Sphinx

Sphinxes are two different types of monster- Ones that once belonged to the same species. They are called the Mau Sphinx and the Ailuros Sphinx. Although both have general features in common, their traditions are different and so are some minor details, such as size and additions such as wings. A pair that consists of both types of sphinxes will then go on to create a hybrid of the two, but these are often outcasted and abandoned by their parents due to the lack of belonging in either group.

Sphinxes typically avoid contact with other monsters, though Mau Sphinxes are known to have a fondness for humans. They are naturally solitary.

There are no known Sphinxes in Crop Haven.

## Species Description

Sphinxes have the same general shape no matter the type. They're naturally born with the body of a large cat, and the head of a human, but can change their shape later in life to something more humanoid, or less, in some cases. Mutations often exist as a result of parents using heavy amounts of shapeshifting, or the individual in question doing so- Varying from horns, multiple pairs of wings, more eyes, extra limbs, or a split tail. These are carried down to their children, and are harder to shift away.

Mau Sphinxes are usually around 4’3”(130cm) tall to their shoulder, and 9’0”(300cm) from their head to their tail, being larger than the average lion. They are much more likely to be born male, and the rare female is deemed the head of their group. They're more swayed towards helping mortals, and are often more empathetic, protecting graves of cherished humans or monsters who have passed away.

Ailuros Sphinxes, in comparison, are usually roughly as big as a leopard, around 2’3”(70 cm) tall measuring to their shoulder, and 5’3”(160 cm) from head to tail. They are typically born female, but while Maus may obey the female as their leader, Ailuros are less likely to obey any specific individual, being much more independent. Ailuros also are born with wings. They take orders directly from the gods, rather than from mortals.

Sphinxes are technically not immortal- But it's impossible for one to die from old age. The only way a sphinx can pass on is for their 'death riddle', a riddle they wake up with in their head, on their 30th birthday, to be solved. The riddle is directly tied to their life, and if asked for it, a sphinx has no choice but to give up their riddle. Sphinxes are not 'immortal' until they reach they are 30 years old, which is when they are finally considered to be an adult.

Both species are said to feed primarily off of meat. They tend to eat smaller prey, and avoid eating other humanoid beings- Unless they fail to answer their life riddle, in which case, the Sphinx is said to eat whoever failed it- Though this has never been recorded, as no one survives this. If their riddle is answered correctly, the Sphinx dies instead.

## Species Lore

Both species are said to originate from the same place, told in a legend. The legend goes that the Goddess of Love had a mortal lover who perished; Grieving for the loss, she created the sphinxes to guard the tomb, as to make sure no one could raid it. However, two groups formed in this, one determined to help the Gods, and one determined to help the mortals; Leaving a small group of those who wished to remain neutral to keep watch over the tomb, they spread out, going their own ways, and the two groups that had left began to change as time went along.