Hex: The Plumpest Plum Tree
The Plumpest Plum Tree
A large plum tree in the middle of the forest grows the most delicious plums. Though the tree's rough location is known, no hunter seems to be able to find it consistently.
The Plums
Perfectly plump, with a distinctive tang that marks them as originating from this tree. They also put their consumers to sleep when eaten raw. Anyone who eats a plum makes a saving throw against magic or falls asleep for 1d4 hours. The tree produces just 2d4 plums per season.
Guardian of the Tree A mischievous fox spirit named Kyoko that lives in a hovel looking over the plum tree. She steals from anyone who falls asleep near the tree.
Recently, a pair of bandits from the bastards found the tree. Kyoko fought them off but was injured. She has been using illusions to hide the path to the plum tree from their camp ever since.
Kyoko is happy to provide regular access to the tree and occasional plums for anyone who will bring her Takamasa's head.
The Bastards' Camp
On the west side of the hex, a group of 8 bandits has made camp along with their leader, Takamasa the Butcher. A trio of 3-man tents is pitched around a fire pit. During the day, 1d6 Bandits are at camp while the rest are out searching for the plum tree.
Takamasa is a Ronin who was known for killing citizens over minor offenses. After a few too many drinks he killed someone with no reasonable excuse. Realizing Lady Tomoe of his former clan would have him executed, he fled. He hopes to chop down the plum tree and present it to another lord as a gift in exchange for a new station.
Takamasa offers money for plums or to anyone who can lead him to the tree.
Creatures
Kyoko
Kyoko was a human once who was buried beneath the plum tree. After becoming a fox spirit, she's protected the tree for centuries.
She is playful and mischievous at first, but turns cold and hostile to anyone who threatens the tree.
AC: 14
Hd: 3
SP: 14
Mv: 60
Att: 1 (1d8 +1) +2
ML: 9
Saves: 12, 13, 14, 15, 16
XP: 50
Special:
- Illusory double: Kyoko makes an illusory clone of herself that imitates her movements as an action. Any attack against her while her double is present has a 2 in 6 chance of missing.
- disguise: By focusing for an uninterrupted minute, Kyoko can disguise herself as a human woman.
Takamasa the Butcher
A scrawny man with a scratchy beard. often wearing well-groomed samurai armor with dragonfly insignias.
Sees samurai above the common man and himself above the common samurai. Known for abusing his power and loves hurting others. He's also a coward and will run from any fight if he has one or fewer allies against a larger group.
Condescending to those beneath him, kiss ass to those above him.
AC: 16
Hd: 2
SP: 9
Mv: 40
Att 1(1d6 + 2)
ML: 6
Saves: 12, 13, 14, 15, 16
Treasure:
- Katana with a jade charm in the shape of a dragonfly attached (charm is worth 10 ryō)
- 13 ryō and 500 Mon
XP: 20
Bandits
AC: 12
Hd: 1
HP: 4
Speed: 40'
Att: 1 (1d6)
ML: 7 (9 with a leader)
Saves: D14, R15, H16, B17, S18
XP: 5