DnDChick
Demon Queen of Templates
Here he is, the man himself: Dr. Phibes. This is, of course, the main protagonist of two campy horror flicks from 1971 and 1972 starring the incomprable Vincent Price. Although the movies were set in the mid-20s (perfect time for a classic CoC game), the good doctor could reasonably appear in any time period after that. As noted below, he has discovered a process by which he can enter a permanent biostasis trance. There is no reason why he couldnt appear in later eras just as hale and hearty as he was in the 20's.
This is only my interpretation of the character, so critiques and comments are fully accepted!
THE ABOMINABLE DOCTOR PHIBES
10th level defense option Musician
Hit Dice: 10d6+20 (55 hp)
Initiative: +1
Speed: 30 ft.
AC: 11 (+1 Dex)
Attacks: Sword cane +7 melee
Damage: Sword cane 1d4+2
Face/Reach: 5 ft. by 5 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: Ingenious
Special Quality: Sleep of death
Saves: Fort +11, Ref +4, Will +12
Abilities: Str 14, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 18, Wis 16, Cha 18
Skills: Craft (Clockworks) +20, Craft (Mechanics) +17, Cthulhu Mythos +2, Disguise +17, Innuendo +16, Knowledge (Music) +17, Knowledge (Occult) +17, Listen +16, Performance (Pipe Organ) +20, Repair +17, Sense Motive +17, Spot +17
Feats: Great Fortitude, Iron Will, Skill Emphasis (Craft: Clockworks), Skill Emphasis (Perform: Pipe Organ), Weapon Proficiency (Sword Cane)
CR: 10
Alignment: Neutral Evil
Sanity Loss: 0/1d4
Sanity: 0
"Nine killed you; nine shall die! Eight have died, soon to be nine. Nine eternities in doom!!"
—Dr. Anton Phibes
Dr. Anton Phibes was a brilliant pipe organist who in 1920 suffered a terrific automobile accident while rushing to be by his ailing wife’s side. Victoria Phibes, unfortunately, died on the surgeon’s table despite the best efforts of the nine doctors and nurses attending her. Dr. Phibes was assumed to have died in the accident; his nearly cremated remains were interred with those of his wife Victoria.
In the mid-twenties, however, the nine medical professionals mysteriously began dying off—killed in horrific ways that emulated the ancient plagues of Egypt. One had his blood drained, another was stung to death by bees (in his library), and yet another was impaled on the horn of a great brass unicorn catapulted across a busy street. Police inspectors at Scotland Yard soon discovered that the tomb of Dr. Anton Phibes contained the body of his chauffeur, and that the tomb of Victoria Regina Phibes was empty. Their suspicions were confirmed—Dr. Phibes did not die in that car accident. Rather he was alive and well, seeking revenge on the doctors and nurses he held responsible for the death of his beloved Victoria.
When the son of the last surviving doctor was abducted in a sick mockery of the curse of the death of the firstborn son, the doctor and the police inspectors traveled to a large house in hopes of defeating the mad doctor once and for all. Dr. Visalias managed to save his son, but Dr. Phibes was nowhere to be found.
Unbeknownst to the inspectors, Dr. Phibes had saved the final curse—the curse of darkness—for himself. Through his knowledge of arcane lore and medicine, Dr. Phibes was able to place himself into a state of suspended animation until such time as the stars were right for his next brilliant plan.
Awakening from his slumber, Dr. Phibes traveled to Egypt. There he used the knowledge gleaned from the Egyptian Book of the Dead to search for a mysterious subterranean river. Stymied at a few turns by an archaeological expedition taking place nearby (and killing several of the excavation party members in due turn), Dr. Phibes managed to locate the River of Life, which he believed would return his dear, dead wife to the land of the living. When last seen he was disappearing into the darkness of the underground river, rowing a sarcophagus with Victoria’s remains like a raft into oblivion. Neither he nor Victoria have been seen since. It is unknown if his plan to return her to life was successful.
