Sphinxes are a category of D&D monsters that are based on the mythical creatures of the same name from Greek and Egyptian mythology. They have the body of a lion, the wings of an eagle, and the head of a human or an animal. Sphinxes are intelligent, immortal, and magical beings that often guard ancient secrets or test mortals with riddles and puzzles. There are several subraces of sphinxes, each with different abilities and personalities. Some of the most common ones are the androsphinx, the gynosphinx, the criosphinx, and the hieracosphinx.
Astrosphinx
Criosphinx
Dracoaphinx
Hieracosphinx
The Art of the Riddle: How Sphinxes Challenge and Reward Mortals
The sphinxes as riddle masters. Sphinxes are known for their love of riddles, puzzles, and mental challenges. They often test mortals with their riddles, either to guard a secret or treasure, or to teach them a lesson. Sphinxes are very proud of their intellect and knowledge, and they enjoy matching wits with worthy opponents. Some sphinxes may reward those who solve their riddles with a boon or a gift, while others may punish those who fail with death or a curse. Sphinxes create their own riddles, or use ones from ancient lore or other sources. They prefer riddles that have only one clear and logical answer, and that require insight, creativity, and wisdom to solve. Some examples of sphinx riddles are:
- This belongs to you, but everyone else uses it.
- I have a face, two hands, and no arms or legs. I can tell you the time, but I don’t know your name. I can make you rich, but I’m not money. I can be broken, but I’m not glass. What am I?
- I have cities, but no houses. I have mountains, but no trees. I have water, but no fish. What am I?
The Guardians of the Ancient: How Sphinxes Protect and Preserve Secrets
The role of sphinxes as ancient guardians. Sphinxes are often associated with ancient civilizations and divine secrets. They may serve as guardians of temples, tombs, vaults, or other places of power or mystery. They may also be protectors of sacred lore, artifacts, or relics. Sphinxes are loyal to their patrons or deities, and they take their duties very seriously. They do not allow anyone to enter or access their domains without their permission or approval. They may use their riddles as a way of testing the worthiness or intentions of those who seek their secrets or treasures. They may also use their magic or physical prowess to defend their lairs from intruders or enemies. Sphinxes are immortal and do not age, so they can guard their domains for centuries or millennia.