Sphinx, Androsphinx
- Armor Class
- -2 [21]
- Hit Dice
- 9 to 12
- Attacks
- Claw (1d6+2)
- Special
- 6th-level Cleric spellcasting, roar fear/paralysis/deafness/strength loss (2d8 on third roar), rake (2d6), intelligent guardian
- Move
- 27/45 (when flying)
- HDE/XP
- 11-14/1,700-2,600
Description
Sphinxes are mysterious beings, characterized by their large, feathered wings and lion-like bodies. While they are naturally protective of their territory, the more perceptive among them can discern between intentional intrusion and accidental or brief encroachment. On average, a sphinx measures around 10 feet in length and weighs approximately 800 pounds. Sphinxes have their own language, and generally also speak Common and Dragon.
The Androsphinx is a sphinx with the head of a man. They are intelligent and generally friendly, but can become fierce adversaries when provoked. Androsphinxes are known to be resentful of gynosphinxes, due, it's said, to their greater intelligence and generally avoid their company. They have the spellcasting abilities of a 6th-level Cleric.
On a roll of 20 on a d20 with a claw attack, an androsphinx may attempt an additional rake attack with its hind claws for 2d6 points of damage. The rake may be attempted only after such a roll.
The androsphinx's most notable ability is its powerful roar, which it can unleash up to three times each day. The roar can be heard for miles. The first time the creature roars, all living creatures within 180 feet must make a saving throw or flee in a panic for 3 full turns. The second roar causes all living creatures within 120 feet to make a saving throw or be frozen in fright for 1d4 rounds. Further, living creatures within 30 feet of the androsphinx when it roars a second time will be deafened for 2d6 melee rounds, with no saving throw normally allowed. The third roar is the most fearsome, for those within 100 feet must make a saving throw or suffer the loss of 2d4 points of Strength for the same number of rounds (roll separately for each victim). Those within 30 feet of the third roar are also deafened, and must make a saving throw or suffer 2d8 points of damage (in addition to the noted Strength loss).
See Also
Other creatures grouped under Sphinx: Sphinx, Criosphinx, Sphinx, Gynosphinx, Sphinx, Hieracosphinx.
Source note: This creature is converted from The Basic Fantasy Field Guide of Creatures Malevolent and Benign – Omnibus Edition, 1st Edition Release 4, © 2010–2025 Chris Gonnerman, R. Kevin Smoot, James Lemon, Matt Sluis, and Contributors. The Basic Fantasy Field Guide textual material is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International; this page adapts that creature to White Box.