The great sphinx Ujaset died last night. Before that time, the people of the surrounding land reported the occasional appearance of a translucent winged leonine figure in the skies above. Local folklore held that this beast sometimes halted the progress of travelers to trouble them with its clever questions, generously rewarding those who could answer the sphinx?s riddles. Perhaps it?s this very legend that has drawn the player characters to the region. . . .

The road stretches out as it has for the last hour. A cold wind brushes across your face, and while you look for its source, a low moan echoes. Staring into the twilight ahead, a pale, flickering form can be seen.

At first you see a the noble visage of a bearded man?s head, twisted with sorrow. Then it?s the body of a powerful lion, ten feet long and complete with swishing tail. Finally there?s the great hawklike wings greater than any bird. The form twinkles, transculent, coalescing into a single being.

"Now you dare the last riddle of Ujaset," moans the voice. . . .