Leshii

The Leshii

Leshii
NO. ENCOUNTERED: 1
SIZE: Giant (26')
HIT DICE: 22d8+2-7
MOVE: 20 
ARMOR CLASS: 12 
NO. of ATTACKS:  2
DAMAGE:  1d10 (fists); 2d10 (stomp)
SPECIAL: Polymorph, Ticklers
SAVES:  Physical

INTELLIGENCE: High
ALIGNMENT: Chaotic Neutral
TYPE:  Humanoid
ORGANIZATION: Solitary
ACTIVITY CYCLE: Day
EXPERIENCE: 18,000 

*Hold fast to thine heinies, ye frail fancy folk! For this yarn were spun by none other than Piknik the Bold, High Wizard of the Order of Unlikely, Slayer of the Solar Snail of the thrice-annexed ghost marshes, and keeper of the secretest of secrets, a secret so secret not even a fellow as wise and wonderful as Piknik the Bold can know it! (That guy can't keep anything to himself)*

Once long ago while I was out and about, conversing with my dear friend Axe-Face (or was it my turtle, who was also named Axe-Face? Long story, don't worry about it), we came upon a disheveled fellow along a heavily wooded road, who was begging for food or change amongst the brush. Now I, being a wise and experienced wizard whose inexhaustible greatness is only matched by my unclenched humbillity, knew first to check the shoes of such tramps who spring forth from the bushes, as was known to often happen in those days (good times, good times...). Upon giving them a glance I noticed he wore his left boot on his right stomper, and visa versa. With a laugh I hopped out of my moccasins (self knit, not bragging, maybe a little) and put them on the opposite foot myself, before quickly stripping down and redressing with all my wizardly robes on backwards and inside out, and with a simple "Not today Leshii," I was on my way down the road, and thinking myself a pretty wise Piknik. And rightly so! But then Axe-Face, he just... Don't get me wrong, he's a fine fellow, but none to bright or experienced in such matters. For he simply dug some coins from his pockets and plopped them right in the beggars hand, and said "Bless you and keep you friend," or something stupid like that. It was no surprise to me, looking back in annoyance, when the beggar took hold of Axe-Face's arm and began to twist and grow, eschewing his beggar's robes for his true hairy visage, revealing his true form to Axe-Face as that of a grinning Leshii. Cursing, I turned back and ran to Axe-Face's aid, wincing as I heard his pained giggles and guffaws as the Leshii tore into his love-handles with his cruel, probing Ticklers. I prepared the most powerful spells at my disposal as I raced towards the two of them, for though Leshiis are generally agreeable if annoying creatures, it can be a right pain in the radishes to make them let go of their prey once they've started their tickling...

 Combat:

Leshiis are typically nothing more than whimsical pranksters, though of course there are bound to be a few rotten mangos in the mango container. For the most part, Leshiis use Polymorph to take on various forms to ambush woodland travelers with, though their most common disguise is that of a beggar, the tell tale sign of this disguise being shoes on the wrong feet. Failure to recognize this disguise can lead to fatal results, for you'll soon find yourself desperately trying to pass a DEX save to avoid the Leshii's Ticklers. Once caught, even the most stoic and stuffy adventurer will find themselves laughing uncontrollably, for the Leshii knows all the most tender and ticklish places on the mortal body, but alas, they know little in the ways of restraint (not like me, who always wisely discerns the minimal force needed for any encounter). Even the toughest adventurer will find it hard to find space to breathe between chuckles as the tickling increases in intensity, and in merely 4 rounds the poor soul will fall unconscious, and in another three they will suffocate and die. Forever!!! Should you ever find yourself in the tickling clutches of a Leshii, and feel somewhat embarrassed, don't worry too much: you should. And you know what, honestly, don't even bother the rest of your party begging for help. A Leshii can develop a bit of a temper if people try to pilfer their prey, both stomping and using their fists to fight off opponents, and your friends don't deserve that. After all, it's your own fault for winding up in this ridiculous predicament. You bought this hammock, you gotta sleep in it. I mean sure, you could probably escape the Leshii's grasp with a successful STR save at level 3 challenge, but wouldn't you rather go out with some dignity, instead of writhing around and whatnot? For example, you could take this opportunity to clear the air between you and your friends before passing on to the other side. Like you Pungo! When are you going to tell Grumpuddle how you really feel about him?! (That's a thing right? Have I been reading that situation correctly?) 

Habit/Society:

While the Leshii loves to dish it out, they can't really take it in, and thus they tend to live far from other Leshiis. For the most part they live in caves and eat various plants and fruits that grow in the wild. It is not uncommon for Leshiis to decorate their thick, shaggy fur with various flowers and fruits as they get older, as a sign of status. Leshiis that wear a crown of pinecones and mistletoe are considered to be especially important and wise. Why, you ask? Who knows. Leshiis are weird.

[These stats have been adapted from the updated 1993 2nd Edition Advanced Dungeons & Dragons Monstrous Manual

and from the 2011 Castles & Crusades Monsters & Treasure manual for use in our campaign using the Castles & Crusades SIEGE engine.]Polymorph