Manticore
The manticore is a monstrous amalgamation of lion, dragon, and human with a
penchant for feasting on human flesh. Its distinctive tail is festooned with large
quills like those of a porcupine, which the manticore flings at prey by whipping
its tail like a sling. These deadly spikes give the manticore the power to slaughter
even well-armed warriors from the safety of the sky.
Although the anthropomorphic face of the manticore suggests a keen intellect,
most creatures of its kind are simple-minded killers. They can be clever liars,
however, and their voices have a strangely musical sound that has lured many
unwitting travelers into an ambush. A manticore discovered by uneducated
humanoids (especially those who are both lawful and evil) can sometimes become
the center of adoration and even worship; a manticore in this situation swiftly
gives in to its laziness and allows its acolytes to bring it tribute in the form of
food and treasure, feasting upon its own followers when offerings become scarce.
Stronger humanoids who encounter a manticore can cow it through intimidation
and violence, sometimes even forcing it into service as a mount. As long as the
manticore is well fed with human flesh and its master leads it to victory, a manticore
mount can prove surprisingly loyal.
MANTICORE CREATURE 6
LE LARGE BEAST
Perception +14; darkvision, scent (imprecise) 30 feet
Languages Common
Skills Acrobatics +10, Athletics +15, Intimidation +11,
Survival +12
Str +5, Dex +2, Con +4, Int –2, Wis +2, Cha –1
AC 23; Fort +16, Ref +12, Will +12
HP 90
Speed 25 feet, fly 40 feet
Melee [one-action] jaws +17, Damage 2d8+8 piercing
Melee [one-action] claw +17 (agile), Damage
2d6+8 slashing
Ranged [one-action] spike +14 (range
increment 40 feet), Damage 1d10+5
piercing
Spike Volley [one-action] The manticore
flings up to two spikes from its
tail, targeting either two different
creatures or a single creature. If
the manticore targets two different
creatures, these creatures must be
within 20 feet of one another, and
the manticore makes a separate
Strike against each; this counts as
only one Strike for the manticore’s
multiple attack penalty, and the
penalty doesn’t increase until after
both attacks. If the manticore fires
both spikes at the same creature, it
makes a single Strike. If the attack hits, it
deals the damage of a single spike, but the target
is pinned in place, rendering it immobilized. A
creature that succeeds at a DC 23 Athletics
check (attempted as a single action) can
pull the spike free.
A manticore can hurl no more than 12
spikes in 24 hours.