Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Manticore

Large · Monstrosity · CR 3 · Chaotic Evil

Source. Black Flag SRD

14 (natural armor)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

-2

WIS

CHA

-1

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Large

Type Monstrosity

Alignment Chaotic Evil

XP 700

Initiative Bonus +3

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

Saving Throws

Strength +3 Dexterity +3 Constitution +3 Intelligence -2 Wisdom +1 Charisma -1

Languages

Common

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Resistances

Monstrosity Resilience

Traits

Mimicry

The manticore can mimic Humanoid voices. A creature that hears the sounds can tell they are imitations with a successful DC 13 WIS (Insight) check.

Monstrosity Resilience

The manticore is resistant to exhaustion and to the frightened condition.

Tail Spike Regrowth

The manticore has twenty-four tail spikes. Used spikes regrow when the manticore finishes a long rest.

Actions

Bite

+5 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d8+3 piercing damage.

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

Claw

+5 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d6+3 slashing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (2d6+3) slashing damage.

Multiattack

The manticore makes one Bite attack and two Claw attacks, or it makes two Tail Spike attacks. If both Tail Spike attacks hit one creature, the target must succeed on a DC 13 CON save or be poisoned until the end of its next turn.

Tail Spike

+5 to hit, range 100/200 ft (30.5/61 m). Hit: 1d8+3 plus 2d4 poison damage.

Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, range 100/200 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d8+3) piercing damage plus 5 (2d4) poison damage.

Reactions

Spiky Retaliation

When a creature the manticore can see hits it with a melee attack while within 5 feet of it, the manticore can jab a spike into the attacker. The attacker must succeed on a DC 13 DEX save or take 5 (2d4) poison damage.

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 80 hit points (derived from None).

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

GM Tips: Using Manticore

1 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.

Player Guide: Facing Manticore

1 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.

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.