A Hu hsien is a shape changing humanoid-like creature that can be encountered in the Spelljammer campaign setting. [1] [2] [3]
Overview[]
Hu hsien are a race of shape-shifting foxes related to the hengeyokai, intelligent shapechangers native to Kara-Tur on Toril in Realmspace.[2] Because hu hsien prey on humans and other humanoids, they are often found on the outskirts of human settlements, and have even been known to accompany their prey into wildspace.[4]
Description[]
A hu hsien has two standard forms, and can shift between them freely. The first is that of a fox with rust-colored or silver fur. Unlike a normal fox, however, a hu hsien fox can walk on its hind legs and hold items in its front paws. Its second form is that of a graceful and exceptionally beautiful human maiden with long flowing hair, and wearing long, silken robes. However, unlike a normal human, the hu hsien's maiden form has a fox-like tail, though she will usually be able to hide the tail beneath her robe. A hu hsien will usually speak the languages common to the area she inhabits, and can speak to animals.[2]
Behavior[]
Hu hsien are clever, and capable of endless mischief. They delight in their ability to manipulate and torment humans, and are noted for their trickery.[2]
Abilities[]
A hu hsien has the following spell-like abilities which it can use at will: become invisible, polymorph self, disguise, chameleon, know history, hypnotism, read magic, comprehend languages, ventriloquism, apparition, ESP, and hypnotic pattern. Once per day she can use possess, servant horde, and major creation. Three times per week she can use either reward or ancient curse. When in human form, she has the power of fascination.
A hu hsien can only be harmed by magical weapons with a +3 enhancement bonus, and has a limited form of regeneration. She is immune to fire, and is resistant to the effects of cold-based attacks. However, she is vulnerable to electrical-based attacks, and greatly fears thunderstorms.[2]
Society[]
A hu hsien sustains herself by draining the life force of a human or other humanoid victim. To do so, she assumes her human form and tricks a human into spending time with her, generally by using her fascinate ability to cause her victim to fall hopelessly in love with her. Each day the victim spends with the hu hsien, allows her to drain a little of their life energy, similar in effect to a vampire's energy drain. The victim, totally blinded by love, is not aware of what is happening to them, and once the process has begun, the victim can only be saved if the hu hsien is driven away or destroyed by others.
Hu hsien typically make their lairs near the outskirts of a human settlement. They sometimes occupy abandoned houses, using their magic to create the illusion of great wealth and luxury. Occasionally, when appropriate, their lair will resemble a normal fox den, except the interior will be enchanted to look like a great mansion. Often an unfortunate traveler has dined and slept in a grand hall, only to awaken in the cramped space under the floors of an old house as the guest of a hu hsien.
Hu hsien are not entirely cruel and ungrateful. They have been known to reward people who show them generosity or treat them kindly. Such rewards usually involve success at examinations, good fortune, or rescue in a moment of great danger. Hu hsien are particularly attracted to scholars, both as allies and victims. A scholar who befriends a hu hsien, usually with regular gifts of gems and coins, may sometimes petition the lovely maiden's help in matters of academic research. The scholar must light sticks of incense in their study, and then leave the room for the night. When they return, they will discover a particular volume protruding from the stacks on their shelves, or a particular document displayed on their desk. This volume or page will contain the information they sought, courtesy of the hu hsien.
Hu hsien value wealth, and frequently acquire great treasure caches. Because of this, some wealthy people attribute their own material success to the worship of this lesser spirit. Near their mansions, they construct clay shrines in honor of the hu hsien, bearing the image of a fox embracing an ornately-dressed human. Tributes of gems, coins, and prayer are offered daily at these shrines.
Though hu hsien obtain all sustenance from human victims, they have a weakness for wine of any type. Once intoxicated, they revert to their fox form.[2]
Notable Hu Hsien[]
Signature Spelljammers[]
Hu hsien typically travel into wildspace onboard Shou dragonships.[3][4]
Appendix[]
External Links[]
- Hu hsien article at the Forgotten Realms Wiki, a wiki for the Forgotten Realms campaign setting.
- Hu hsien article at the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 2nd Edition Wiki, a wiki for official Dungeons & Dragons content from 2nd edition AD&D.
References[]
- ↑ Roger E. Moore, The Cloakmaster Cycle, The Maelstrom's Eye, 1992, (TSR Inc.), pages 70-72
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 Rick Swan, MC6 Monstrous Compendium Kara-Tur Appendix, 1990, (TSR Inc.), ISBN: 0-88038-851-X, Hu Hsien entry
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Curtis M. Scott, CGR1 The Complete Spacefarer's Handbook, 1992, (TSR Inc.), chapter 1: Groundlings in Space, page 13
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Roger E. Moore, The Cloakmaster Cycle, The Maelstrom's Eye, 1992, (TSR Inc.), pages 71-72
- ↑ Roger E. Moore, The Cloakmaster Cycle, The Maelstrom's Eye, 1992, (TSR Inc.), pages 21-23 (first appearance)