Phaligast the Phabulous's page

Phaligast is not ignorant of the peril that he and his companions find themselves in. Trolls are ferocious brutes without mercy. Though the gnome was able to hit one of the trolls with his wand, it was a difficult shot, and he does not wish to risk missing in a battle where every moment is vital to survival.

He moves southeast until he is right next to Jamarkis before casting a spell that should help out all of his companions in this time of need...

OOC: Full move to the square just southeast of Jamarkis (if my first step is diagonal I should be able to do this). Then I will cast haste. From that spot I should be able to get all of my allies in its effects (all must be within 30 ft. of each other)...and myself.

Haste: Lasts 7 rounds. May take extra attack if using full attack action, +1 dodge, attacks, and Reflex saves. All movement increases by 30 ft.

Phaligast fishes his necromantic wand out of his pouch, and aims it carefully at the warty giant. He waves it about as purplish energy begins to emanate from the tip, then with a flick of the wrist, sends a beam hurtling towards its target.

OOC: Ray of enfeeblement from the wand. Down to 25 charges. Ranged attack against touch AC.

Wand: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16 against Troll.
Str Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

West... I am so sorry for my absence! I hope we can keep this going. Despite my horrible posting lately, I do miss this game! A million apologies. I will try to do better. I hope everyone is weathering the pandemic as well as they can.

Sadly, Phaligast has little to contribute in the way of fire or acid. However, he could potentially enfeeble the trolls to make them slightly more docile & less murdery.

OOC: By the way, I loved that ToEE game... still have it on my Mac somewhere. So fun (if you got past the bugginess).

Phaligast makes sure the lantern is held high -- or as high as is reasonable -- and follows a safe distance from Jekka.

OOC: Happy new year everybody! Glad to be back with all of you.

Horrified at the sudden and bloody turn of events, Phaligast considers casting a damaging spell, but then clumsily reconsiders... the path to the massive beast is very cluttered with his allies. "Well" the gnome says to himself, "this worked before..." He begins casting.

OOC: Casting another phantasmal killer at the monster.

Will then Fortitude saves (DC 21). If the Fort. save succeeds, then...

Phantasmal Killer damage: 3d6 ⇒ (2, 2, 1) = 5

Phaligast will cautiously move up holding the lantern high while allowing... "wait -- Brosh? Svaerd? Baravar's wavy dagger! Where are my bodyguards! I mean, stalwart comrades?" Looking somewhat more distraught than usual, the gnome sidles up near Maximus and slightly behind the beast.

"Civilization is phar from here, I'm afraid," Phaligast says, trying to sound comforting, but failing. "There is Rastor, which is not too phar, but whether you'd consider that place 'civil' is dubious at best. You're probably better off staying with us phor the time being. Though this place is dangerous, we are all safer staying together."

The diminutive wizard recommends that Jekka explore the under-passage just to see where it might lead. "Perhaps it will take you to the great beast's lair," he suggests while pointing a thumb back at the umber hulk. "Those things can dig like hedgehogs. Could be some loot -- or another hulk. Be careful and hurry back. We can decide where to go next after you've explored a ways."

As the scout disappears (as Jekka does so well), Phaligast tries to fill the elf in on recent events. "Rufus & Burne are minor lords of a place called Hommlet. Over a week's travel phrom here. Have you heard of it? Was a bit phamous some years ago. Emridy Meadows? The great battle? Serten the heroic priest phell there protecting Prince Thrommel -- or was it his phather? Do I have that right? Anyway, the Citadel of Eight disbanded after that. But more recently, Rufus & Burne sent us here to investigate the resurgence of a wicked cult that once thrived around Hommlet. If the gods brought you here to help us thwart this great evil, then you are most welcome! We can use all the help we can get... we are in the Crater Ridge Mines, possibly home to this vile religion."

He will do his best to answer any other questions Addiz has while they wait for the return of the scout.

Phaligast's heart resumes beating as his most potent invocation actually succeeds! He felt that if it hadn't, he was going to be the one to drop dead of fright.

