Gynosphinx
Large Monstrosity, lawful neutral
7,200 XP
Special Abilities
Inscrutable
The sphinx is immune to any effect that would sense its emotions or read its thoughts, as well as any divination spell that it refuses. Wisdom (Insight) checks made to ascertain the sphinx's intentions or sincerity have disadvantage.
Magic Weapons
The sphinx's weapon attacks are magical.
Spellcasting
The sphinx is a 9th-level spellcaster. Its spellcasting ability is Intelligence (spell save DC 16, +8 to hit with spell attacks). It requires no material components to cast its spells. The sphinx has the following wizard spells prepared:
* Cantrips (at will): mage hand, minor illusion, prestidigitation
* 1st level (4 slots): detect magic, identify, shield
* 2nd level (3 slots): darkness, locate object, suggestion
* 3rd level (3 slots): dispel magic, remove curse, tongues
* 4th level (3 slots): banishment, greater invisibility
* 5th level (1 slot): legend lore
Actions
Multiattack
The sphinx makes two claw attacks.
Claw
Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 13 (2d8 + 4) slashing damage.
Legendary Actions
Claw Attack
The sphinx makes one claw attack.
Teleport (Costs 2 Actions)
The sphinx magically teleports, along with any equipment it is wearing or carrying, up to 120 feet to an unoccupied space it can see.
Cast a Spell (Costs 3 Actions)
The sphinx casts a spell from its list of prepared spells, using a spell slot as normal.
Quick Reference
Running This Encounter
The Gynosphinx is a highly intelligent, magical creature that serves as a formidable solo monster or the centerpiece of a puzzle-combat hybrid encounter. Leverage its riddle-asking nature and magical knowledge to create memorable roleplay moments before combat erupts. Its combination of high AC, substantial HP, and powerful spellcasting makes it a deadly threat that demands tactical thinking from the party. Consider using the environment—elevated terrain, magical wards, or trapped passages—to showcase its superiority and cunning.
Combat Tactics
The Gynosphinx prioritizes spellcasting over melee, opening combat with damaging spells like Fireball or hold person to control the battlefield and disable key party members. It uses its flight to maintain distance, leveraging its 60-foot fly speed to stay out of melee range while its AC 17 deflects most attacks. In dire situations, it employs its roar ability to frighten and reposition, using its mobility to divide and conquer party members.
Environment & Setting
Gynosphinxes dwell in ancient temples, lost sanctuaries, or mountaintop lairs where their intellect and magical prowess command respect and fear. Ideal encounters feature vertical terrain, magical architecture, or areas with historical significance that reflect the sphinx's ancient wisdom and arcane knowledge.