Sphinx, Hieracosphinx
- Armor Class
- 1 [18]
- Hit Dice
- 9 to 11
- Attacks
- Bite or Claw (1d6+1)
- Special
- rake (2d4)
- Move
- 14, Fly 54
- HDE/XP
- 11-13/1,700-2,300
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 hawk-headed Hieracosphinx is cruel and voracious, attacking any living creature of smaller size if it thinks it has any chance of slaying it. It can carry off creatures man-size or smaller; in fact, the largest hieracosphinxes can even carry away a pony. Thus, even a large party might be attacked if the creature believes it can carry away a meal. Note however, it is not stupid and will not usually try to fly with struggling prey in its claws, but will generally only take a dead or unconscious foe.
On a roll of 20 on a d20 with a claw attack, a hieracosphinx may attempt an additional rake attack with its hind claws for 2d4 points of damage. The rake may be attempted only after such a roll.
See Also
Other creatures grouped under Sphinx: Sphinx, Androsphinx, Sphinx, Criosphinx, Sphinx, Gynosphinx.
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.