=Sphinx=

The Sphinx is a huge carnivore, originating from the eastern Mediterranean but now found world-wide, possessing what some believe to be the most agile and acute mind of the entire world. The first Sphinx was slain by the famous King Oedipus, who confronted the half-lion, half-woman fearlessly and answered her ancient riddle (which may or may not be the famous "who walks" puzzle we now ascribe to the incident). The Sphinx, bound to her own obscure and elegant laws, dutifully and patiently devoured herself until she bled out. Oedipus wore part of the Sphinx's coat until his death at Colonus, some maintain it was this that led to his cursed fate.

The Sphinx must of course be confronted by a clever and brave soul, its riddle cannot be answered in a stutter or a stammer (this will enable it to feed on you). The riddle of the Sphinx is always one of three characteristics spoken in the "What am I" format. The following is one encountered by the author:

"Whoever makes me knows not.
Whoever takes me knows me not.
Whoever knows me wants me not.
What am I?"

Such a riddle was one of the simpler ones. It should be noted that each riddle has an answer, unlike those asked by day-weary lichs (for instance, "A ship in a bottle. How does one remove the ship without disassembling it, destroying it, or bending it without altering the bottle?"), and can be answered within the space of one watch (roughly an hour and ten minutes). The time can only be spent alone, and it can only be spent in concentration. Sleeping, summoning, or consulting other sources is forbidden.

Should you answer the riddle correctly, the beast will devour itself. Otherwise, you will prove its next meal.

-HTK