Manticore
From Damasca
Contents |
Description
Manticores (also spelled Mantichore) are large, carnivorous avians formed from the twisted whims of sorcery, delighting in combat and cannibalism. Their first masters created them from several different creatures, intending to create the perfect guardian... but it backfired, and the manticores annihalated their 'parents'. This beast has the body of a large lion (6-8' shoulder), paired with bat's wings sprouting from behind the shoulderblades. Where a tail would be, a furiously swishing, thorned appendage sits, topped with a bushel of barbed quills. One might think that such a grotesque appearance would be monstrous enough, but sitting atop the manticores' broad shoulders is a humanoid head, often buried in a bushy, wiry black beard. Enormous fangs jut out from between the cruel lips, surrounded by needle-sharp teeth plentiful enough to tear a man into ribbons. Most folk needn't worry about that, though, because these monsters are rare, even on Makarda, their home.
Habitat
Makarda
Combat Strategies
Run. A manticore, when provoked, will attack without any hesitation, drawing back only if its life is severely threatened. The barbs on their tails can be flung, soaring like arrows to pierce opponents and stay. This will kill most, and weaken the rest. They then close in, buffeting the target with wing blows and rending with tooth and nail. Adventurers are strongly advised to steer clear should they know of a manticore's whereabouts. Nobody has managed to kill a manticore since their creation two decades ago, nor find their victims.
