Classification: Mythical Beasts & Cryptids

Temporal Range: 5th Century BCE

Geographic Range: Europe, Asia and Africa

Diet: Humans

Horde: Greek

While found originally in Persia, the Manticore has been reported throughout Asia, Europe and Africa. First recorded by Greek physician Ctesias and then the Roman writer Pliny the Elder, it is described as having the head of a man, the body of a lion and a scorpion’s tail. It is said to be covered in poisonous quills and its name literally means “man-eater.”

In his travels, Ctesias claimed to have observed the creature in an Indian court and his now-lost writings influenced many other Greek writers and those interested in natural history, thus leading to more interest in the creature in Ancient Greece.

The Manticore is an incredibly deadly creature. Its quills can be fired at prey with lethal precision, and it devours its victims whole, leaving no bones behind. With its deceptive human face, the Manticore can mimic human speech, making it not only fierce but also cunning. Once widespread across the world, this beast is eager to reclaim its place now that the Rifts have opened, so exercise extreme caution.