Dr. Phibes is in his mid-forties, a tall, imposing man with an unkempt mop of salt-and-pepper hair and a graying mustache. His appearance is only a mask, however, for he was badly burned. His true appearance is a horrifying grimace, skull-like and leathery lacking lips, a nose, or ears. It is his ghastly visage that causes those that see him without his mask to suffer Sanity loss. Dr. Phibes is unable to speak normally, but has somehow managed to regain the power of speech through an opening on the right side of his neck. He can only speak, however, through the use of a specially designed sound amplifier that he literally inserts into the opening. Dr. Phibes has a flair for the dramatic, speaking in flowery prose and poetry and making grand gestures. He rarely deals with others personally, preferring instead to send his maidservant and assistant Vulnavia to do his bidding.
Combat
Dr. Phibes usually considers himself above physical confrontation, but he will engage in melee if hard pressed. His usual tactic, however, is to create a diversion and escape. He is not above putting innocents at risk.
Ingenious (Ex): Through the mad insights of a man driven by revenge and the need to return his wife to life, Dr. Phibes possesses knowledge beyond that of other men of his era. For example, Dr. Phibes has been known to create clockwork musicians and a device that could freeze a man solid in a matter of minutes. Not the least of his inventions is the remarkable apparatus through which he speaks. Dr. Phibes has a +4 insight bonus to any attempt to create mechanical or acoustic devices. Dr. Phibes usually has several such strange devices on hand in whichever place he currently resides. A GM is encouraged to let her imagination run wild when equipping the good doctor. A sample of his devices is given here.
Acoustic Voice Box: Using his knowledge of music and acoustics, Dr. Phibes has constructed for himself a device that has recreated his voice. The acoustic voice box resembles a phonograph player without a spindle or turntable. A long tube snakes out of the side of the cabinet, which the doctor inserts directly into the stoma in the side of his neck. He has several portable versions of the acoustic voice box that he can wheel around his house or have Vulnavia carry for him.
Clockwork Musicians: The Clockwork Musicians are among Dr. Phibes’ only harmless inventions. True to their name, they are human-sized clockwork devices designed to play various pieces of music. Large metal disks like those of a music box determine the musical piece played. The Clockwork Musicians are not intelligent and cannot move under their own power.
Frog’s Head Mask: This device is shaped like a large frog’s head which fits over a person’s head like a mask. When the latch is connected on the back, however, miniature clockwork gears continue to tighten the mask around the wearer’s neck. This automatically deals 1d4 points of damage per round to the wearer. The mask continues to tighten until the wearer’s head is removed.
Icebox: The icebox is a wooden box approximately 1 foot square. When connected to some source of power (such as a car’s engine), it puts forth great gusts of chilling wind. Treat this device as a Mi-Go Mist Projector for its effects, except that it continues to put forth ice for as long as it is able to operate.
Jack-In-The-Box: The jack-in-the-box is perhaps Dr. Phibes’ most diabolical invention. It consists of two large black blocks connected by worm gears. By placing the blocks on either side of a reclining victim and turning a crankshaft, the operator of the jack-in-the-box can crush the victim in a matter of minutes. This deals 2d6 points of damage per round; when the victim is dead, the blocks have moved together and the victim’s head is forced out an opening at the top between them. The victim must be restrained or otherwise incapacitated before the jack-in-the-box can be used, however.
Sand Blaster: The sand blaster is a device similar in construction to the icebox. The sand blaster, however, can only operate in areas where there is ample soil or sand for it to operate. The sand blaster is connected via a tube or hose to a source of sand, which it forces under pressure towards a victim. The damage and effects are otherwise identical to those of the icebox.
Scorpion Throne: The scorpion throne is a large brass statue in the shape of a scorpion. There are clockwork mechanisms in the claws, which can clamp shut to hold anyone seated on the scorpion’s head. The claws of the scorpion throne have long, sharp needles that dig deeply into the victim’s arms, automatically dealing 1d4 damage each plus 1 point of damage per round spent trying to escape. Escaping the scorpion throne through brute force requires a Strength check (DC 23). Escape Artist checks are useless, and each attempt at this skill deals 1d3 damage to the victim. The only way to escape the scorpion throne without further damage to the victim is through the use of a special key—usually placed just out of reach to tantalize and torture the victim.
Sleep of Death (Su): Through his many travels and studies, Dr. Phibes has learned of an antediluvian ritual that simulates the effects of death. By replacing his own blood with a vile yellow concoction of chemicals and other preservative substances, Dr. Phibes can enter a death-like trance indefinitely. This ability operates just like a biofeedback trance with no time limit. By pumping out the chemicals and returning his own blood to his veins, Dr. Phibes can “return to life” within a matter of hours. Each use of this substance drains 1 permanent point of Constitution, however. Dr. Phibes will not share his secrets with anyone, and will not disclose the source of his knowledge.