When the elvish lass flutters her eyelids open and asks some questions in a confused manner, the gnome approaches cautiously as Jekka asks a few questions of his own. "I think what my good phriend here means is, are you quite alright? Take things slow, those purple mushrooms are quite nasty! You are phortunate to be breathing."

He helps her sit up, but recommends she does not try standing too quickly. "We are safe phor now. My name is Phaligast and these are my companions Jekka, Loren, Max, and Sol. I regret to tell you that you are not in the most pleasant of places... what do you remamber? Do you know how you got here?"

He will offer the elf some of his rations and a drink of water if she wishes.

OOC: Welcome aboard!

Phaligast panics with the sudden terrible turn of events... but he still has the wherewithal to shout for everyone to move away from the fungi quickly. "Perhaps they will not phollow if they realize the behemoth is on its way! We don't want to have to deal with both at once!"

The gnome wizard moves west (away from the fungus cave) and a bit south, then prepares to cast a spell. It is no time to think conservatively. The monstrous horror advancing towards the party looks as though it could devour him whole. And have Svaerd's right leg for dessert.

OOC: Move SW 20 feet, then cast phantasmal killer as soon as I see the glint in the monster's compound eyes.

Can I make a Knowledge - Arcana check to identify the beast?

Save DC 21 (Will disbelief if interacted with, then Fortitude partial). Save or die. 3d6 dm. if save successful. Damage Roll: 3d6 ⇒ (4, 1, 4) = 9

Phaligast's stomach sinks when he hears Jekka's description. He mumbles to himself as he prepares for a fight, "hate those damn violet phungi... always getting those disgusting tendrils all over you... never could stand 'em, going all the way back to when I spent all those years as a shambling mound."

Phaligast prepares to unleash four magic missiles at the first mushroom that waves tentacles anywhere near him.

OOC: That's my shout out to the animated series' episode, "Prison Without Walls." Back on the old site, I used Lukion's image as my avatar.

"If we could confirm that the side cave is not a threat to us, not only could we use it to stage an ambush, but we also could avoid having two possible phronts in the coming battle," Phaligast reasons. "I say we should explore it phirst regardless of what we do next. I'd like to hear the others' input, however..."

Phaligast almost lets it slip that he thinks gnomes should make all the important decisions anyway, but he manages to cover it up well.

Phaligast nearly lets out a high-pitched squeak when Jekka appears so suddenly out of the darkness. But the diminutive mage is able to stuff a sufficient amount of beard into his mouth to muffle the sound to almost nothing.

After hearing the other gnome's plan, he adds with a whisper, "a good suggestion... and the brute might not hesitate to rush out if it thinks only an itty-bitty attacker assails it. Plus, it would not think to shout an alarm if confronted by a small threat. You would be little more than a between meal snack."

Looking to the east, Phaligast wonders of the smaller cave could be used as an ambush. "Phorgive me... have we explored that side cave yet? If it is safe, perhaps we could use it to launch a phlank attack at the creature when it comes charging out this way."

OOC: Have we examined 32 yet? Some of us could lie in wait there while the beast is lured out by Jekka.

Phaligast immediately pauses and even takes a step back when he sees the profusion of fungi in this large cavern. Though in recent years, he has spent most of his time in aboveground settlements, his youth was spent in the wondrous subterranean realm of Grossettgrottel. He is quite familiar with fungi of all kinds, and the potential dangers of such organisms.

He has learned to be wary of such things, especially since for his most potent spells to work, the target needs a mind and preferably eyes.

"Tread very carefully," the gnome whispers. "Some of the phungi here could be hazardous, and some of it predatory. Certain varieties can react to loud noises, bright light, or the scent of prey. Perhaps I could cast a minor spell which might light up the area better, but keep us safely at a distance. If anything is hostile, we can retreat to the passage which is more defensible."

OOC: If the party agrees, I can use my innate gnomish ability of dancing lights to reconnoiter the joint. Any other thoughts? I can send the lights up to 170 ft. away.

