Buy me a coffeeIssun-bōshi
“The One-Inch Boy” is the subject of a fairy tale from Japan.
Originally Posted by Paragon Badger of the Giant in the Playground Forums.
On this Thread
An old woman and man live alone, they wish to have a child, despite there old age, even if he is only one inch tall. Soon after, the old woman’s wish is granted. They name the miniature child Issun-bo-shi (“One-Inch Boy”). The child, despite being incredibly small, is treated well by his parents. One day, the boy realizes he will never grow taller than one inch, so he goes on a trip to seek his place in the world. Fancying himself a miniature samurai, Issun-bo-shi is given a sewing needle for a sword, a rice bowl boat, and chopsticks for oars.
He sails down river to the city. There, he petitions for a job with the government and goes to the home of a wealthy daimyo, whose daughter is an attractive princess. He is scorned for his height, but nevertheless given the job of accompanying the princess as her playmate. While they travel together, they are suddenly attacked by two Oni. He went inside the first one and attacked it. He stabbed the second one in the eye. The Oni drops the magical Uchide’s Mallet. As a reward for his bravery, the princess uses the power of the mallet to grow him to full size. Issun-bo-shi and the princess eventually wed.”
| Issun-bo-shi | |
| Fine Augmented Human, 1st Level Samurai | |
| Hit Dice: | 1d10 (5 HP) |
| Initiative | +4 |
| Speed | 10 ft. (2 squares) |
| Armor Class | 22 (+8 size, +4 Dexterity), touch 22, flat-footed 18 |
| Base Attack/Grapple | +1/-16 |
| Attack | Sewing Needle (1 Piercing Damage) (20/x12) |
| Full Attack | Sewing Needle (1 Piercing Damage) (20/x12) |
| Space/Reach | 1/2 ft. / 0 ft. |
| Special Attacks | Infiltrate |
| Special Qualities | Human Lockpick. |
| Saves | Fort +4, Ref +4, Will +4 |
| Abilities | Strength 8, Dexterity 19, Constitution 13, Intelligence 12, Wisdom 14, Charisma 16 |
| Skills | Climb +3, Diplomacy +6, Hide +16, Iajutsu Focus +6, Intimidate +6, Jump +3, Ride (Dexterity)+8 |
| Feats | Dodge, Improved Evasion, Weapon Proficiency (Sewing Needle) |
| Environment | Anywhere where there is adventure, fame, and fortune. |
| Organization | Unique (1) |
| Challenge Rating | 1 |
| Treasure | None |
| Alignment | Lawful Good |
| Advancement | By Character Class |
| Level Adjustment | +1 |
Combat
Infiltrate
Issun-bo-shi stows away in an enemy’s mouth purposefully, as in ‘Devour Whole’, except he ignores any bite attacks. Each turn while in an enemy’s body, Issun-bo-shi makes a standard attack against the inner lining of the target’s throat.
In order to expunge Issun-bo-shi from one’s body, The target must make an unarmed touch attack on the back of their throat (AC: 10 + Fortitude Save) to induce vomiting. If successful, Issun-bo-shi appears in an adjacent square, and must make a fortitude save (DC: 20) or take 1d6 damage of acid.
Human Lockpick
Issun-bo-shi…IF willing, can be used as a masterwork theives’ tools, who gives an additional circumstance bonus equal to his Intelligence modifier. If used in this manner, it is a full round action for Issun-bo-shi.