Manticore

Overview

A monster in every sense of the word, a manticore has a vaguely humanoid head, the body of a lion, and the wings of a dragon. A bristling mane stretches down the creature’s back, and its long tail ends in a cluster of deadly spikes that can impale prey at an impressive range.

Evil Predators

Manticores are fierce killers that hunt far and wide for prey. They work together to take down particularly large or dangerous creatures, sharing the meal once a kill is made. A manticore begins its attack with a volley of tail spikes, then lands and uses its claws and bite. When outdoors and outnumbered, it uses its wings to stay aloft, attacking from a distance until its spikes are depleted.
A manticore isn’t particularly bright, but it possesses a malevolent nature and the ability to converse. In the course of attacking, it denigrates its foes and offers to kill them swiftly if they beg for their lives. If a manticore sees an advantage to be gained by sparing a creature’s life, it does so, asking for a tribute or sacrifice equal to its loss of food.

Monstrous Relationships

Manticores serve wicked masters that treat them well and provide regular prey. A manticore might provide aerial support for an orc horde or a hobgoblin army. Another could serve as a hunting companion for a hill giant chief, or guard the entrance to a lamia’s lair.
The manticores’ greatest territorial rivals include chimeras, griffons, perytons, and wyverns. Manticores hunting as a pack often have the advantage of greater numbers. In addition to these creatures, manticores fear dragons and avoid them.

Manticore CR: 3 (700 XP)

Large monstrosity, lawful evil

Armor Class: 14

Hit Points: 68 (8d10 + 24)

Speed: 30 ft , fly: 50 ft

STR

17 +3

DEX

16 +3

CON

17 +3

INT

7 -2

WIS

12 +1

CHA

8 -1

Senses: Darkvision 60 feet, Passive Perception 11

Languages: Common

Challenge Rating: 3 (700 XP)

Tail Spike Regrowth. The manticore has twenty-four tail spikes. Used spikes regrow when the manticore finishes a long rest.

Actions

Multiattack. The manticore makes three attacks: one with its bite and two with its claws or three with its tail spikes.
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 feet, one target. Hit: 1d8 + 3 piercing damage.
Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 feet, one target. Hit: 1d6 + 3 slashing damage.
Tail Spike. Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, range 100/200 feet, one target. Hit: 1d8 + 3 piercing damage.

Lifespan

20 years

Average Weight

1,000 pounds

Average Length

10 feet