In this set of blog entries I aim to convert the original 1e Oriental Adventure monsters to 5e to provide some extra fodder for an OA campaign. I am using both the original 1e source and the updated 3e source as reference for the build. I left some of the 3e spells intact – as the DM you will need to be creative when implementing there mechanics.
BISAN
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Medium fey (kami), neutral Armor Class 16 (strong as wood)
Skills Perception +4, Stealth +5 |
Innate Spellcasting. The bisan’s innate spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 14). The dryad can innately cast the following spells, requiring no material components:
At will: druidcraft, polymorph, invisible, and become ethereal
3/day each: bless/bane, entangle, goodberry, insect plague (wasps instead of locusts)
Tree Heart. A bisan’s life force is tied to a single tree in the forest where it dwells. If the tree is destroyed (chopped down, burned, or rotted with magic), the bisan dies immediately.
Tree Stride. Once on her turn, the bisan can use 10 feet of her movement to step magically into one living tree within her reach and emerge from a second living tree within 60 feet of the first tree, appearing in an unoccupied space within 5 feet of the second tree. Both trees must be Large or bigger.
Hit: 6 (1d8 +2) piercing damage plus 15 (3d10) poison damage. The bisan may make an opposed Strength check to trip the target.
DESCRIPTION
A beautiful woman, hard as teak, volatile as camphor, and belligerent—and dangerous—as a wasp: So the tales depict the bisan.
The bisan is a lesser spirit found in conjunction with a particular tree, usually one that is harvested for its valuable wood, sap, gum, or oils. They are most commonly associated with camphor trees, but sometimes reside in teak, mahogany and other valuable woods. In its natural form, the bisan appears as a beautiful human woman. However, it is seldom seen in this form, preferring instead that of a small insect.
Bisan are protectors of the same type of tree as they live in. Thus, a bisan associated with a camphor tree watches over the health of all camphor trees in its region. Each bisan is associated with a single tree in the forest. Should this tree be damaged or cut down, the bisan suffers the same effect. Although protecting the trees from harm, the bisan allow humans (and others) to harvest these trees, taking sap, branches, fruit or leaves. Trees at the end of their life spans can even be cut down without incurring the bisan’s displeasure. However, in exchange, the bisan must be given an offering—normally part of each meal and a white cock. Should this not be done, the bisan becomes angry.
Bisan generally try to avoid combat whenever possible, using their spells to cause mischief and hardship. If forced to fight, the bisan flees at the first possible moment, unless defending its personal tree.
Bisan are highly intelligent and clever, and can be formidable enemies if angered. Woodsmen generally know the location of all bisan woods in their area and many can be identified by local superstition. Bisan speak the Spirit Tongue which is similar to Sylvan.