A Thylean manticore has the powerful body of a lion, the wings of a great bat, and a strikingly human face framed by a bristling mane. Unlike their lesser kin, the Thylean variety is coldly intelligent, capable of speech, mimicry, and manipulation. Its long tail ends not in spikes, but in a gleaming, segmented scorpion stinger.
Deceptive Predators#
The manticore’s voice can mimic a child’s scream, a lover’s cry, or a comrade’s final plea. These beasts often toy with prey before striking, with offers of mercy in exchange for gold or service. Their mesmerizing gaze can paralyze even the most stalwart warrior, leaving them helpless before the sting.
Cursed by the Gods#
Legends say that Thylean manticores are not natural creatures, but divine punishments—once proud mortals transformed by Lutheria into monstrous forms. Some lair near ruined temples or forgotten graves, as if drawn to the echoes of past sins. They collect relics, not out of greed, but remembrance.
Oaths of Service#
Of all their demands, none are more feared than the Oath of Service (appendix D). Rather than devour every trespasser, some manticores offer a cruel alternative: swear an oath, and be spared. The manticore rarely names the task. When the time comes, it may be as simple as delivering a message through cursed lands, or as evil as carrying out an assassination. Refusing the call brands the oathbreaker, invoking the Curse of the Treacherous (appendix D).
Many who have sworn such oaths live in dread, knowing their lives are not their own until the manticore calls. And the Thylean manticore always calls, at the moment most inconvenient, or most damning.
Thylean Manticore Large Monstrosity, Lawful Evil AC Initiative 14 HP 153 (18d10 + 54) Speed 30 ft., Fly 50 ft. MOD SAVE MOD Str 18 +4 +4 Dex 16 +3 Int 14 +2 +2 Wis 12 +1 Skills Deception +6, History +5, Perception +4, Stealth +6 Vulnerabilities Piercing or Slashing damage from weapons wielded by creatures under the effect of a Senses Darkvision 120 ft.; Passive Perception 14 Languages Common, Draconic, Infernal Challenge 7 (2,900 XP; PB +3) Traits Mimicry. The manticore can mimic any sounds it has heard, including voices. A creature that hears the sounds can tell they are imitations with a successful DC 15 Wisdom (Insight) check.
Actions +3 (13) Multiattack. The manticore makes three Rend attacks. It can replace one attack with a Stinger attack. SAVE MOD SAVE Rend. Melee Attack Roll: Hit: +7, reach 5 ft. 11 (2d6 + 4) +3 Con 18 +4 +4 Slashing damage. +1 Cha 11 +0 +0 Stinger. Melee Attack Roll: +7, reach 5 ft. Hit: 7 (1d6 + 4) Piercing damage plus 10 (3d6) Poison damage and the target has the Poisoned condition until the start of the manticore’s Bless spell next turn. While Poisoned, the target can’t regain Hit Points. Bonus Actions Mesmerizing Gaze (Recharge 5–6). Wisdom Saving Throw: DC 13, one creature the manticore can see within 60 feet. Failure: The target has the Incapacitated condition and repeats the save at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success.
