Ge'rwn - God of Sphinxes - By Bill Silvey
Armor Class: -7
Move: 24"/36"
Hit Points: 177
No. Of Attacks: 3
Damage/Attack: 6-36/6-36/See Below
Special Attacks: See Below
Special Defense: See Below
Magic Resistance: 80%
Intelligence: Very
Alignment: Neutral Good (Chaotic tendencies)
Worshippers Align: Neutral and Chaotic Good Sphinxes
Symbol: Winged Sun
Plane: Olympus
Cleric/Druid: 20th level cleric
Fighter: Nil
Magic User/Illusionist: Nil
Thief/Assassin: Nil
Monk/Bard: 7th level Bard
Psionic Ability: III
S: 22 (+4,+10) I:25 W:25 D:18 C:20 CH: 16 (25 to Sphinxes)
It is written that in the year CY601, the wandering Sage Termercalas (exiled for apostasy from the Prelacy of Almor) crossed the Sea of Dust in search of artifacts that may have survived the Invoked Destruction of the Rain of Colorless Fire. Some two months into his perilous odyssey, his questionable guides and bodyguards abandoned him taking most of the provisions and left him to die. On the brink of death, Termercalas was found by a munificent Sphinx (who enjoyed the warm climate of the Sea of Dust). The 'Sphinx sensed the basic goodness within Termercalas and was able to heal him and provide him with transport to the edge of the Sea of Dust, closer to civilized lands, give him a small amount of food and water, and perhaps most importantly, the 'Sphinx told Termercalas of the enigmatic god of Andro- and Gynosphinxes, Ge'rwn.
This deity is responsible for the creation of the four races of Sphinx on the Prime Material plane; his first efforts were dismal failures; the Hieracosphinxes are too stupid to wish to do more than mate with Gynosphinxes, and the rapacious criosphinxes are inimical to humans and most demihumans.
However, in the Gynosphinx and Androsphinx, Ge'rwn has created beings who represent his capricious and yet wise soul. The gynosphinx focus on logic and meditation, usually meted out to those who encounter them in the form of complex riddles and logic puzzles. The Androsphinx, however, prefer more "fun" riddles yet also carry the burden of worship of their deity, and are given the duties as Clerics and maintainers of the faith.
Ge'rwn has three forms - he may appear as a great Androsphinx with all the capabilities of the same, or as a beautiful Gynosphinx. Finally, he may rarely (1% chance) be encountered in a human form that he travels in to consult with other powerful gods or to test the abilities of his "children" from time to time.
Ge'rwn also has three attacks per round. He may, at will, strike with his forepaws for 6-36 damage each, striking as a 20th level fighter. Alternately he can at will use his mighty roar as a Horn of Blasting an unlimited number of times per day. All creatures of less than tenth level or ten hit-dice must make a saving throw versus Dragon's Breath or collapse in Fear for 2-12 turns. Ge'rwn makes saving throws as a 20th level Cleric and can cast all Clerical spells as same, as well as Turn Undead in a similar fashion. Finally, his great Wisdom enables him to see through all deceptions and lies, and thus can see through Polymorph spells, detect lies, etc.