• Defensive Aura: Any creature within 10 feet of Issun-bōshi has advantage on saving throws against effects that cause the frightened or charmed conditions.

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Lore and Role

Issun-bōshi, known for his extraordinary bravery despite his tiny stature, embodies the archetype of the hero who overcomes physical limitations through sheer willpower and skill. His legendary status is built on tales of vanquishing fearsome foes and protecting those in need. As an NPC in a campaign, Issun-bōshi can serve as a powerful ally or a formidable opponent, showcasing his strength and agility while inspiring others with his heroic feats. His presence in a campaign adds a touch of folklore magic and serves as a reminder that greatness often comes in the smallest packages.

“The One-Inch Boy” is the subject of a fairy tale from Japan.

Originally Posted by Paragon Badger of the Giant in the Playground Forums.
On this Thread

An old woman and man live alone, they wish to have a child, despite there old age, even if he is only one inch tall. Soon after, the old woman’s wish is granted. They name the miniature child Issun-bo-shi (“One-Inch Boy”). The child, despite being incredibly small, is treated well by his parents. One day, the boy realizes he will never grow taller than one inch, so he goes on a trip to seek his place in the world. Fancying himself a miniature samurai, Issun-bo-shi is given a sewing needle for a sword, a rice bowl boat, and chopsticks for oars.

He sails down river to the city. There, he petitions for a job with the government and goes to the home of a wealthy daimyo, whose daughter is an attractive princess. He is scorned for his height, but nevertheless given the job of accompanying the princess as her playmate. While they travel together, they are suddenly attacked by two Oni. He went inside the first one and attacked it. He stabbed the second one in the eye. The Oni drops the magical Uchide’s Mallet. As a reward for his bravery, the princess uses the power of the mallet to grow him to full size. Issun-bo-shi and the princess eventually wed.”

Issun-bo-shi
Fine Augmented Human, 1st Level Samurai
Hit Dice:	1d10 (5 HP)
Initiative	+4
Speed	10 ft. (2 squares)
Armor Class	22 (+8 size, +4 Dexterity), touch 22, flat-footed 18
Base Attack/Grapple	+1/-16
Attack	Sewing Needle (1 Piercing Damage) (20/x12)
Full Attack	Sewing Needle (1 Piercing Damage) (20/x12)
Space/Reach	1/2 ft. / 0 ft.
Special Attacks	Infiltrate
Special Qualities	Human Lockpick.
Saves	Fort +4, Ref +4, Will +4
Abilities	Strength 8, Dexterity 19, Constitution 13, Intelligence 12, Wisdom 14, Charisma 16
Skills	Climb +3, Diplomacy +6, Hide +16, Iajutsu Focus +6, Intimidate +6, Jump +3, Ride (Dexterity)+8
Feats	Dodge, Improved Evasion, Weapon Proficiency (Sewing Needle)
Environment	Anywhere where there is adventure, fame, and fortune.
Organization	Unique (1)
Challenge Rating	1
Treasure	None
Alignment	Lawful Good
Advancement	By Character Class
Level Adjustment	+1

Combat

Infiltrate

Issun-bo-shi stows away in an enemy’s mouth purposefully, as in ‘Devour Whole’, except he ignores any bite attacks. Each turn while in an enemy’s body, Issun-bo-shi makes a standard attack against the inner lining of the target’s throat.

In order to expunge Issun-bo-shi from one’s body, The target must make an unarmed touch attack on the back of their throat (AC: 10 + Fortitude Save) to induce vomiting. If successful, Issun-bo-shi appears in an adjacent square, and must make a fortitude save (DC: 20) or take 1d6 damage of acid.

Human Lockpick

Issun-bo-shi…IF willing, can be used as a masterwork theives’ tools, who gives an additional circumstance bonus equal to his Intelligence modifier. If used in this manner, it is a full round action for Issun-bo-shi.