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Sphinx of Lore

Large · Celestial · CR 11 · Lawful Neutral

Source. 5e 2024 Rules

17 (natural armor)

170 (20d10 + 60)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Large

Type Celestial

Alignment Lawful Neutral

XP 7200

Initiative Bonus +10

Movement

Walk 40 ft (12.2 m)

Fly 60 ft (18.3 m)

Swim 20 ft (6.1 m)

Climb 20 ft (6.1 m)

Crawl 20 ft (6.1 m)

Senses

Truesight 120 ft (36.6 m)

Passive Perception 18

Saving Throws

Strength +4 Dexterity +2 Constitution +3 Intelligence +4 Wisdom +4 Charisma +4

Skills

Arcana +12 History +12 Perception +8 Religion +12

Languages

Celestial, Common

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

psychic

Damage Resistances

necrotic, radiant

Condition Immunities

charmed, frightened

Traits

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.

Legendary Resistance (3/Day, or 4/Day in Lair)

If the sphinx fails a saving throw, it can choose to succeed instead.

Actions

Claw

Cost 1

+8 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 3d6+4 slashing damage.

Melee Attack Roll: +8, reach 5 ft. 14 (3d6 + 4) Slashing damage.

Mind-Rending Roar

Recharge 5–6 Cost 1

Wisdom Saving Throw: DC 16, each enemy in a 300-foot Emanation originating from the sphinx. Failure: 35 (10d6) Psychic damage, and the target has the Incapacitated condition until the start of the sphinx's next turn.

Multiattack

Cost 1

The sphinx makes three Claw attacks.

Spellcasting

Cost 1

The sphinx casts one of the following spells, requiring no Material components and using Intelligence as the spellcasting ability (spell save DC 16):

At Will: Detect Magic, Identify, Mage Hand, Minor Illusion, Prestidigitation
1/Day Each: Dispel Magic, Legend Lore, Locate Object, Plane Shift, Remove Curse, Tongues

Legendary Actions

Arcane Prowl

Cost 1

The sphinx can teleport up to 30 feet to an unoccupied space it can see, and it makes one Claw attack.

Weight of Years

Cost 1

Constitution Saving Throw: DC 16, one creature the sphinx can see within 120 feet. Failure: The target gains 1 Exhaustion level. While the target has any Exhaustion levels, it appears 3d10 years older. Failure or Success: The sphinx can't take this action again until the start of its next turn.

About Sphinx of Lore

Sphinx of Lore is a large celestial with a Challenge Rating of 11. It has a lawful neutral alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 17 and possesses 170 hit points (derived from 20d10 + 60).

Sphinx of Lore has communication capabilities including Celestial, Common. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Sphinx of Lore

1 tips available

When using Sphinx of Lore in your D&D 5e campaign, consider these tactical approaches:

Flight Control Strategy: Target flying creatures with spells like 'Hold Person', 'Web', or 'Grease' to ground them. Without flight restriction, they can escape melee range easily. Consider area denial spells below their flight altitude to force them into disadvantageous positions.

Player Guide: Facing Sphinx of Lore

1 strategies available

When your party encounters this creature, keep these strategies in mind:

Counter Flight Advantage: This creature can fly! Use ranged attacks, reach weapons, or spells like 'Thunderwave' to push it away. Consider 'Gust of Wind' or 'Earthbind' to ground it. Melee characters need fly speed or flight magic to engage.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 11.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 15 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 13,200 XP
Hard: 19,800 XP
Deadly: 26,400 XP

Based on D&D 5e Dungeon Master's Guide encounter building guidelines. CR roughly equals party level for medium encounters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the challenge rating of Sphinx of Lore?: Sphinx of Lore has a Challenge Rating of 11, making it appropriate for parties of level 11.0.
What type of creature is Sphinx of Lore?: Sphinx of Lore is a Large Celestial, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Sphinx of Lore speak?: Sphinx of Lore can communicate in Celestial, Common.