Monster Dossier

Sphinx

Sphinx SPHINX RIDDLES Sphinxes are well-known for their love of riddles, a love that often moves beyond into the realm of obsession. A would-be foe who...

Level 8

Traits

nlargebeast

Rules & statistics

Monster Profile

Perception

18

Senses

  • Name
    darkvision
  • Name
    detect magic
  • Name
    see invisibility

Languages

Languages
  • common
  • draconic
  • sphinx
Abilities
  • comprehend language

Skills

Arcana
17
Athletics
18
Deception
16
Diplomacy
16
Intimidation
18
Occultism
17
Bardic lore
19

Ability Mods

Str
6
Dex
1
Con
3
Int
5
Wis
4
Cha
4

Defenses

Ac
27
Saving Throws
Fort
16
Ref
14
Will
19
Hp
  • Hp
    135

Speed

Walk
35
Fly
40

Attacks

  • Range
    Melee
    Name
    claw
    Attack
    20
    Traits
    • agile
    Damage
    2d6+9 slashing
    Types
    • slashing

Spellcasting

  • Type
    Innate
    Tradition
    occult
    DC
    27
    Entry
    0
    Level
    4
    Spells
    • Name
      detect magic
    3
    Spells
    • Name
      dispel magic
    • Name
      locate
    4
    Spells
    • Name
      clairaudience
      Amount
      at will
    • Name
      clairvoyance
      Amount
      at will
    • Name
      read omens
    • Name
      remove curse
    Constant
    2
    Spells
    • Name
      see invisibility
    5
    Spells
    • Name
      tongues

Abilities

Top
  • Entries
    • Sphinxes are naturally curious, and their love of puzzles and mysteries leads them to gather information on a broad range of topics. Sphinxes have the Lore||Bardic Lore bard feat, allowing them to Recall Knowledge on any topic.
    Name
    Bardic Lore
Bot
  • Activity
    Number
    3
    Unit
    action
    Entries
    • The sphinx rears back on their hind legs and makes two claw Strike||Strikes at the same target, using the same attack bonus as their highest melee attack. If both attacks deal damage, the target takes extra damage equal to one claw Strike.
    Name
    Claw Rake
  • Activity
    Number
    1
    Unit
    action
    Entries
    • The sphinx Stride||Strides and makes a Strike at the end of that movement. If the sphinx began this action hidden, they remain hidden until after the attack.
    Name
    Pounce
  • Entries
    • Once per week, a Sphinx can create a magical symbol as though casting a heightened glyph of warding spell. The sphinx usually shapes the glyph to take the form of a written riddle, and sets the password to the answer. A creature that gives the wrong answer or tries to pass without answering must succeed at a 26 Will save or suffer one of the following spell effects, chosen by the sphinx when creating the symbol: synaptic pulse (5th), charm (4th), fear (3rd), phantom pain (3rd), sleep (3rd). The sphinx learns the identity of any creature that answers the riddle and tends to be friendly to them.
    Name
    Warding Glyph

Background

Lore

Sphinx

SPHINX RIDDLES

Sphinxes are well-known for their love of riddles, a love that often moves beyond into the realm of obsession. A would-be foe who can answer a sphinx's favorite riddles, or better yet, can stump the sphinx with a crafty and creative riddle of their own, can often avoid combat with the monster as well as secure its aid.

Sphinxes are mystical beings with the body of a lion, the wings of a great bird, and the upper torso and head of a human. They are often maligned in legends as nothing more than monsters, and though they are quick to anger and are capable of exacting deadly retribution for perceived slights, they are also very intelligent.

Sphinxes are often associated with desert regions, but they can dwell in more moderate climates as well. They form small groups consisting of a single, extended family that hunts and works together to protect and teach their young. As they mature, sphinxes develop a wanderlust, a drive to gather hidden lore and solve the world's greatest riddles—the trait that is perhaps most often identified with their kind.

While sometimes bound into service as guardians for powerful spellcasters, lone sphinxes may also be encountered on journeys of discovery and as purveyors of esoteric lore. If treated with the proper respect—and fed well—a sphinx can demonstrate a willingness to exchange information. Their favorite currency is, of course, riddles and secrets. One who can trade knowledge for knowledge has a much better chance of succeeding while bargaining with a sphinx. However, a sphinx's insatiable thirst for new riddles as well their extensive collection of secrets accumulated over hundreds of years of life—makes it difficult to offer them something they don't already know. Those who attempt to trade petty insight and stale riddles may invoke a sphinx's ire and will not live long enough to regret it.