Monster Dossier
Manticore
Manticore MANTICORE TREASURE A manticore enjoys taking plunder from the corpses of its prey as trophies that flatter its vanity and testify to its stren...
Traits
Rules & statistics
Monster Profile
Perception
Senses
- Name
- darkvision
- Type
- imprecise
- Name
- scent
- Range
- 30
Languages
- Languages
- common
Skills
- Acrobatics
- 10
- Athletics
- 15
- Intimidation
- 11
- Survival
- 12
Ability Mods
- Str
- 5
- Dex
- 2
- Con
- 4
- Int
- -2
- Wis
- 2
- Cha
- -1
Defenses
- Ac
- 23
- Saving Throws
- Fort
- 16
- Ref
- 12
- Will
- 12
- Hp
- Hp
- 90
Speed
- Walk
- 25
- Fly
- 40
Attacks
- Range
- Melee
- Name
- jaws
- Attack
- 17
- Damage
- 2d8+8 piercing
- Types
- piercing
- Range
- Melee
- Name
- claw
- Attack
- 17
- Traits
- agile
- Damage
- 2d6+8 slashing
- Types
- slashing
- Range
- Ranged
- Name
- spike
- Attack
- 14
- Traits
- range increment
- Damage
- 1d10+5 piercing
- Types
- piercing
Abilities
- Activity
- Number
- 1
- Unit
- action
- Entries
- 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 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.
- Name
- Spike Volley
Background
Lore
Manticore
MANTICORE TREASURE
A manticore enjoys taking plunder from the corpses of its prey as trophies that flatter its vanity and testify to its strength. It has little interest in money, but sometimes accepts gold and jewels as tribute.
MANTICORE LOCATIONS
Manticores prefer lonely places in the wilderness far from humanoids, but they adapt easily to nearly any terrain. Manticores have been spotted in jungles, forests, deserts, and mountains.
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.