This is only my interpretation of the character, so critiques and comments are fully accepted!
THE ABOMINABLE DOCTOR PHIBES
10th level defense option Musician
Hit Dice: 10d6+20 (55 hp)
Initiative: +1
Speed: 30 ft.
AC: 11 (+1 Dex)
Attacks: Sword cane +7 melee
Damage: Sword cane 1d4+2
Face/Reach: 5 ft. by 5 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: Ingenious
Special Quality: Sleep of death
Saves: Fort +11, Ref +4, Will +12
Abilities: Str 14, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 18, Wis 16, Cha 18
Skills: Craft (Clockworks) +20, Craft (Mechanics) +17, Cthulhu Mythos +2, Disguise +17, Innuendo +16, Knowledge (Music) +17, Knowledge (Occult) +17, Listen +16, Performance (Pipe Organ) +20, Repair +17, Sense Motive +17, Spot +17
Feats: Great Fortitude, Iron Will, Skill Emphasis (Craft: Clockworks), Skill Emphasis (Perform: Pipe Organ), Weapon Proficiency (Sword Cane)
CR: 10
Alignment: Neutral Evil
Sanity Loss: 0/1d4
Sanity: 0
"Nine killed you; nine shall die! Eight have died, soon to be nine. Nine eternities in doom!!"
—Dr. Anton Phibes
Dr. Anton Phibes was a brilliant pipe organist who in 1920 suffered a terrific automobile accident while rushing to be by his ailing wife’s side. Victoria Phibes, unfortunately, died on the surgeon’s table despite the best efforts of the nine doctors and nurses attending her. Dr. Phibes was assumed to have died in the accident; his nearly cremated remains were interred with those of his wife Victoria.
In the mid-twenties, however, the nine medical professionals mysteriously began dying off—killed in horrific ways that emulated the ancient plagues of Egypt. One had his blood drained, another was stung to death by bees (in his library), and yet another was impaled on the horn of a great brass unicorn catapulted across a busy street. Police inspectors at Scotland Yard soon discovered that the tomb of Dr. Anton Phibes contained the body of his chauffeur, and that the tomb of Victoria Regina Phibes was empty. Their suspicions were confirmed—Dr. Phibes did not die in that car accident. Rather he was alive and well, seeking revenge on the doctors and nurses he held responsible for the death of his beloved Victoria.
When the son of the last surviving doctor was abducted in a sick mockery of the curse of the death of the firstborn son, the doctor and the police inspectors traveled to a large house in hopes of defeating the mad doctor once and for all. Dr. Visalias managed to save his son, but Dr. Phibes was nowhere to be found.
Unbeknownst to the inspectors, Dr. Phibes had saved the final curse—the curse of darkness—for himself. Through his knowledge of arcane lore and medicine, Dr. Phibes was able to place himself into a state of suspended animation until such time as the stars were right for his next brilliant plan.
Awakening from his slumber, Dr. Phibes traveled to Egypt. There he used the knowledge gleaned from the Egyptian Book of the Dead to search for a mysterious subterranean river. Stymied at a few turns by an archaeological expedition taking place nearby (and killing several of the excavation party members in due turn), Dr. Phibes managed to locate the River of Life, which he believed would return his dear, dead wife to the land of the living. When last seen he was disappearing into the darkness of the underground river, rowing a sarcophagus with Victoria’s remains like a raft into oblivion. Neither he nor Victoria have been seen since. It is unknown if his plan to return her to life was successful.
Dr. Phibes is in his mid-forties, a tall, imposing man with an unkempt mop of salt-and-pepper hair and a graying mustache. His appearance is only a mask, however, for he was badly burned. His true appearance is a horrifying grimace, skull-like and leathery lacking lips, a nose, or ears. It is his ghastly visage that causes those that see him without his mask to suffer Sanity loss. Dr. Phibes is unable to speak normally, but has somehow managed to regain the power of speech through an opening on the right side of his neck. He can only speak, however, through the use of a specially designed sound amplifier that he literally inserts into the opening. Dr. Phibes has a flair for the dramatic, speaking in flowery prose and poetry and making grand gestures. He rarely deals with others personally, preferring instead to send his maidservant and assistant Vulnavia to do his bidding.
