Crimson Worlds

Manticore (Quill Tail)

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columns: 2
forcecolumns: true
layout: Basic Pathfinder 2e Layout
source: "Pathfinder Monster Core"
name: "Manticore (Quill Tail)"
level: "Creature 6"
 
alignment: ""
size: "Large"
trait_01: [[beast]]
modifier: 14
perception:
  - name: "Perception"
    desc: "+14; Darkvision, Scent (Imprecise) 30 Feet"
languages: "Common"
skills:
  - name: "Skills"
    desc: "Acrobatics: +10, Athletics: +15, Intimidation: +11, Survival: +12"
abilityMods: [5, 2, 4, -2, 2, -1]
speed: 25 feet,  fly 40 feet
sourcebook: "_Pathfinder Monster Core_"
ac: 23
armorclass:
  - name: AC
    desc: "23; __Fort__ +16, __Ref__ +12, __Will__ +12"
hp: 90
health:
  - name: ""
  - name: HP
    desc: "90"
abilities_top:
  - name: ""
 
abilities_mid:
  - name: ""
attacks:
  - name: ""
 
  - name: "**Melee** `pf2:1` Jaws"
    desc: "+17 ()\n__Damage__  2d8 + 8 piercing"
 
  - name: "**Melee** `pf2:1` Claw"
    desc: "+17 (agile)\n__Damage__  2d6 + 8 slashing"
 
  - name: "**Ranged** `pf2:1` Spike"
    desc: "+14 (propulsive, range increment 40 feet)\n__Damage__  1d10 + 5 piercing"
 
  - name: "Spike Volley"
    desc: "`pf2:1`  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.\n\nIf the manticore flings 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 [[Conditions/Immobilized|Immobilized]]. A creature can get free if it [[/act force-open dc=23]]{Forces Open} the spike or [[/act escape dc=23]]{Escapes}; either option is DC 23.\n\nA manticore can hurl no more than 12 spikes in 24 hours."
 
name: Manticore (Quill Tail)
creatures:
  - 1: Manticore (Quill Tail)

A 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 single-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 or spiteful humanoids 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.

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. Because manticores prefer lonely places in the wilderness far from humanoids, they remain content to enjoy their spoils alone rather than show them off to visitors.

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