The Manticores of PÈRYL

With the face much like that of a humanoid, the body of lion, and a tail like that of a giant scorpion, albeit covered with spike-like quills that it could launch at enemies. The noxious venom of the sting is the most deadly of any living being. It is said only the ancient mammoths of Ys were immune. (Which is likely conjecture as the mammoths are centuries extinct.)
Because of its piercing blue eyes and human-like face, the manticore is often associated with the predominantly blue-eyed Qh'énnish. As such, the manticore as symbol is common among the heraldry of many Qh'énnish families.
However, because the manticore is more commonly found in hotter, more arid, regions, such as the great expansive Ptsannae Desert in Thōurraidt, it is also used as a symbol of power among the Ptarshakkians and their ancestral cousins the Ptarshaii. Indeed, the manticore is a fixture of the standard borne into battle by the Grand Army of the Ptarshakkian Empire. Great stone manticores guard the gates of the imperial palace of Ptarshai in Zann'ro, Ptarro. Similar, albeit, less gigantic, statues are common at the eastern gates of Ptansannae, Zennept, and Muwept, Ptarshakk.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

The pelts of manticores can fetch high prices in markets, but it is its venom that is the most sought after by poisoners. Qhaaist warlocks train themselves to build up immunity to poisons, but manticore venom is considered too deadly to risk. Thus, among those that seek to murder Qhaaists, it is their weapon of choice.

Average Intelligence

The manticore is distinctly animal, but its humanoid features suggest it may be more. Skillful and cunning, the manticore is likely smarter than most mundane creatures, but not as wise as an average humanoid.

Civilization and Culture

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Manticores are reputed to find the flesh of humans most desirable. They are hated and feared for this reason. However, rather than hunt them into extinction, because of their totemic and heraldic rôle in the cultures of the northern human tribes—the very people upon which they might prey—manticores are not hunted openly. Clandestine poachers do exist and they hunt at great peril to obtain pelts and venom.

Blue Maned Manticore

"Manticore" from Edward Topsell's The History of Four-footed Beasts (1658) by Edward Topsell (1658)

The most venomous creatures in the known world, manticores are chimeric beasts that prefer to feast upon the flesh of intelligent beings.
Famous for their intense blue eyes, manticores come in many colourations and patterns for their fur and hair. This is a blue-gold variant.

Scientific Name

Udreth xell

Geographic Distribution

• Ptsannae Desert

Related Organizations

• The Grand Army of the Ptarshakkian Empire