Dromosphinx

This creature has the black wings of a bird, the body of a lion, and the long neck and head of a camel.

Dromosphinx (CR 8)

Large Magical Beast
Alignment: Neutral Evil
Initiative: +0
Senses: Darkvision 60 feet, Low-Light Vision; Perception +20

Speed: 30 feet, Fly 60 feet (poor)
Space: 10 feet

Defense

Armor Class: 19, touch 9, flat-footed 19 (+10 natural, -1 size)
Hit Points: 93 (11d10+33)
Saving Throws: Fort +10, Ref +7, Will +5

Offense

Melee: 2 claws +17 (1d6+7), bite +17 (1d8+7/19-20 plus 1d6 acid)
Reach: 5 feet

Special Attacks: Pounce, spit acid (+10 ranged touch)

Statistics

Str	Dex	Con	Int	Wis	Cha
25 (+7)	10 (+0)	17 (+3)	14 (+2)	14 (+2)	14 (+2)

Base Attack Bonus: +11
CMB +19
CMD 29 (33 vs. Trip)

Feats: Alertness, Fly-by Attack, Hover, Improved Critical (bite), Skill Focus (Intimidate)

Skills: Bluff +13, Fly +2, Intimidate +19, Knowledge (any one) +8, Perception +20, Sense Motive +4

Languages: Common, Sphinx

Special Abilities

Spit Acid (Ex)

Once every 1d4 rounds, a dromosphinx can spit a line of highly caustic saliva at a single target within 20 feet. The target takes 6d6 points of acid damage. A successful DC 18 Reflex save reduces the damage by half. The save DC is Constitution-based.

Ecology

Environment: Warm Deserts or Hills
Organization: solitary, pair, or flock (3-6)
Treasure: standard


Some of the strongest and smartest of the sphinxes, dromosphinxes are treacherous and merciless, caring little for anything and anyone. All dromosphinxes are male. Dromosphinxes detest androsphinxes and attack them on sight. Unlike the smaller and weaker hieracosphinxes, dromosphinxes can generally hold their own against androsphinxes. They are indifferent against the other sphinxes and often bully the smaller hieracosphinxes into serving them for a period of time. Dromosphinxes are highly territorial and do not take intrusions lightly. Trespassers are quickly disposed of when encountered.

Since dromosphinxes love riddles, when intelligent creatures are encountered, they often present them with a riddle. If the targets answer incorrectly or cannot answer, dromosphinxes attack and attempt to devour the victims. Those answering the riddle correctly are allowed to continue on their way, much to the dromosphinx's dismay.

When combat begins, a dromosphinx spits its acid at the closest foe. It next pounces on the next closest foe, and disperses its opponents with a combination of claws, bites, and acid. During combat, it often takes to the air and uses a series of diving attacks to rid itself of its opponents while keeping them off balance.