Manticore
Manticores are dangerous, winged predators that are typically found lurking within the Golgelen Jungle. Seldom found on land and cloaked by a veil of dark feathers and fur, they're known for not only being elusive, but carrying the reputation of being a death sentence to anyone unlucky enough to actually see one.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Manticores are apex predators, possessing a mixture of offensive and defensive traits that put them high upon the food chain. They're best described as possessing a lion's body, their tail, however, is clad in a black chitinous exterior that ends with a sharp pincer that surrounds a hollow stinger that sedates its prey with a paralytic venom.
Their fur is jet-black, as are the feathers upon their wings. Their bodies are also incredibly muscular, burly, and wide for their height. This stocky build allows them to carry prey far larger than one would expect for even a beast of their size, which is a testament to their strength considering the Manticore is of considerable size itself.
Manticore heads are also a menagerie of features, much like the rest of their beast. Their neck is protected with thicker fur that's overlapped by sharp quills, while their skull is a mix between feline and eagle; possessing a wide, fanged mouth terminating towards a hardened beak.
Ecology and Habitats
The manticore is a predator exclusive to the Golgelen Jungle, and cannot be found in any other parts of the world. They rely on the dark shade brought by the dense canopy to help render their flight unseen, with their great wings allowing them to glide silently upon their prey.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Manticores are carnivorous, and prey upon the creatures found in the lower levels of the jungle; due to the canopy shadowing them away from the sun above, it allows for them to swiftly descend upon unsuspecting victims below. A manticore typically does this by swooping down to jab its victim with its tail, rendering them paralyzed within minutes before it drags them high towards the upper levels of the forest.
Additional Information
Domestication
Manticores are rumored to be far too unruly and dangerous to attempt taming and domesticating; despite that, they're a very popular animal for trappers to catch and capture for the use of in gladiatoral games. Though difficult, a manticore can be trained well enough to stay within the confines of its enclosed space, so long as it's given frequent meals and hunts (often in the form of hapless gladiators)
Aside from that, there are a few instances where Manticores have been domesticated, but such a task requires raising the beast from birth; a difficult feat that requires not just scaling the massive Harika Tree the manticores nest in, but also scouring one of their nests in the first place.
Uses, Products & Exploitation
Manticores are generally ignored or outright avoided. Signs of the beasts are enough to turn hunting parties far, far away from their grounds due to their tendency to swoop in and attack just about anything unfortunate enough to fall within their keen eyes. Aside from that, eggs are sometimes procured, and fetch a heavy price on the market.
Average Height
9~10 Feet at the shoulders
Average Weight
10,500~11,000
Average Length
20~24 Feet
Geographic Distribution
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