Awnsheghlien » The Sphinx's Domain » The Sphinx

Male awnshegh Wizard 12
Great bloodline of Azrai, 47
Neutral evil alignment

Description: Oldest and worst of the three awnsheghlien in Khinasi is the Sphinx, a human-lion fusion ages old. Few outsiders meet the creature face to face; it prefers to deal through its lieutenants. Although the Khinasi consider the Sphinx quite intelligent and articulate, they all know of its murderous, bestial rages.

[top]Biography

The Sphinx has ruled its own domain for hundreds of years. Early on, it lived as a marauding beast, preying on local villagers and passing caravans. Over the last century or so, the Sphinx has chosen to expand its domain and become a true regent. A longtime menace to trade, the Sphinx craves territory and power above all else.

These days the Sphinx focuses his attention on expansion into eastern Binsada. He bides his time though, until the Queen of Binsada reveals a vulnerability he can exploit. Certain tribes in the western Tarvan Waste have harbored great ill will against the Sphinx since the Carnegauan Massacre, in which the awnshegh gained three Tarvan counties in the area’s bloodiest skirmish ever.

Great cats of all kinds serve as minions of the Sphinx; the awnshegh’s nature links it to these mighty predators, from savannah cats to lions, and no feline can resist the monster's command. Association with the Sphinx has raised a few very rare savannah cats to a semi-sentient state. They have become the awnshegh’s eyes, ears, and assassins throughout its domain.

Provinces/Holdings:The Sphinx rules a desert realm. Most of his domain is empty steppe, but gnolls and bandits inhabit strongholds throughout the area. The Sphinx uses the ruined city of Irbouda as the seat of his power, with a standing bodyguard of elite infantry. According to legend, he destroyed the city-state himself as long-planned revenge for a forgotten slight. Many believe the Sphinx has a hoard of treasure hidden in his ruined palace in Irbouda. Rather than taxing his subjects, the awnshegh demands tribute.

Law: In the Sphinx’s lawless lands, the strong rule the weak. The awnshegh’s authority extends as far as the reach of the Hands of the Sphinx: his human agents, the Khourseti alif. The creature wants to build his realm of marauders into an organized state, but these unreliable humanoids and brigands are not the stuff from which one forges nations.
Temples: The Sphinx suppresses organized worship, destroying any priests who try to gather congregations. Most people assume the creature perceives temples as a threat, but others see a more sinister purpose. Rumors claim some priests among the khourseti alif worship the Sphinx and the realm’s resident felines!
Guilds: The hands of the Sphinx control most domain trade. Raids and the efforts of a local guild add to the realm’s income.
Sources: The Sphinx, a formidable sorcerer and warrior, has created a network of ley lines across the face of the open steppes and wields near-complete control of the region’s magic. The sorceress Adara bint Reshoud of Shoufal has challenged his control of the borderlands; the Sphinx hasn’t responded to this situation yet.



 
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