Lesser Sphinxes are a gregarious but seldom-seen species that thrive on gathering knowledge.
More closely related to gryphons and harpies than lamia, their masks have traditionally been made to resemble humanoids in order to better integrate into their society. In modern times, it is more likely for them to be designed with complex symbols that superficially resemble faces, while displaying information about the wearer to other Lesser Sphinxes. They are a part of their body, and it can lift to open their mouth. Most are aware that this is alarming to most humanoids, as is their preferred diet of live rodents or rabbits, and generally dine in private.
They are long-lived and have several morphologically distinct subsets where humanoids typically have gender: a Lesser Sphinx may identify primarily by being of the Archivist (smaller, eidetic memory, often flightless) or Warrior (significantly larger, capable of flight) morphs, and choose pronouns simply by personal preference. These morphs may change over time, and magic may be employed to speed a process that otherwise would take an uncomfortably long time.
Their names, like their masks, change throughout their life, and usually indicate their preferred subject of interest, such as Watches-Insects-Fly, or Reads-Legal-Texts. In older or more hyperspecialized members of the species, the names can get quite long and detailed. Most will simply go by a single word to make things easier among other humanoids.
They make excellent scribes, explorers and record-keepers. Most worship the Mother of Secrets, and having one on staff for a journey is generally considered a good omen.
Notable Members: