Night. Before the ancient gates of Θῆβαι looms the Σφίγξ - a grotesque chimaera, an abomination of beasts. Eyes red as spilled blood glare. Knife-like claws gleam on leonine paws. A thrashing tail whips the dust from the road. Spawn of Darkness guards passage to the city, barring the path with its inscrutable riddles. Worthy may enter if they answer true. But woe to ignorant fools - the Σφίγξ savages and devours them, leaving only bones.
"You there! Ignoramus!" stone upon stone her voice rattles. "In the name of Chaos, I command you - approach and be tested!"
Spreading its great wings, the Σφίγξ rises to its full height, towering over you like a living mountain. Pitiless eyes, alight with bloodlust, transfix the hapless traveler. "Answer my riddle or be rent asunder, I will strip the flesh from your bones and grind them to meal and dust!"
