Headgourd

In the Hedge, often around where other goblin fruits grow, one might find what’s called a Gourdbody. Tumescent vines lined with whisper-thin spines grow up into a form that appears not unlike a scarecrow — arms dangling off a cross, legs hanging loosely just above the ground. Above the Gourdbody is always a fat gourd, the Headgourd, that is often striated with patterns of green and orange. It even seems to have eyes and a puckered mouth. Cracking open the head offers a stinking, brain-like fruit that can be eaten (some liken it to foul French cheeses), but it has a separate function, as well. If a changeling smears the mess across his body, he becomes harder to hit (+1 to his Defense), as the odor forms a kind of pungent and invisible barrier around the character. Of course, doing this also causes a –2 to Social rolls. The effects last one hour, at which point the fruits dry up and begin flaking off. (Some collect these dry flakes in bottles to use as potent spices, thus giving the Headgourd an additional use.)

---

Habitat

The Headgourd can be found in fields of tall grasses and crop fields. Gourds can, and will, infiltrate into these areas with surprising rapidity. They require the shade of tall grasses and crops as seedlings and quickly grow within the next 1-2 months once they have reached the point of germination.

---

Growing

Cultivating the Headgourd is relatively easy within the areas of farmlands and wild fields. It grows well with most crops but will compete with other headgourds within a field, sending out tendrils of roots to assault the 'encroaching' plant. As such, only 1-2 headgourds can be grown within most crop fields.

---

Scientific Name

Goblin Fruit

Book: Winter Masques pg 112