"While I dislike leaving a phoe wandering about and an ongoing threat to us -- particularly as we sleep -- I think that brute has had quite enough of tangling with us!" Phaligast tries to interlace his stubby, yet dextrous, fingers to crack his knuckles, but only ends up slightly injuring himself. While shaking out his left hand, he says, "I do not think the thing will want anything to do with this group."

The gnome is perfectly willing to engage in pursuit (so long as he does not have to lead the way), but is content to move along if the party doesn't wish to trouble themselves.

Phaligast peers up at the strange creature as it waves its dripping proboscis about. Not wanting to miss an opportunity, the gnome outstretches both of his hands overhead and whispers a magical incantation. A cold, blue sphere flies upwards from his open palms...

OOC: Casting lesser orb of cold.

Ranged touch attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24
Cold damage: 4d8 ⇒ (8, 7, 7, 6) = 28

Reflex Save: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

Phaligast's initial reaction is to blast their assailant with some sort of spell, but before the proper incantation comes to mind, the creature disappears from sight. Suddenly, the priority becomes getting out of the path of another corrosive attack.

The gnome dashes as fast as his wee legs can carry him to flatten himself up against the wall, right beneath where the monster is perched. The beast would need to peer over the edge to reach him, and thus, leave itself open to attack.

At least, that is the plan.

OOC: Use full move (or double move, if needed) to reach the wall right under the digester. Make myself as flat as I can.

Returning to his gnomish form that everyone is more comfortable with (+7 hp), Phaligast takes up his position in the middle of the party, holding aloft his relit lantern.

As the group enters the new cavern, the diminutive wizard begins examining the area around him, all the while keeping one eye on the passage to the south for any potential threats.

OOC:Whoo! Glad we're back! I'm going to make a cautious search of the area.

Search Check: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

Phaligast will remain in hydra form until all threats (including the dragon) are out of sight and/or dead.

OOC: Try my best to look menacing (and not at all hurt) while we parley with the dragon. Once it looks like things will end peacefully (or when the duration runs out), I'll switch back and regain 7 hp.

OOC: Three bites towards large boar:

hydra bite 1: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17 for damage: 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
hydra bite 2: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16 for damage: 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
hydra bite 3: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18 for damage: 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Four bites at ettin:

hydra bite 4: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7 for damage: 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14
hydra bite 5: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10 for damage: 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11
hydra bite 6: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13 for damage: 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
hydra bite 7: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10 for damage: 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

These do NOT take into account bonuses for attacking while invisible. These are just my base rolls.

I will cease being invisible immediately, anyway. Sorry for messing up your action, Jekka!

After seeing the strongest combatants amongst his allies take frightening amounts of damage from the boar-ettin, Phaligast decides he must take dramatic action.

OOC: Move SW until I am mid-way between my present position and Jekka (only about 10 ft., so I am straddling the cart tracks), then cast polymorph. I will take up a 15 ft. area and have 10 ft. reach, so I should be able to attack the large boar and the ettin (3 bites towards one, 4 at the latter).

Hydra Form: 7 min. duration; type changes to dragon; regains 7 hp; STR 19 (+4), DEX 12 (+1), CON 20 (+5); Spd 20 ft., swim 20 ft.; AC 17/9/16; Melee 7 bites +6 (1d10+4); Space/Reach 15 ft./10 ft.

Phaligast does his best impression of a rock up against the north wall, just to the right of the tunnel where the giant and his pets now emerge.

Hide check: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14

If they do not see the sneaky gnome, he will try to wait until they move into the cavern and then slide over to the tunnel exit, cutting off escape & gaining their rear flank. Stuck between a rock gnome and a hard place! Phaligast thinks to himself.

If he is spotted, he will cast invisibility (standard action) and then move the hell out of there. He'll still move to behind the ettin if possible, otherwise, with no clear path, he'll retreat to join his comrades (preferably at the back).

If he does get the position that he wants in the mouth of the tunnel, then he's casting polymorph. But, that's probably a different round.

