Homebrew Sphinx Species Details

."The Sphinx, the watch-dog that presideth over evil days." (Greek tragedy C5th B.C.)

The sphinx has the head of a human, the haunches of a lion, and sometimes the wings of a bird. It is mythicised as treacherous and merciless. Those who cannot answer its riddle suffer a fate typical in such mythological stories, as they are killed and eaten by this ravenous monster. Some view them as benevolent, but having a ferocious strength. In stories, though, both were thought of as guardians often flanking the entrances to temples. To enter these temples it is said one must answer the riddle of the sphinx, such as,  "What is that which in the morning goeth upon four feet; upon two feet in the afternoon; and in the Evening upon three?", or "There are two sisters: one gives birth to the other and she, in turn, gives birth to the first. Who are the two sisters?". 

While these Myths are popular, they do not stand to be proven true in current times. Sphinx tend to be rather intelligent and dexterous creatures. Feared by many, they are renowned for their speed in the air as well as on land.

There are four variations, though only effecting visuals and not stats. Firstly, the form as told in the old myths. Second, much like centaurs, but with a lion body instead of a horse, as well as wings attached to the middle back. Third, they have the hind quarters of a lion and the upper body of a human, with lion ears and wings. Lastly, is the humanoid body, with simply lion ears and a tail, as well as large wings.

A female Sphinx is known as a Gynosphinx, and a male as an Androsphinx. 

Sphinx Traits

The sphinx has the head of a human, the haunches of a lion, and sometimes the wings of a bird.

Ability Score Increase

Your Intelligence score increases by 2, and your Dexterity score increases by 1.

Age

Sphinx reach maturity by age 50. Compared to humans, sphinx are long lived, living upwards of 1,200 years.

Alignment

Most Sphinx tend to lean towards neutral, though they aren't bound to neutrality.

Size

Sphinx are between 5 and 6 feet tall. They have lightweight bodies that weigh between 120 and 150 pounds. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Flight

You have a flying speed of 50 feet. To use this speed, you can’t be wearing medium or heavy armor.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common, Sphinx, and Auran.

Darkvision

Darkvision of up to 60 feet.