Collectors and Keepers of Secrets
Habitat: Desert, Planar (Upper Planes); Treasure: Arcana
Sphinxes of secrets are commonly associated with a site of great magic or learning. These immortal beings often outlive such locations, though, and might protect a site’s ruins as they continue their own studies. Sphinxes of secrets fiercely guard their dwellings and research.
Sphinxes protect the secrets of the multiverse. Formed from the spirits of sages and explorers, sphinxes know the power of truth and the importance of preserving it. They share their wisdom only with those who prove themselves wise or overcome tests of worthiness, such as riddles or battles with dangerous beasts. Through their existences, sphinxes might change form as they gain more nuanced understanding of cosmic enigmas.
Round she is, yet flat as a board
Altar of the Lupine Lords
Jewel on black velvet, pearl in the sea
Unchanged but e’erchanging eternally
—Riddle of White Plume Mountain
Inscrutable. No magic can observe the sphinx remotely or detect its thoughts without its permission. Wisdom (Insight) checks made to ascertain its intentions or sincerity are made with Disadvantage.
Magic Resistance. The sphinx has Advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.
Multiattack. The sphinx makes three Claw attacks. It can replace one attack with a use of Curse of the Riddle.
Claw. Melee Attack Roll: +7, reach 5 ft. Hit: 13 (2d8 + 4) Slashing damage plus 7 (2d6) Radiant damage.
Curse of the Riddle. Intelligence Saving Throw: DC 15, one creature the sphinx can see within 60 feet. Failure: 21 (6d6) Psychic damage, and the target is cursed with a riddle. The cursed target has Disadvantage on ability checks and attack rolls. In addition, if it takes the Magic action, it must succeed on a DC 15 Intelligence saving throw or that action is wasted. The cursed target can take a Study action to make a DC 15 Intelligence check, solving the riddle and ending the curse on a success. The curse ends early if the sphinx curses another target.
Spellcasting. The sphinx casts one of the following spells, requiring no Material components and using Intelligence as the spellcasting ability (spell save DC 15):
At Will: Detect Magic, Identify, Prestidigitation
1/Day Each: Locate Object, Remove Curse