Phaligast whispers to the comrades near him, "if things go south -- or east or west, phor that matter -- we should try to keep our enemies in the narrow passages, if possible." He points up ahead and down the tracks where the scouts wandered off to. "Especially if our phoes are particularly large, it would help us to phight just one or two at a time. Also, giants are very likely to have superior reach than even the hulking barbarian. We need to get in close to it as quickly as possible."

OOC: The gnome will very slowly & cautiously move (half speed) to where the track emerges into the cavern that the main party waits in. He will hug the right-hand wall as much as possible to keep out of sight. His goal is to settle in on the square that is 15 ft. west of the #22 on the map, then 10 ft. north. Right up against the wall. If the battle spills out into this cave, hopefully he can remain unseen.

Move Silently check (if needed): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20

Phaligast ponders the situation for a moment or two, then suggests they follow the gnew gnome's plan with one modification: "I can make another one of you invisible, as well... no sense in sending our new ally out on his own where he might be eaten. Probably not Vorlan, since he is a bit noisy, but perhaps another one of you who can be counted on phor silence? I'd be careful not to get too close to the boars, as well. They have quite sensitive snouts."

OOC: I have two invisibility spells to give... any volunteers?

"Agreed..." states Phaligast. "We've conquered more phormidable phoes than that already."

Phaligast's emotions seem to take on a similar aspect to the serpent slithering through the water -- up then down, then up again, then down -- he is filled with fear at the appearance of the great beast, but then he experiences fascination when it begins to converse somewhat respectfully with the group. When Jekka steps forward, Phaligast feels a natural familiarity & comfort to see one of his kin. However, he shortly becomes slightly suspicious of the diminutive creature. Sent by Rufus & Burne sometime after he & his own companions departed? Perhaps, but to make such a trip on his own & arrive almost simultaneously? Something seems dubious about this newcomer, but he doesn't voice anything as yet.

He also feels (though doesn't admit it yet -- even to himself) that this gnome is being a bit presumptuous to just join into the band without much more than a simple "hello." We've already got a gnome, gnome... and he's me!

With another possible threat gliding through the water towards the group, Phaligast holds the light of the lantern up high -- as high as a gnome might -- so as to illuminate better the strange newcomer. If he can get a good look at the thing he will try to identify it, but he also draws out his wand in case the thing decides he & his friends are edible...

OOC: If my lantern allows a decent view of the creature, I'll attempt to discern the species. Also readying my wand.

Knowledge - Arcana check: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (1) + 14 = 15

Wanting to conserve his most potent spells for the vermin-sorcerer, Phaligast tries again to back away from the amorphous horror and casts a protective spell on himself.

OOC: I will take another 5 ft. step back -- if I can -- and cast mage armor on myself (which improves my AC to 21).

Phaligast reels back in horror (5-foot step away from the blob), and then lets loose with one of his more potent spells.

Orb of Cold: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 244d8 ⇒ (1, 6, 6, 2) = 15

Though I may be firing into melee (-4 to hit), I figure hitting an ochre jelly's touch AC is about like hitting the broad side of a barn.

Phaligast agrees to the course along the bank, but keeps a particular eye out for suspicious ripples in the water & or any other aquatic threats.

"I am certain that this thurible has some important purpose for the cult. We may be able to use it to our advantage... I'm just not sure how yet."

From Svaerd's description, it seems pretty clear there's something special about the axe & shield. I would advise taking both and the vial (as long as it doesn't hamper your swimming). With a DC 25 Spellcraft check, I can take a 1 minute & find out if the vial is a potion (+16 on my check, or +18 if it's from the illusion school). I like big numbers.

Phaligast is reluctant to take the lantern light any closer to the edge of the pool without at least one Svaerd-sized buffer between himself and any potential predators lurking in the pool. He knows the light will make him a target.

He says, "I can change my shape, as well, but I'd prefer to reserve that ability for a desperate situation. Polymorphing gives me the runs."

Upon arrival to the mines, Phaligast happily takes up the lantern for the party -- a role he served well with the last group -- and then assumes his position in between the two largest, sturdiest warriors he can (actually anyone will qualify).

