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Manticore

Large · Monstrosity · CR 3 · Chaotic Evil

Source. Monstrous Menagerie

68 (8d10+24)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

-1

WIS

CHA

-1

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Large

Type Monstrosity

Alignment Chaotic Evil

XP 700

Initiative Bonus +2

Movement

Walk 30 ft (9.1 m)

Fly 50 ft (15.2 m)

Swim 15 ft (4.6 m)

Climb 15 ft (4.6 m)

Crawl 15 ft (4.6 m)

Senses

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 11

Languages

Common

Actions

Bite

+5 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d6+3 piercing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) piercing damage.

Claws

+5 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d4+3 slashing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (2d4 + 3) slashing damage. If the manticore moves at least 20 feet straight towards the target before the attack the target makes a DC 13 Strength saving throw falling prone on a failure.

Multiattack

The manticore attacks with its bite and its claws.

Tail

+5 to hit, reach 10 ft (3 m). Hit: 1d8+3 piercing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d8 + 3) piercing damage.

Tail Spike Volley

4/day

The manticore fires tail spikes in a 5-foot-wide 60-foot-long line. Each creature in the area makes a DC 12 Dexterity saving throw taking 14 (4d6) piercing damage on a failure or half damage on a success.

Reactions

Tail Whip

If a creature the manticore can see hits it with a melee attack, the manticore attacks the attacker with its tail. If it hits, it can fly up to half its fly speed without provoking opportunity attacks from the attacker.

About Manticore

Manticore is a large monstrosity with a Challenge Rating of 3. It has a chaotic evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 14 and possesses 68 hit points (derived from 8d10+24).

Manticore has communication capabilities including Common. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Manticore

2 tips available

When using Manticore in your D&D 5e campaign, consider these tactical approaches:

Flight Control Strategy: Target flying creatures with spells like 'Hold Person', 'Web', or 'Grease' to ground them. Without flight restriction, they can escape melee range easily. Consider area denial spells below their flight altitude to force them into disadvantageous positions.
Fire Damage Mitigation: This creature deals fire damage. Advise players to have fire resistance ready or use water-based tactics. Consider environmental fire hazards that could backfire on the creature.

Player Guide: Facing Manticore

2 strategies available

When your party encounters this creature, keep these strategies in mind:

Counter Flight Advantage: This creature can fly! Use ranged attacks, reach weapons, or spells like 'Thunderwave' to push it away. Consider 'Gust of Wind' or 'Earthbind' to ground it. Melee characters need fly speed or flight magic to engage.
Fire Damage Protection: This creature deals fire damage! Get fire resistance from spells like 'Resistance' or potions. Avoid fighting near flammable objects. Water spells can counter fire attacks.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 3.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 5 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 1,200 XP
Hard: 1,800 XP
Deadly: 2,400 XP

Based on D&D 5e Dungeon Master's Guide encounter building guidelines. CR roughly equals party level for medium encounters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the challenge rating of Manticore?: Manticore has a Challenge Rating of 3, making it appropriate for parties of level 3.0.
What type of creature is Manticore?: Manticore is a Large Monstrosity, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Manticore speak?: Manticore can communicate in Common.