Manticore

Threat Level: High

Description

All of the old texts were correct in the basics: Four legs on a large feline body, a humanoid-shaped face with many teeth in a gaping mouth, and a long tail ending in a spike. But I now observe the source of the confusion regarding the details of the Manticore’s physiology. For unlike most magical beasts of the material plane, Manticores seem to exhibit a great deal of variety between individuals, even between parent and offspring. Some indeed have the three rows of uniformly triangular teeth as described in Gygax’ epic poems. Others only have one row of teeth more like that of a lion. A few, usually the largest, have bat-like wings. I noted at least one male that had distinctive curling horns protruding from its forehead. Other minor oddities in proportion, coat, markings etc. were too numerous to fully document in my limited time among the beasts.

While all the individuals that I observed and catalogued had long tails, I identified at least four common types of tail:

1. Scorpion, virtually identical to the carapaced arthropod’s poisonous stinger.
2. Forked, a typical feline tail terminating in two articulated claw-like spikes (possibly poisonous)
3. Mace, an excessively long furred tail ending in a sphere covered in thin, porcupine like spines. These were observed to be poisonous even to other Manticores (see Social Observations)
4. Shedding, a heavily-muscled tail (I observed both furred and armored versions) with several heavy spikes all facing to the rear. These seem to grow rapidly, as adult Manticores would periodically shed these spikes intentionally by a flick of the tail.
   

Much of these notes were written using these non-poisonous spikes as quills, and I returned with an ample supply gathered from the many thousands that were scattered about the nesting grounds of one of these majestic monstrosities.

Behavior

While anecdotal observations had pinned the Manticore as a solitary creature, my discovery of a nesting ground has completely upset the assumptions once made of the creatures. I observed courtship displays, active parenting, caste squabbles and social grooming within the first few hours. It appears that the nesting ground operates under a loose hierarchy based on strength and intelligence. The older more humanoid individuals were heard speaking to each other in a harsh, broken Common; but most often disputes were settled quickly by a duel of tail spikes. Weaker members often sustain moderate injuries in these duels; it was in this way that I witnessed the poisonous effects of the Mace tail spikes. Immediate swelling and discolouration was noted, but the wounded Manticores seemed to recover from such injuries faster than tooth and claw marks.

What initially appeared to be utter violent chaos was eventually determined to be a complex set of established rules enforced by the elders yet constantly tested by the younger Manticores. I identified three paired mates, each raising a brood of cubs via quick, painful discipline. Yet the parents were protective, and even affectionate with their young as well. The reputation for being solitary would appear to arise from Manticore hunting practices, as only single individuals were documented as leaving the nest or returning with their catch.

Much like their appearance, individual Manticore behaviour varies greatly from creature to creature, with the limitation that unacceptable behaviour is not long tolerated in the group. Some individuals constantly stalked about cautiously as if every corner held danger, while others nearly pranced along, head aloof and attitude careless. Argument and fighting is quite common, and I find it hard not to presume that some Manticores seemed to be enjoying the battles.

Manticores have a voracious appetite, and will eat almost anything. While I could not be certain, I do believe that their reputation for eating men whole is substantiated. When large game was caught, it was torn into large pieces and shared with a few others. However, the creatures did not masticate their portions, but rather swallowed the chunks whole. They possess an unnaturally wide jaw bone and seem to be able to unhinge it to allow the passage of food almost as large as the creature itself. During my time in the nest, I saw them eat a variety of wild ungulates, bears, birds, livestock, sapling trees, and sadly humanoids. On my fourth day, one of the winged males dropped seven goblins into his pack of cubs. However foul goblins may be, I will never forget that brutal carnage. I noted little behavioural differences between males and females, when I could rightly determine the sex of the creatures. Both participate in hunting, raising cubs, guarding the nest, and participating in the nearly constant bickering. Unlike most big cats, Manticores do not sleep often, nor for long. When asleep, they appear restless and alert to the sounds around them.

Surely the most unexpected behaviour that I encountered however, was the singing. The voiced Manticores sang eerie ballads of the past, and the dumber creatures crooned and trilled with their bestial attempts at following along. This occurred most often at night, and had I not sat hidden watching the creatures, I would have described it more like Elvish or Mermish singing. Mountain travelers BEWARE! Lest you be lured unawares by the beasts unlikely song.

Langim Thistlegrinder, the Formost expert on Manticores, has made 3 possible theories for how and why Manticores have suddenly been found on Jotunheim.

1. They have flown here by themselves, following departed airships, either for food or curiosity.
2. They have been imported by some 3rd party for unknown reasons.
3. Or, most concerningly, they are being drawn to Jotunheim. Sensing something we do not.

Not being native to Jotunheim, Manticores have only just recently begun to be spotted by locals and officials. And so, the foremost expert on Manticores, Langim Thistlegrinder, has been requested for his expertise on the creatures. Thusly, nearly the entirety of this article has been written and compiled by Mr. Thistlegrinder.