Manticore

Description:

A Manticore is a terrifying and unique chimeric creature with the body of a lion, the tail of a deadly scorpion, and huge leathery wings. It can also breathe fire and launch deadly venomous spines from their tails like arrows. More horrifying still is that Manticores are said to have the face of a humanoid - the veracity of these claims is unclear, as very few have ever lived to see a Manticore face to face. If humanoidss have somehow been subsumed by whatever cross-species distortions have been brought about by chimerism, the repercussions are terrifying.

Manticores are very rare, but can nonetheless be found in a range of climates, from sweeping savannas to rolling, rocky terrain - they prefer hot climates and will never be found anywhere where temperatures commonly drop below freezing.

The venom from a Manticore sting is rumored to be the most deadly venom known. As such it is both greatly prized, and commonly counterfeited using much less lethal toxins. Engaging in battle with a Manticore without an antivenom, or the ability to cast an Antidote spell is extremely foolhardy.

Special:

A Manticore has the face of a tormented humanoid, enraged with horror and agony. A Manticore’s War Cry is not the roar of a lion, but is instead the torturous, rage-fueled scream of a person - pressed forth through tattered vocal cords by the much more powerful lungs of an oversized lion. It will use this War Cry to spread disarray among its opponents.

In addition to attacking with its sting in melee combat, a manticore can launch the spines in its tail like crossbow bolts, allowing it to envenom its victims at long range.

Manticores are immune to fire damage and to poison, and they also breathe fire.

 A manticore can expend a point of Resolve to spray a cone of flame over a 30 degree arc. Anyone in the cone may attempt to dodge or block if they have a large shield. If damage from this breath attack overcomes protection, the target is automatically put in the burning state.