Manticore
Large Monstrosity · · CR 3
- Monstrosity
- Large
- Tier 1
Ranges across arctic, coastal, grassland, hill, and mountain; Manticore lists at CR 3 as a large monstrosity (lawful evil). Sourced from Monster Manual (5e 2014) and Monster Manual (5.5e 2024).
Stat Block
- Challenge Rating
- 3
- Type
- Monstrosity
- Size
- Large
- Alignment
- —
- Speed
- —
- Habitats
- Arctic, Coastal, Grassland, Hill, Mountain
- Sources
- Monster Manual (5e 2014), Monster Manual (5.5e 2024), Flee, Mortals!
Ecology
Manticores inhabit rocky highlands, alpine cliffs, and isolated mountain ranges. They feed on mountain goats, mules, and unwary travelers, hoarding bones in cliff-edge dens. They live in mated pairs during breeding seasons but are otherwise solitary. They lay eggs in clutches of one to three, with hatchlings learning flight over years. They live up to a century. Their tail spikes regenerate over a day, allowing extended ranged combat. They sometimes ally with hill giants or chromatic dragons.
Behaviour
Manticores are intelligent, vain, and cruel. They speak Common and Infernal, often demanding tribute from caravans for safe passage. They enjoy taunting victims before killing, taking pride in dramatic kills. They hoard bones and trinkets, displaying them prominently. They prefer ranged combat, firing tail spikes from altitude. They form short-term alliances with stronger predators but betray when convenient. They mate violently, with elaborate aerial displays preceding partnership. They are cowardly when truly outmatched.
Origin
Manticores were created by ancient sorcerers as flying assassins, combining human cunning with lion strength and dragon-tail venom. Some myths attribute their creation to a mad king who fused his sorcerers with lions to create immortal guards. Others claim they are natural beasts of the high mountains, ancient and unmodified. They are sometimes considered minor fiends due to their cruelty and intelligence, though they breed naturally rather than emerging from planes. Their tail spikes are alchemical curiosities.
Related Monsters
Frequently Asked Questions about Manticore
- What is the challenge rating of Manticore?
- The CR on Manticore is 3. That CR fits levels 1-5.
- What type of creature is Manticore?
- The bestiary type for Manticore is monstrosity, large size.
- Where does Manticore live?
- Manticore's listed habitats include Arctic, Coastal, Grassland, Hill, Mountain.