He readily agrees that down would be a favorable direction to follow (being a rock gnome who was mostly raised below ground), and cannot help but voice his agreement boisterously in Vorlan's earshot. He is not ignorant of the fellow's dislike for magi, but he is determined to win him over. Two or three times during the journey, Phaaligast would create humorous illusions along the side of the road (a knot on a tree trunk that looked eerily like a human butt, a boulder resembling a raccoon copulating with a loaf of bread, etc.). He would point them out to Vorlan, hoping to get a reaction. He did, though perhaps not the ones the little wizard was hoping for.

Elbowing Norian, he asks, "come on... the butt-tree was hilarious, wasn't it?"

Phaligast nods respectfully to the druidess upon her entrance to the proceedings. She may indeed become a mighty ally for he has heard such practitioners have some measure of power over the four elements.

The sneak attack by the feline startles the gnome, but when he turns to see Norian, Phaligast grins and says, "might I suggest a leash... perhaps a very short one."

When Burne mentions Tharizdun, the gnome visibly winces. He has never heard the name spoken aloud, and it now makes his skin crawl and his stomach churn. "My lord, Burne... perhaps it is wise not to speak the name of the Chained God. Imprisoned though he may be, no being was ever so powerful -- or so evil."

When all the introductions are done, Phaligast recommends heading back to Crater Ridge with all speed. He mentions concerns about their foes regaining some of their former strength.

The silver-haired gnome clears his throat and then says, "the Pelorite speaks true... if any of you newcomers choose to accompany us, know that we will be phighting on evil's own territory and against greater numbers! Trolls, dark sorcerers, and an enormous black pudding who eyed me quite hungrily in a manner I did not appreciate -- yes, I know they don't have eyes, Svaerd! That is not the point!" He sighs deeply and then continues, "well, at any rate, the mines are philled with peril and we believe that we have just barely scratched the surface. Perhaps our only advantage seems to be the different elemental phactions do not appear to lend aid to one another... they may even be at odds. If each of you could perhaps tell us your names and how you believe you might help make our phellowship stronger, that might help move things along... I am Phaligast the Phabulous, a magician of great wierdness and wit. I have cousins in the Kron Hills that I would not see troubled by these devilish phiends, so I pheel I must return to Crater Ridge, despite the danger."

I'll just copy & paste what I posted in the adventure thread for the DM's convenience...

Though Phaligast cannot hope to keep up with the longshanks, he is invisible and does not fear behind left behind. He'll catch up to the others eventually.

OOC: I am willing to continue, however, using this board is still very awkward for me. I still do not know how to format and various other things that may slow me down a bit. I'm still excited about having a mid-level spellcaster to play with, though, since I have played very few in my 35+ years of gaming. But I would just offer the caveat that while I definitely want to remain in the party, I do not want to slow the group down. If things become too annoying, I reserve the right to honorably bow out. Hopefully it won't come to that!

Though Phaligast cannot hope to keep up with the longshanks, he is invisible and does not fear being left behind. He'll catch up to the others eventually.

OOC: I am willing to continue, however, using this board is still very awkward for me. I still do not know how to format and various other things that may slow me down a bit. I'm still excited about having a mid-level spellcaster to play with, though, since I have played very few in my 35+ years of gaming. But I would just offer the caveat that while I definitely want to remain in the party, I do not want to slow the group down. If things become too annoying, I reserve the right to honorably bow out. Hopefully it won't come to that!

Phaligast stops his withdrawal when he is about to lose sight of his comrades. He shouts up ahead, "stay out of the line of sight of the sorcerer! Pull back a step or two if you must!"

OOC: When I click "Show," nothing happens... nothing in FAQ about formatting text either (not that I could find). But at least I'm in...

I am going to cast invisibility when it is my turn. I'll also set down the lantern or hand it to Norian. No point in being invisible if I'm glowing.

Also, West, your spell list for me shows 2 invisibility spells, but I only have 1 invisibility prepared and then mirror image.

Phaligast heeds the call of Sol, continuing to back away from the skirmish and casting a protective spell on himself, sheathing his body in mystical armor.

Move 20' south, cast Mage Armor