Magical Creatures in an Unmagical Setting

[Ninja D!]

In the Kingdom of Demeo, there is virtually no magic among the people.  That doesn't mean, however, that the government is able to drive away all creatures that are magically.

I am currently working on a story for an adventure involving a sphinx.  I've decided that it has lived peacefully near humans for a long time and that it is a great source of awe for them.

I was considering having a bit of a culture built around this sphinx in the nearby village.  Maybe the people revere it in some way.  The one thing I was thinking specifically is that maybe the people think it will bring them good luck to bring the sphinx a gift.

If anyone has any input or ideas I haven't thought of, I would appreciate hearing your thoughts.

[Xeviat]

Well, if you're not going to be using spell-casting classes, it would probably be best to remove monster's spell-like abilities and replace them with more unique supernatural abilities.

I don't know what else to say though, I'm not sure what you're looking for.

[limetom]

Are you familiar with Oedipus Rex?  You might want to use that as the inspiration for your Sphinx.

[Ninja D!]

Actually, I am familiar with Oedipus Rex.  My sphinx is a bit more friendly...but maybe I'll look into that one a bit more.

Well, if you're not going to be using spell-casting classes, it would probably be best to remove monster's spell-like abilities and replace them with more unique supernatural abilities.

That's a good idea.    

I was planning on re-working the sphinx a little, anyway.

[Tybalt]

I like your idea a lot; the idea that a strange creature or circumstance is almost worshipped is a very ancient though somewhat forgotten one.

My campaign world also has little magic, and in a way this lets you build up the importance of legends and heroics.

[Lmns Crn]

Are you familiar with Oedipus Rex?  You might want to use that as the inspiration for your Sphinx.

Personally, I prefer Oedipus Tex, but that's neither here nor there.

If the government is actively trying to suppress magic and drive off magical creatures, the sphinx may be more than an object of religious or superstitious significance; it may actually represent rebellion against those government forces. Willingly or not, the sphinx may be adopted as the symbol for guerilla organizations, et cetera.