Inari, the God(dess) of Agriculture, Fertility, Foxes, Industry, and Success

Inari is a deity in Japanese mythology associated with foxes, fertility, rice, tea, and industry.
Inari is a deity in Japanese mythology who holds a significant place in the Shinto pantheon. Often depicted as a beautiful and elegant figure, Inari is associated with foxes, fertility, rice, tea, and industry. Inari’s origins are uncertain, but the deity is believed to have emerged from earlier fertility deities, and has been worshipped in various forms throughout Japan’s history.
Inari is often portrayed as a beneficent deity who blesses her followers with prosperity and abundance, particularly in matters related to agriculture and commerce. As the patron of rice farmers, Inari is closely associated with the success of the harvest, and is often depicted holding a sheaf of rice or surrounded by foxes, who are considered to be her messengers.
Inari is also associated with foxes, who are believed to be her sacred animals. In Japanese folklore, foxes are often portrayed as mischievous but benevolent creatures, capable of shape-shifting and possessing magical powers. She is believed to be able to communicate with foxes, and many shrines dedicated to the deity feature fox statues and ema (small wooden plaques) inscribed with prayers for the safekeeping of foxes.
Inari’s role in Japanese mythology reflects a deep connection to the land and its fertility. As a deity who oversees the growth of crops and the prosperity of the people, she is a powerful force for good in the lives of her followers. Her worship is characterized by deep devotion and reverence, and her followers strive to embody the qualities of abundance, generosity, and compassion that she represents.
Inari is a medium-sized deity with a humanoid form. They have flowing white hair that shimmers in the light and piercing golden eyes that seem to radiate warmth and kindness. Inari’s skin is smooth and flawless, with a slight luminescence that suggests divinity. They are adorned in a flowing white robe with gold trimmings, symbolizing their association with agriculture and prosperity. Inari’s hands are delicate and nimble, with long fingers that end in sharp, fox-like claws. When they move, their body seems to blur with incredible speed, hinting at their supernatural agility.
Overall, Inari is a complex and multifaceted deity who embodies the ideals of prosperity, abundance, and fertility. Through her blessings, her followers are empowered to create a world of abundance and prosperity, where all living beings can thrive and flourish.
- Pantheon: Japanese Shinto pantheon
- Deity Title: Inari, the God(dess) of Agriculture, Fertility, Foxes, Industry, and Success
- Deity Symbol: Ears of rice or a fox
- Home Plane: Yomi, Takamagahara or the Shinto version of the afterlife
- Deity Level: Greater deity
- Alignment: Neutral good
- Aliases: Oinari, Ukanomitama, Ta-no-Kami, and others Superior: None
- Traditional Allies: Uka-no-Mitama, Uzume, Izanagi
- Traditional Foes: Yakusa no ikazuchi, Yamata no Orochi, the dragon Yamata no Orochi, and others
- Divine Artifact: None
- Servants: Kitsune, Inugami, Tanuki, and other fox spirits
- Servitor Creatures: None
- Sacred Animal: Fox
- Manifestations: Foxes, grain, the number three
- Signs of Favor: Bumper crop, success in business or fertility, healthy foxes
- Worshipers: Farmers, merchants, businessmen, and commoners
- Cleric Alignments: Neutral good, lawful good, chaotic good
- Specialty Priests: Kitsune-bito (fox attendants), Fox priestesses, and others
- Holy Days: The first day of the Tiger month (February 4th), the second day of the Tiger month (February 5th), the third day of the Tiger month (February 6th), and the 3rd of November
- Portfolio: Agriculture, fertility, foxes, industry, and success
- Domains: Good, Magic, Plant, Protection, Trickery
- Favored Weapon: Wakizashi (short sword)
- Favored Class: Cleric
- Favored Race: Humans and Kitsune
- Duties of the Priesthood: Taking care of shrines, performing rituals and festivals, leading the community
- Major Cult/Temple Sites: Fushimi Inari Shrine, Yutoku Inari Shrine, Toyokawa Inari Shrine, and others
- Benefits: Grants spells and powers to followers, protection from evil and misfortune, good fortune in business, fertility, and agriculture.
