Phalanx vermin
| Phalanx vermin | |
|---|---|
 A phalanx vermin, as depicted in the Living Greyhawk Journal #5 (2001). Art by Sam Wood. | |
| General information | |
| Alignment: | Always neutral |
| Type: | Vermin |
| Subtype: | None |
| First appearance: | LGJ#5 |
Phalanx vermin are strange insectoid creatures the size of men.
Ecology
Phalanx vermin are predators. They live with a species of strange insect known as living crossbows; these vermin attach temselves to the underside of a phalanx vermin's shield-arm (see below) and act as if they were light crossbows, firing poisoned darts when prodded by one of the phalanx vermin's smaller arms. They are generally fed meat paste and sugar water; if not fed, they attack any creature nearby, including phalanx vermin, for food. Otherwise phalanx vermin do not naturally interact with any other species except as prey.
Environment
Although extremely rare, phalanx vermin can be found in any temperate and warm land and underground. They are used by a few mages as guards. They resemble the storied mindless army of insect-men ruled by a cabal of mind-mages known as the Hivecouncil in the Fabled City of Dar-Kesh-Anam, but no proof has been offered that the phalanx vermin are indeed from that legendary city.
Typical physical characteristics
Phalanx vermin are not only man-sized, but also roughly man-shaped; they are bipeds with two large arms, although they have two smaller secondary arms as well. Still,they are insects, not mammals, covered in a hard carapace, with antennae and pincers inside their small mouths. Small spiky growths cover their back and arms to no obvious purpose. As unthinking and loyal as an ant, a phalanx vermin can stand completely still for hours or suddenly break into a run faster than any human.
A phalanx vermin's larger arms are used for hunting and battle; one is shaped like a spear and the other is shaped like a small shield. The smaller arms are used for manipulating items and dragging their prey into their lairs.
The vestigial growths on their arms and back may indicate that there are other related creatures with wings or more limbs; some of these variants may be intelligent.
Society
Phalanx vermin act as shock troops with no concern for their own lives. They appear to have no society, but they are so rare that it is possible that in their native land they are part of a much more complex whole; perhaps they are the warrior caste in an advanced insect society such as the one that formians have. On their own, phalanx vermin hunt, store food, and guard their lair. All seem equal in their society, with no apparent rulers.
Language
Phalanx vermin have no apparent means of communication, nor do they understand any known languages, but their scent detectors are very keen; like normal insects, they may transmit simple information via odor.
Bibliography
- Reynolds, Sean K. "Enchiridion of the Fiend-Sage (Fifth Report)." Living Greyhawk Journal #5. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2001.
Encyclopedia Greyhawkania Index
The Encyclopedia Greyhawkania Index (EGI) is based on previous work of Jason Zavoda through '08, continued by numerous other fans. The EGI article has a list of sources, product names, abbreviations, and a link to the full, downloadable index.
| Topic | Type | Description | Product | Page/Card/Image
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phalanx Vermin | Monster | Living Greyhawk Journal #5 | 26-27 |