A manticore is a large, magical beast of the Chimera family bearing the body of a lion, dragon-like wings, and a somewhat humanoid head. Its long tail has a cluster of deadly spikes, long fangs and claws that could rend chainmail.
Behaviour and Ecology
Hunters for food, occasionally for sport, they prefer human meat in particular. Like cats, they like to toy with their food before eating it.
The manticore has intelligence enough to negotiate but little patience for abstract promises and wordplay. They are driven by food and territory exclusively. Simple bargains and promises of greater prey may spare a hunter's life, but a silvertongued diplomat will swiftly bring the manticore to impatience, and then hunger.
Hunter notes
In battle the manticore takes to the sky and hurls its tail spikes like wicked arrows at its prey, until it runs out. A manticore is no less pleasant up close; it wields inhuman strength enough to pierce a knight's armor, and a nimbleness to match.
To the gatherer or craftsman, the manticore serves as a prime foray into minor magical weaponry. The bones, tail spikes and blood are useful for crafting vicious weapons and a Cloak of the Manticore, among other items.