Inari, God(dess) of Foxes and Agriculture
Medium deity, chaotic good

Statistic | Score |
---|---|
Strength | 30 (+10) |
Dexterity | 30 (+10) |
Constitution | 30 (+10) |
Intelligence | 30 (+10) |
Wisdom | 30 (+10) |
Charisma | 30 (+10) |
Armor Class 40 (Divine Armor)
Hit Points 1,000 (100d10 + 500)
Speed 120 ft. (hover)
Skills Perception +30, Stealth +30, Survival +30
Senses Truesight 120 ft., passive Perception 40
Languages All
Divine Traits
- Immune to exhaustion, frightened, paralyzed, petrified, poisoned
- Resistance to all damage types
- Cannot be charmed or frightened
- Cannot be killed by non-divine means
Actions
Multiattack She can make 4 attacks per round, choosing from any of the following options:
- Divine Strike. Melee weapon attack: +30 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 100 (10d10 + 10) slashing damage plus 100 (10d10 + 10) radiant damage.
- Bite. Melee weapon attack: +30 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 80 (8d10 + 10) piercing damage plus 20 (2d10) fire damage.
- Tail Whip. Melee weapon attack: +30 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 70 (7d10 + 10) bludgeoning damage and the target must make a DC 30 Dexterity saving throw or be knocked prone.
- Foxfire Blast. Ranged spell attack: +30 to hit, range 120 ft., one target. Hit: 150 (20d10) fire damage.
Legendary Actions She can take 3 legendary actions per round, choosing from any of the following options:
- Summon Foxes. Inari summons 2d4 foxes to fight on their behalf. These foxes disappear when killed or after 1 hour.
- Blinding Radiance. Inari unleashes a burst of radiant energy, blinding all creatures within 60 ft. that can see it. Affected creatures must make a DC 30 Constitution saving throw or be blinded for 1 minute.
- Vanishing Trick. Inari teleports up to 120 ft. to an unoccupied space they can see. They can use this action to dodge, disengage, or hide.
Divine Artifacts
- Kitsunebi-no-Kyoku. This magical flute is said to have been given to Inari by the goddess Amaterasu. When played, it can summon foxes to aid the player, control the elements, and bring good fortune.
- Yata no Kagami. This ancient mirror was once used to trap the evil god Susano-o. Inari now uses it to reflect the intentions of those around them and see into the future.
Divine Domains
- Nature. Control over animals, plants, and weather.
- Life. Healing and restoration.
- Trickery. Deception, illusions, and misdirection.
Lair Actions
When fighting in their lair, Inari can take the following actions at the end of another creature’s turn:
- **Fox Form** Inari transforms into a fox, gaining advantage on Dexterity checks and attacks. They can also move through any space as if it were difficult terrain.
- Bountiful Harvest. Inari causes the ground to shake, producing an abundance of crops and food. Any creatures within 60 ft. must make a DC 30 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.
- Regional Effects
- The region surrounding Inari’s domain is affected by their presence in the following ways:
- Foxes Everywhere. Foxes are abundant in the area, and they are friendly towards Inari and their followers. They may assist in gathering food, tracking prey, or performing other tasks.
- Bountiful Crops. The land is fertile and produces an abundance of crops, making agriculture a prosperous and respected profession.
- Nature’s Blessing. Animals in the region are healthy and well-fed, and natural disasters such as droughts, floods, and storms are rare. The people living in the region have a deep respect for the balance of nature and strive to live in harmony with it.
- Challenge Rating: 35 (350,000 XP)
- Overall, Inari is an incredibly powerful deity with immense physical and magical abilities, as well as a strong connection to nature and agriculture. Their divine artifacts, Kitsunebi-no-Kyoku and Yata no Kagami, further enhance their power, and their divine domains of Nature, Life, and Trickery give them a wide range of magical abilities. Players will need to carefully plan and strategize to stand a chance against this deity, and even then, they may find themselves facing a difficult and dangerous battle.