There are many theories about how manticores came to be, most assuming an artificial origin, as no natural process can readily be imagined for how lion bodies, bat-like wings, and scorpion tails could come to exist in a single entity. Such theories tend to involve drunken mages and spells gone horribly wrong. Unfortunately, the fierce nature of these creatures means there are very few opportunities to study them.
Manticores appear to be not only perpetually hungry but vicious as well, especially those that fly across the western islands. They take delight in each raking claw that draws blood and each stinging stab of their insectoid tail. Many foes learn far too late that the creatures can also hurl volleys of spikes from their tails, which can puncture armor to deliver deadly venoms. Some alchemists who have studied the venoms claim they have traces of magical properties, but proof of this has not yet been established. Sadly, no reliable antivenom has been developed, either.
References
- Realms of Terrinoth