Bigby

Bigby was a legendary otherworldly wizard and hands-on spell inventor. He was known by several inhabitants of the Realms, and a handful of his spells were used all over.

Description
Bigby was not born on Toril, but instead on Oerth. However, it is believed that he had travelled to Toril.

The archmage invented many handy spells, several of which were used in the Realms. Some of these spells were Bigby's forceful hand, Bigby's interposing hand, Bigby's clenched fist, Bigby's crushing hand, and Bigby's grasping hand.

Possessions
Bigby was known to possess a +2 dagger, a djinni bottle, a +3 ring of protection, a ring of X-ray vision, and a staff of power. He also possessed a spellbook that he authored, named Manual Powers Beyond Life, which in addition to all of his major spells included burning hands.

History
Bigby was an associate of Mordenkainen and a member of the Circle of Eight. However, Bigby and Otiluke were killed by the traitorous wizard, Rary.

In 1358 DR, Midnight remembered a spell she once saw be performed. Because she had gained much of Mystra's power, Mightnight immediately recognized that Bigby had invented this spell many centuries ago.

"I have improved on Bigby."

- Harkle Harpell

In 1364 DR, Robillard and Harkle Harpell engaged in a spellcasting competition. After Robillard cast a spell, Harkle asked if Robillard knew of Bigby, who of course recognised him as one of the most magnificent wizards of all time, even on other worlds. Harkle, however, claimed that he had improved on one of Bigby's spells by inventing a new version himself: Bigby's snapping digits.

Rumors & Legends
"The old goat comes up with one good gimmick, and beats it to death with a rock."

- Khelben on Bigby

It was rumored that Khelben Arunsun had met Bigby, though the meeting went sour. Khelben told his apprentice, Illistar, that Bigby relied on over-used "gimmicks". To prove his point, the Blackstaff developed a spell, Khelben's warding whip, in order to counter many of Bigby's spells.

Appearances

 * Adventures
 * How the Mighty Are Fallen
 * Novels
 * Waterdeep • Passage to Dawn
 * Card Games
 * AD&D Trading Cards • Spellfire: Master the Magic
 * Card Games
 * AD&D Trading Cards • Spellfire: Master the Magic