FREQUENCY: Rare
NO. APPEARING: 1-6
ARMOR CLASS: 7
MOVE: 15"
HIT DICE: 6
% IN LAIR: 10% (6 Hu Hsien: mountains,
TPL60:10th, REF3.28)
TREASURE TYPE: [I], [S], [T]
NO. OF ATTACKS: 1
DAMAGE/ATTACK: 1-6 or by weapon type
SPECIAL ATTACKS: [SB]
SPECIAL DEFENSES: [SB]
MAGIC RESISTANCE: 50%
INTELLIGENCE: Genius
ALIGNMENT: Chaotic evil
SIZE: M
PSIONIC ABILITY: Nil
LEVEL/X.P. VALUE: VII || 1,150 + 5
The hu hsien are a race of shapeshifting
foxes,
supernatural in origin.
In many ways they are similar to the hengeyokai.
The hu hsien has two basic forms.
The first is similar to a fox. <1st>
However, in this form,
the hu hsien can walk on its hind legs
and hold items in its front paws.
Its second form is that of a human maiden
of exceptional beauty and grace (18 Charisma, 25 Comeliness). <2nd>
<link & link>
This form can be identified, however,
since the hu hsien's tail never changes.
The hu hsien is clever to conceal this
under its robes.
<spacing added>
The hu hsien has the following spell-like effects which it can do at will, once per round:
| become invisible <> | [polymorph self] | [disguise] | [chameleon] | [know history] |
| [hypnotism] | [read magic] | [comprehend languages] | [ventriloquism] | [apparition] |
| [ESP] | - | - | - | [hypnotic pattern] |
Once per day it can use
| [possess] | - | [servant horde] | - | [major creation] |
Three times per week it is able to use
| [reward] | - | - | - | [ancient curse] |
When appearing in human form, its 25 Comeliness
gives it the power of fascination. <link>
It can only be hit by +3 weapons or better.
It has a limited regeneration, healing
at the rate of 2 hit points per hour.
It is immune
to fire
and takes only half
damage from cold attacks (no damage on a successful saving throw).
It suffers double
damage from electrical-based attacks.
It greatly fears thunderstorms since the
Celestial Emperor sometimes sends the Thunder God to punish th hu hsien
for its wicked ways. <link to Shang Ti & Lei Kung>
Hu hsien live and gain their power of shapeshifting
by draining the life force of human victims.
To do so, the hu hsien must assume human
form and snare a victim in its web,
generally by using its [fascinate] power
to cause the victim to fall hopelessly in love with it.
Thereafter, each day the victim spends
with the hu hsien results in the loss of one level of experience.
The victim, totally blinded by love, is
not aware of what is happening and does not realize that any harm has befallen
him.
Once the process starts, the victim can
only be saved if the hu hsien is driven away or destroyed by others.
Hu hsien are not totally cruel and ungrateful.
They have been known to reward or aid
people who have helped them or shown them kindness or generosity.
Such rewards usually take the form of
success at examinations,
good fortune,
or rescue in a moment of great danger.
They are particularly attracted to scholars,
both for good and ill.
They are noted for devious tricks, especially
upon those who scoff at their existence.
They are particularly fond of wine, unable
to resist its temptation.
However, once intoxicated, they will unwillingly
revert to their true forms.
<space added>
Hu hsien lairs are normally on the edges
of human villages.
Sometimes they occupy an abandoned house,
using their magical power to create the
illusion of great wealth and luxury.
Other times their lair is a fox den similarly
enchanted to appear as a great mansion on the inside.
Many times the unfortunate traveler has
dined and slept in a grand hall only to awaken in the tight cramped space
under the floors of an old house.
<This seems similar to [mirage arcane]>