Sphinx
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This article is related to the Pterodactyl Hunt. |
Monster Name: Sphinx Type: special Target area: n/a Dates used: 2003, 2004
The sphinx wanders around the playing field, challenging or being challenged by hunters to a riddle game. A hunter under the challenge turns their weapon(s) over to the sphinx, who reads them a riddle and gives them a certain amount of time (at the sphinx's own discretion) to produce an answer. If that answer is correct, the hunter gets a protective amulet that keeps them safe from cats, vampires, and werewolves. An incorrent answer results in the slaying of the hunter with their own weapon. Politeness is key when addressing the Sphinx, who may be inclined to give the hunter more time to respond if treated with respect.
Though not related, the sphinx shares certain feline characteristics with the cat and likes to consort with it and yowl at the moon.
Evolution and History
Date of Creation: 2003 Creators: Mai Pucik, JC Ravage First Player: Mai Pucik
Vaguely similar in concept to the earlier Troll, the Sphinx was given its distinctive character by Mai Pucik, who actually believed she was simply reusing an older monster. The first year of its existence, the sphinx - dressed only in vaguely tawny and outrageous colors - told riddles for money (or for the sticker-quest) and was often mistaken for a squire, though it didn't get to maim the rugby players in return for the insult. The second year, the sphinx gave out amulets of warding and had wings - feathered thin foam, not dactyl- or spondee-like - and was dressed so as to be able to more suitably stalk its prey (i.e. it wore pants instead of a skirt). It was repeatedly mistaken for a dactyl but still didn't get to maim anyone. Whether the sphinx will ever get to vent its frustrations remains to be seen.
The Imp was supposed to fill a similar role in the 2005 hunt.
In the 2006 Hunt, the Sphinx guarded the Oracle with the Black Knight, allowing hunters to select either a "Challenge of the Mind" or a "Challenge of the Body".
Illustrious Sphinxes of the Past
- 2003: Mai Pucik '06
- 2004: Mai Pucik '06
- 2006: Miriam Newman '07
Characters in the Pterodactyl Hunt
| ||
|---|---|---|
| Admins | Hunt Wizards | Squires | |
| Current | Pterodactyl | Jabberwock | Vampire and Shadow | Black Knight | Oracle | Race Kings | Orcs and Hobgoblins | Werewolf | Dactyl Guards | Cat | Fishmonger | Hydra | Kobolds | Turtles | Sphinx | Spondees | Phoenix | Imp | Troll (treasure) | |
| Planned | Grue | Kraken | Assassin | Dragon | Harpies | |
| Retired | Cardboard Tube Samurai | Achilles | Wraith | Siren | Medusa | Bug-Blatter | Unicorn | Grunts | Troll (riddle) | Necromant | Thief |