Combat
Dr. Phibes usually considers himself above physical confrontation, but he will engage in melee if hard pressed. His usual tactic, however, is to create a diversion and escape. He is not above putting innocents at risk.
Ingenious (Ex): Through the mad insights of a man driven by revenge and the need to return his wife to life, Dr. Phibes possesses knowledge beyond that of other men of his era. For example, Dr. Phibes has been known to create clockwork musicians and a device that could freeze a man solid in a matter of minutes. Not the least of his inventions is the remarkable apparatus through which he speaks. Dr. Phibes has a +4 insight bonus to any attempt to create mechanical or acoustic devices. Dr. Phibes usually has several such strange devices on hand in whichever place he currently resides. A GM is encouraged to let her imagination run wild when equipping the good doctor. A sample of his devices is given here.
Acoustic Voice Box: Using his knowledge of music and acoustics, Dr. Phibes has constructed for himself a device that has recreated his voice. The acoustic voice box resembles a phonograph player without a spindle or turntable. A long tube snakes out of the side of the cabinet, which the doctor inserts directly into the stoma in the side of his neck. He has several portable versions of the acoustic voice box that he can wheel around his house or have Vulnavia carry for him.
Clockwork Musicians: The Clockwork Musicians are among Dr. Phibes’ only harmless inventions. True to their name, they are human-sized clockwork devices designed to play various pieces of music. Large metal disks like those of a music box determine the musical piece played. The Clockwork Musicians are not intelligent and cannot move under their own power.
Frog’s Head Mask: This device is shaped like a large frog’s head which fits over a person’s head like a mask. When the latch is connected on the back, however, miniature clockwork gears continue to tighten the mask around the wearer’s neck. This automatically deals 1d4 points of damage per round to the wearer. The mask continues to tighten until the wearer’s head is removed.
Icebox: The icebox is a wooden box approximately 1 foot square. When connected to some source of power (such as a car’s engine), it puts forth great gusts of chilling wind. Treat this device as a Mi-Go Mist Projector for its effects, except that it continues to put forth ice for as long as it is able to operate.
Jack-In-The-Box: The jack-in-the-box is perhaps Dr. Phibes’ most diabolical invention. It consists of two large black blocks connected by worm gears. By placing the blocks on either side of a reclining victim and turning a crankshaft, the operator of the jack-in-the-box can crush the victim in a matter of minutes. This deals 2d6 points of damage per round; when the victim is dead, the blocks have moved together and the victim’s head is forced out an opening at the top between them. The victim must be restrained or otherwise incapacitated before the jack-in-the-box can be used, however.
Sand Blaster: The sand blaster is a device similar in construction to the icebox. The sand blaster, however, can only operate in areas where there is ample soil or sand for it to operate. The sand blaster is connected via a tube or hose to a source of sand, which it forces under pressure towards a victim. The damage and effects are otherwise identical to those of the icebox.
Scorpion Throne: The scorpion throne is a large brass statue in the shape of a scorpion. There are clockwork mechanisms in the claws, which can clamp shut to hold anyone seated on the scorpion’s head. The claws of the scorpion throne have long, sharp needles that dig deeply into the victim’s arms, automatically dealing 1d4 damage each plus 1 point of damage per round spent trying to escape. Escaping the scorpion throne through brute force requires a Strength check (DC 23). Escape Artist checks are useless, and each attempt at this skill deals 1d3 damage to the victim. The only way to escape the scorpion throne without further damage to the victim is through the use of a special key—usually placed just out of reach to tantalize and torture the victim.
Sleep of Death (Su): Through his many travels and studies, Dr. Phibes has learned of an antediluvian ritual that simulates the effects of death. By replacing his own blood with a vile yellow concoction of chemicals and other preservative substances, Dr. Phibes can enter a death-like trance indefinitely. This ability operates just like a biofeedback trance with no time limit. By pumping out the chemicals and returning his own blood to his veins, Dr. Phibes can “return to life” within a matter of hours. Each use of this substance drains 1 permanent point of Constitution, however. Dr. Phibes will not share his secrets with anyone, and will not disclose the source of his knowledge.
